The Application and Influence of The Doctrine of Yin-Yang and Five Elements in Japanese Architecture: From Traditional Shrines to Modern Designs

Abstract

This article explores the application and the influence of the philosophy of Yin-Yang and the five elements in Japanese architecture, including its evolution from its traditional shrines to contemporary design. It explores the basic concepts of both Yin and Yang, and their significance in Japanese culture, emphasises on their influence on architectural style, spatial arrangement, and material selection. The paper analyzes the elements of Yin-Yang in traditional shrine architecture to illustrate how harmony and balance were achieved through both of the natural environment and symbolic elements afterwards. Then, it further examines how current architects utilises these traditional theories into contemporary design to meet the social needs and address sustainability issues that occurs nowdays. Through a comparative analysis, the thesis demonstrate a unique role of this philosophical system in harmonizing the aesthetic and functional aspects of buildings and aims to provide new perspectives and inspiration for future architectural design. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that the theory of yin and yang is not only a cultural heritage, but also an important basis for innovation in contemporary architecture.