The mixed use and high density of Japanese cities are fascinating from an urbanism and architectural standpoint.

The multiple exhibitions we produced on this topic intend to show how key building types inform the layout, multiple programming and density of the Japanese city. The exhibition specifically looked at the sakagura (酒蔵). These sake breweries, documented in the Fushimi district of Kyoto, epitomize the mixed-use nature of Japanese pre-industrial family owned business districts. As one compound, they contain commercial, industrial and residential programs, all in one place. At most two story tall buildings, they are densely lining the streets. They are also connected to the larger national network of canals and sea routes which transport goods and taxes from all regions of Japan to the Capital.