Study on the Transition of Traditional Wooden Houses in Okinawa

Traditional Ryukyu wooden houses underwent significant structural and material changes from the pre-war to post-war periods, with key shifts observed in construction systems, wood materials, and roof characteristics. This study analyzed 122 houses—eight designated as important cultural properties (ICPs) and 114 ordinary—to identify patterns in their evolution. Findings revealed a decline in the use of high-quality timber and traditional joinery techniques post-war, alongside alterations in wall types and floor layouts. The research highlights how historical, political, and economic factors influenced architectural transitions, providing insights into the preservation challenges faced by UNESCO-listed sites like the Gusuku Sites of Okinawa.

OMI, S., & CASTRO, J. J. (2021). STUDY ON THE TRANSITION OF TRADITIONAL WOODEN HOUSES IN OKINAWA. Journal of Architecture and Planning (Transactions of AIJ), 86(786), 2083–2092. https://doi.org/10.3130/aija.86.2083