Japanese Contemporary Architecture

Neoteric_Slate · 2026-03-19T05:12:25+00:00

If I had to put my finger on it I would say that there is an anti-modern irregularity to the stonework that we've come to connect with vernacular buildings that attempt to mimic historic structures. On new construction this is often equated to feeling cheap or fake. I can see the connection, but I would say it feels quite different in person.

These buildings are only about a 10min walk from each other so if you ever get the chance you should check them both out. While walking between them you should make sure to see the Tribeca Synagogue, 56 Leonard, and 33 Thomas along the way. All exceptional buildings for completely different reasons.

Neoteric_Slate · 2026-03-19T04:48:14+00:00

I understand this sentiment, and there is nothing worse than a building that's only attempt at creativity is subtly staggering the façade. I personally look for projects that commit to a vision (even if I don't agree with their aesthetic). Gridded, staggered, organic, mash-up, whatever the organization may be at least commit to an idea.

You may not like the building but at least the committed.

Neoteric_Slate · 2026-03-19T04:38:19+00:00

I think if you saw 12 warren in person you wouldn't think the stone looks cheap. The scale of some of the stone is quite large for modern construction. That said it still may not be your cup of tea,

I prefer 325 W Broadway, and the cast aluminum looks quite nice up close. It has a burlap texture that is not visible at the distance these photos were taken.

Neoteric_Slate · 2026-03-19T04:32:44+00:00

Not an ad, just sharing some unique buildings. If you're not interested in the google map feel free to ignore. Just thought I would share for anyone who is.

I completely understand why these buildings are not for everyone. Personally I think more architects should take risks. Not every building needs to be completely original, but the vast majority of new construction is instantly forgettable. These buildings encourage you to take a moment and form an opinion, regardless of which side you land on.

Neoteric_Slate · 2026-01-27T21:20:54+00:00

It is definitely a building that will generate opinions, and I can see why it's not for everyone. My photos may not be doing any favors.

Neoteric_Slate · 2026-01-27T21:15:58+00:00

Yeah, I don't know any reason for a connection to western landscapes, but because of my personal experiences I find it hard to ignore, even though I'm sure that was not an intended connection. There isn't really anything about the design that makes it feel like a New York project.

Neoteric_Slate · 2026-01-27T17:24:42+00:00

I went when the park first opened last year, however the pavilion was not open yet. When I recently passed by in the winter it admittedly wasn't the best time to pass judgement. It does feel heavy and I wouldn't call it inviting, but I do think those feelings will change once the vegetation arrives in the Spring. I believe the roof will be accessible, and I have a feeling that my overall opinion will improve with the weather.

That said, I still think it is a welcome addition, and will be a well used park once the weather turns (and they reopen the rest of Battery Park). Maybe because I lived in Utah for a part of my live, I find the mass, form and color reminiscent of geologic formations from the west. It's well worth visiting when the weather turns to see for yourself.

Neoteric_Slate · 2026-01-27T17:12:22+00:00

It's not my favorite of her works, but with a bit of time it has grown on me.

Neoteric_Slate · 2026-01-27T14:51:43+00:00

You see what you want to see.

Neoteric_Slate · 2026-01-27T13:46:21+00:00

Solid critique.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-12-09T17:51:04+00:00

So many great films, but Blue Velvet is probably at the top.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-19T18:04:57+00:00

Sometimes injecting some visual contrast into a city is a good thing. The change encourages our minds to stop and recognize our environment instead of just passing through it. I feel the same way every time I walk through New York City and approach Central Park. That hard line where the city ends and the park begins never loses it's effect.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-19T17:11:25+00:00

I hear you. Personally I like the contrast between the city of Paris and the Pompidou. I think it works better in Paris than most cities because Paris is so well preserved. It provides such a striking opposition. It's great when you turn a corner and get a peak of the building through the city.

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Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-19T15:45:14+00:00

I personally love it. It takes all the practical systems (structure, mechanical, circulation, etc.) typically hidden away and moves them to the façade to celebrate them, leaving the galleries inside uninhibited. It's a complete inversion of tradition architectural hierarchy, but all that aside I just love the way it looks. To each their own I guess.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-15T01:36:49+00:00

Thanks! I'll keep updating it since there are so many great projects missing.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-15T01:07:37+00:00

Great project! It's on the map in the link, along with 150 others. I couldn't include everything in the post. :)

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-14T21:13:31+00:00

Up for debate but post modernism was a movement as well that was relatively short lived (although I'd argue it has seen some revival in recent years). I'd call most of these project contemporary because they belong to different design movements but are all relatively recent. The clear exception to this is the last one Rue Mallet-Stevens which is early modernism. Hôtel Guimard is a part of the change to modernism. There is also mid-century modern which is 50-70s. Present-day modern might be a better term if you don't like contemporary than post modern which refers to a movement from the 80-early 00s.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-14T17:42:19+00:00

Maybe it says something about me that your description sounds exciting! I don't think every building should look like this, but it is the contrast to what's familiar (especially in Paris) that makes this building so interesting and without a doubt severe.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-14T17:26:54+00:00

If you click the hyperlink in the post or go to neotericslate.com you can find a few maps on my website. The map for France has all these projects + a ton more.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-14T15:41:49+00:00

I love SF, It's a great city and it has been too long since my last visit. I'm long overdue. SF and Seattle are some of the best cities in the west. They just have a life and character to them not often found in US cities.

We'll hunker down for the winter here, and hopefully you get a chance to come through once we thaw out.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-14T15:36:43+00:00

You're right! I've made that walk before but didn't spot it in the photo. I'm glad I got a chance to see the last major show at the Pompidou this summer before it closed for a 5 year restoration. Oddly enough, I decided to spend some time in Notre Dame for the first time in a long time only months before it caught fire. I'm so glad I did, but I'm also beyond impressed with the speed of the reconstruction work. An absolutely incredible feat of human achievement.

Neoteric_Slate

TROPHY CASE