Synthesis of National and Western Tradition in Early Examples of Japanese Modernism (the Case of World Peace Memorial Cathedral in Hiroshima)

Japanese modernism, exemplified by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome), diverges from its European counterpart by integrating traditional Japanese architectural elements with Western influences. Designed by Togo Murano after the atomic bombing, the cathedral synthesizes Romanesque basilica planning and modernist simplicity while incorporating Japanese decorative motifs, such as concrete-carved partitions reflecting ancient temple traditions. This study reveals that Japanese modernism does not reject tradition but instead uses it as a foundation, contrasting with European modernism's radical departure from historical forms. The research analyzes the cathedral's design, comparing its compositional elements to both Western and Japanese precedents, highlighting Murano's innovative fusion of styles.

Sleptsov, O. (2024). SYNTHESIS OF NATIONAL AND WESTERN TRADITION IN EARLY EXAMPLES OF JAPANESE MODERNISM (THE CASE OF WORLD PEACE MEMORIAL CATHEDRAL IN HIROSHIMA). Urban Development and Spatial Planning, (86), 178–187. https://doi.org/10.32347/2076-815x.2024.86.178-187