Inner Space in the City: Jose Luis Sert, Fumihiko Maki and Kyu Seung Woo's Search for Inner Space

Abstract

Architects Jose Luis Sert, Fumihiko Maki, and Kyu Seung Woo have more in common than that they came from the high-density cities of Barcelona, Tokyo, and Seoul, respectively. They were all involved in the Harvard Urban Design program: Sert as a teacher (1953 similar to 1969), Maki as a student (1953 similar to 1954), and Woo as a student (1967 similar to 1970) and as an architectural designer in Sert's office (1971 similar to 1974). Their works and thoughts emphasize the enhancement of public space that is congenial to the existing urban structure. The problem they faced was the debacle of master planning practice, and the solution they offered was an alternative design solution to the existing gridiron pattern of cities. This paper will posit " inner public space" as an alternative to the failure of Corbusian master planning practice. The term " inner space" derives from Maki's notion of deep space in traditional Japanese towns. According to him, an inner space does not show up obviously as a space with ample light, and is less visible than a central space. Rather than the unpopular center of town, the most visited entrance or deepest place could be an inner space that fosters a historical and symbolic narrative of a town. The location of inner space in a town could be unrecognizable from a geographical map, but show up in the minds of people, or through talks with people in town. Sert, Maki, and Woo pursued inner space in different ways, according to the site situation. Well-designed inner space sustains site use, and adds historical and symbolic narratives through generating culturally appropriate activities to a natural place. The best work of each architect, 44 Brattle Street Building by Sert in Cambridge, Hillside Terrace by Maki in Tokyo, and Olympic Town by Woo in Seoul, attest to the cultural sustainability made possible by the performance of inner space.