DANGEROUS DAYS

D-Days (IV) Architecture/Space

PREDICTIONS FROM "BLADE RUNNER" 1982
A STATUS QUO REALITY-CHECK

Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Neon Billboards Ginza Tokyo
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Neon Billboards Tokyo
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Skyline Neon
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Neon Billboard
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Skyline Night
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Neon Billboard Fujiya
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shibuya
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Hazy Skyline
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Dusk Skyline
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Night Shinjuku Skyline
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Staircase
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Kenzo Tange
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Neon Billboard Solar Kyocara
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Japanese Temple Architecture Scene
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Skyline Night

After a half-time break, I am happy to release essay no. 04 “Dangerous Days – Architecture/Space”. Due to recent questions and comments, it seems like a good time to recap the purpose of the project. And that is not to imitate, copy or re-invent the groundbreaking aesthetics and sounds we know and cherish from the eponymous original motion picture “Blade Runner” (1982) but rather to reflect on the status quo of our current reality and by doing so, examine various relevant aspects of modern life. The year 2019 was the year in which the original sci-fi picture took place, and this triggered the idea to compare our state of affairs with the visions, predictions and speculations illustrated in the movie. This is done in a six part essay using my photographed, written and audio-recorded material.

For part four, Japanese producer “S Katz” has come up with the beyond amazing “Grid-System-Mix”, perfectly adding to the album to be. Built on my audio field recordings.

Part One | World/Off-World Part Two | Man/Machine Part Three | Structure/Network Part Five | Culture/Commerce Part Six | Outlook/Future

soundcloud trigger 04i

The visual parallels which themselves inspired the famous movie-set are often striking. Today, there are many Asian mega-cities which could serve as inspirations and real-life templates,  but it was Tokyo and Osaka which aesthetically and architecturally lead the development we see today and which inspired Ridley Scott and his team. Audio is the other important pillar of the project. A collection of field-recordings which I accumulated while shooting has been given to six truly dedicated and brilliant electronic music producers, each of whom composed a track, a personal interpretation of the overall topic and the assigned part of the series.

Blade Runner | Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture. Invading Spaces - Oliver Lins
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Grid System Transpaerncy
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Skyline
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Staircase
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Tsukiji Fishmarket
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Industrial Detail
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Tsukiji
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Golden Town
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Traditional and Modern
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Japan Grid System Architecture
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shibuya Night
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Neon Signs Avante
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Sunset Skyline
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Asakusa
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Window Front
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Rooftop
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Smart Building
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Japanese Garden With Water
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Smart Building
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shibuya
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Car Park

As elaborated in part 01 the colonization of exoplanets is at this point, out of reach and forces us to manage the given space on earth accordingly. Despite Tokyo being by far the largest city on the planet (38 million residents), it seems that the way it is managed is unprecedented and perfect in such a way, like I have never seen in any other, even much smaller city before. The terms space management and efficiency gain true meaning here as you become one of the many gearwheels in this well-functioning engine. On the one hand this smoothness is owed to the nature of the Japanese who are known to be perfectly organized and extremely reliable, as well as respectful in their daily routine. On the other hand though, a willingness to experiment and renew while not completely destroying what exists, is what drives the constant change and development. Where does this come from?

Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Parking
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Japan Architecture Industrial Detail
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Japan Architecture Industrial Detail
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Skyline Sunrise Detail
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Japanese Modern Architecture Tokyo
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Staircase
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Skyline Negero
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Skyline Shinjuku Detail
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Apartment Building
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shibuya
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Bridge

It seems like the “monsters” we know from Japanese motion pictures such as “Godzilla”, in fact stand for the real threats and disasters which regularly occur and are caused either by nature or man-kind. Nukes, quakes, raging firestorms, tsunamis and accidents, Japan has seen it all and has been battered badly and persistently ever since. If you grow up with a notion of a possible disaster striking at any given point in time, materialism is not a practical concept to live by. Instead spiritualism, minimalism and flexibility evolved to become the philosophy of the Japanese. The design and architectural genres therefore significantly differ from our movements, yet in such a compatible manner, that it leads to the exchange of techniques and ideas, going both ways. Some techniques exist in east and west alike due alike skill levels in craftsmanship. Similar to the Japanese temples, my family house’s roof structure was built merely by treating the wood in accordance with the moon signs and crafting it in such ways, that not a single screw or nail was required. That was some 400 years ago.

Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Details Shibuya
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Details Shibuya
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Details Shibuya
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Details Shinjuku
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Detail Skyline
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Detail Skyline
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Detail Skyline
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Rooftops Skyline
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Rooftops
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Skyline
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Detail Skyline
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Detail Skyline
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Skyline Shinjuku Detail
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Details Shinjuku
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Skyline Shinjuku Detail

This experience is adapted to modern skyscrapers as well and make Japan the expert in the engineering field of shock absorption. Modernisation doesn’t have to come at the price of total cultural loss though. In today’s Japanese architecture, older proven principles can be found everywhere and while function is a key aspect, form does not only follow function but also beauty. Among the striking differences in comparison to European architectural concepts is the age-old method of doing things the simple, reduced way. Typically layouts, designs and shapes are formed by the use of the geometrically irregular and asymmetrical. This applies to the whole range of things from the very small object to a building, garden and larger structures. Once that is understood, what at first sight appeared chaotic soon appears organised. Chaos is good and chaos can be organised or be accidental or a mixture of both. It’s very refreshing to experience this, being European where symmetry is almost a law but at least the norm.

Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture, Asakusa
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture, Asakusa
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture, Asakusa
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Billboard Skyline Shibuya
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Japanese Architecture Door
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Japanese Architecture Tokyo Tower
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Bamboo Garden
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shinjuku Night
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shinjuku Night
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shinjuku
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shinjuku
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shinjuku Night
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shinjuku
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shinjuku
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shinjuku
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shinjuku
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Japanese Architecture History - Traditional House

Interior modularity and flexibility originate from the traditional Japanese house which is known to have no bearing walls. The structure is the house and allows to adjust each room to the occasion via its sliding door system. A room’s purpose is defined by the time of day and use and not by the objects you collect in it or the tasks you dedicate to it. Even objects of art are used as props rather than given their granted place in the house. The modularity of this system and the absence of walls clearly displays how the outside and the inside are considered as one. Vertical levels differentiate between the outside and the inside. The Japanese still live by this and are therefore able to make the most out of the available space yet their small apartments and workplaces never feel cramped or stuffed. Gardens measuring only a few square meters appear grand and spacious. I was constantly stunned witnessing the masters of space management and often had to think about how much of it we waste even though it is clear that we won’t gain any more of it. The size of a European or American house is not sustainable.

Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shinjuku Government Building
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Asakusa Tokyo Storefront
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Skyline Night
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture The Gunkan Battleship Building
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Smart Building
Blade Runner | Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture. Invading Spaces - Oliver Lins - Japanese Architecture
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Smart Building
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shibuya Night
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shinjuku Night
Blade Runner | Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture. Invading Spaces - Oliver Lins - Japanese Architecture
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Nakagin Capsule Tower
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Nakagin Capsule Tower
Blade Runner | Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture. Invading Spaces - Oliver Lins
Blade Runner | Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture. Invading Spaces - Oliver Lins - Japanese Architecture
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Skyline
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Bay
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Technology Temple
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Fuji TV Building Kenzo Tange, Tokyo
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Modern Architecture Tokyo
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Fuji TV Building Kenzo Tange, Tokyo
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Fuji TV Building Kenzo Tange, Tokyo
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Fuji TV Building Kenzo Tange, Tokyo
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Fuji TV Building Kenzo Tange, Tokyo
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Modern Architecture
Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture
Blade Runner | Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture. Invading Spaces - Oliver Lins

Does such a deeply rooted, minimalist cultural approach which is said to be the Japanese way and is in sync with the teachings of Zen, lead to places which we Westerners first have to search and find in order to understand? And if so, does the same apply the other way around? Yes and no … time will mingle but currently, “foreign” ideas (unless coming from a star) are seldom considered equal to local ones and that is a global phenomenon. People naturally feel that they have to defend something while in fact they are mostly just scared of change. Every country has its share of backwards thinking people and Japan is no exception. Extremely talented individuals though, such as Toyo Ito, Kenzo Tange, Kengo Kuma, Tadao Ando, Katsutoshi Sasaki or Kisho Kurokawa, Watanabe Yōji and others, understood how to translate existing values, knowledge and tradition to a level which not only fits modern times but defines them.

Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Asakusa Detail Entrance
Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture/Space, Oliver Lins - Invading Spaces, Tokyo Asakusa Architecture
Blade Runner | Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture. Invading Spaces - Oliver Lins - Japanese Architecture Asakusa
Blade Runner | Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture. Invading Spaces - Oliver Lins - Japanese Traditional and Modern Architecture Asakusa
Blade Runner | Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture. Invading Spaces - Oliver Lins - Japanese Architecture Asakusa Temple
Blade Runner | Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture. Invading Spaces - Oliver Lins - Japanese Architecture Asakusa Temple
Blade Runner | Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture. Invading Spaces - Oliver Lins - Japanese Architecture Asakusa Temple
Blade Runner | Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture. Invading Spaces - Oliver Lins - Japanese Architecture Asakusa Temple
Blade Runner | Dangerous Days 04 - Architecture. Invading Spaces - Oliver Lins - Japanese Architecture Asakusa Temple

Development means advancement not destruction yet today, so-called developers often do exactly that, destroy. It’s absolutely crucial that we bring back a culture of lasting quality and this applies to the whole of commerce. Architects, developers and builders need to be pulled aside more often and reminded of their responsibilities. Unfortunately today all goods, even the most elementary ones such as water, air, food and space have been turned into a currency for speculation and this of course is poison and directly effects the quality of any product. It alters the true value of things such as space, thus catapulting many out into the streets. It’s a human right to have a place to stay and not a game. Speculation also disrupts architectural efforts and hinders real progress. But then again, it’s old news. Abusing architecture every which way has always been a part of it just as much as using it in a mindful way. With today’s possibilities at hand, going beyond the edge of the plate to learn how others come up with magnificent, alternate solutions should be mandatory. Just look to Scandinavia where great results emerged from the already advanced intrigue with the Japanese way.

Part One | World/Off-World Part Two | Man/Machine Part Three | Structure/Network Part Five | Culture/Commerce Part Six | Outlook/Future

Dangerous Days 04, Oliver Lins, Invading Spaces, Tokyo Architecture Shibuya Construction

CREDITS

Dangerous Days 04 | Grid-System-Mix by S Katz aka Katsu Hiko, Berlin (JP)
Text, photos, drawings, audio field recordings: Oliver Lins, Berlin (AT)

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