Reappraising the visionary work of Arata Isozaki: six decades and four phases

This article analyses the work and presents a portrait of Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. His designs and buildings span over six decades and it is suggested that these can be categorised into four distinctively different phases. As a former collaborator of Isozaki during the 1990s, the author is able to draw from first-hand observations and knowledge to explain relevant projects. As the discussion points out, in its absorption of a multitude of influences and interdisciplinary approach, Isozaki’s work is highly unusual, original, complex and personal, so that one could say he has created ideas and concepts for spaces that defy characterisation as any single school of thought.