Gardners Art through the Ages A Global History

the world scene today. Japanese architects have made major contri-
butions to both modern and postmodern developments (see Chap-
ter 36). One of the most daringly experimental architects of the
post–World War II period was Tange Kenzo(1913–2005). In the
design of the stadiums (FIG. 28-16) for the 1964 Olympics, he em-
ployed a cable suspension system that allowed him to shape steel and

concrete into remarkably graceful structures. His attention to both

the sculptural qualities of each building’s raw concrete form and the

fluidity of its spaces allied him with architects worldwide who car-

ried on the legacy of the late style of Le Corbusier (FIG. 36-56) in

France. His stadiums thus bear comparison with Joern Utzon’s Syd-

ney Opera House (FIG. 36-59).

28-16Tange Kenzo,national indoor Olympic stadiums, Tokyo, Japan, Showa period, 1961–1964.

Tange was one of the most daring architects of post–World War II Japan. His Olympic stadiums employ a cable suspension

system that allowed him to shape steel and concrete into remarkably graceful structures.

Modern Japan 747

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