Selected Bibliography Architecture - Form Space and Order | Page 337

KE N

The traditional Japanese unit of measure, the shaku,
was originally imported from China. It is almost
equivalent to the English foot and divisible into
decimal units. Another unit of measure, the ken, was
introduced in the latter half of Japan’s Middle Ages.
Although it was originally used simply to designate
the interval between two columns and varied in size,
the ken was soon standardized for residential architecture. Unlike the module of the Classical Orders,
which was based on the diameter of a column and
varied with the size of a building, the ken became an
absolute measurement.
The ken, however, was not only a measurement for the
construction of buildings. It evolved into an aesthetic
module that ordered the structure, materials, and
space of Japanese architecture.

2.4 Shaku

Traditional Japanese House

5.8 Shaku

The tokonoma (picture recess) is a shallow, slightly
raised alcove for the display of a kakemono or flower
arrangement. As the spiritual center of a traditional
Japanese house, the tokonoma is located in its most
formal room.

Elevation

1.3 Shaku
0.5 Ken

Partial Plan

1 Ken

Tokonoma
Shelving Recess

Reception (Main Room)

322 / A R C H I TE C TU R E : F O R M , S PA C E , & O R D E R

0.5 Ken

1 Ken

Study Place

0.5 Ken