HomeKey points of this research results
- This research dealt with the architectural production of Jardine Matheson to clarify the introduction and development of modern architecture in nineteenth century East Asia.
- By means of arguing the architecture under the international commercial network of British merchants, this research aims to understand the socio-spatial relationship of modern architecture.
- The result of this research contributes the international development of study of architectural history as well as the conservation of historic buildings in East Asia.
Outline
The development of modern architecture in Japan started with the introduction of western-style architecture in late Edo and early Meiji eras. The author has been engaged in understanding the introduction of western architecture from the international viewpoints in the nineteenth century.
This study, as a part of research of modern architecture in nineteenth century East Asia, focuses the architectural production of Jardine Matheson Company. Jardines, who opened their branches in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Yokohama, operated their commercial business and established the trading network in East Asia. The study clarified that their commercial network was indispensable for assuring the plans, building materials and even architects.
The result of this study contributes, as well as the conservation of historic buildings in the area, to reframe the history of modern architecture in Japan, which was described as the history of one country, from the international perspectives.
Published papers
- Susumu Mizuta (2023) Commercial architecture of a British trading firm in the Far East, 1830s-1930s: building of Jardine Matheson & Co. offices and warehouses, Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, Vol. 22, Issue 6, pp.3367-3385.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2023.2205497 - Susumu Mizuta (2024) Constructions on the Commercial Network of a British Colonial Firm: Branch Buildings of Jardine Matheson & Co. in Nineteenth-Century East Asia. In A. Achmadi , P. Walker & S. Speechley (Ed.). Architectural Encounters in Asia Pacific: Built Traces of Intercolonial Trade, Industry and Labour, 1800s-1950s, pp. 118-132. London: Bloomsbury Visual Arts
http://dx.doi.org/10.5040/9781350421394.ch-007
