Characteristics of Ceramic Tiling Facade in the Metropolitan Condominium: Evidence from Japan and Thailand

Abstract

This research has two objectives: (1) to examine the transformation of the condominium façade in Japan and Thailand during the 1960s - 2020s, and (2) to investigate the townscape atmosphere that the condominium façade had created. The research methods included a literature review, survey observation, photography, and interview, which focused on 802 samples of low-rise, high-rise, and skyscraper condominiums in three metropolises: Tokyo, Nagoya, and Bangkok. The comparative analysis was divided into three periods: (1) 1960s – 1970s: From spray painting to tiling façade; (2) 1980s – 1990s: Prosperity of tiling façade; and (3) 2000s – 2020s: Into the future or leaving it behind. In each period, there were several significant differences in the architectural style, transformations by decade, and characteristics of each area. The condominium façade played a crucial role in shaping the townscape atmospheres of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Bangkok, contributing to the visual identity, character, and livability of these cities. The transformation process of condominium façade includes the changes of architectural styles and the use of tile as the main exterior decoration material. The trend shows that there were spray painting condominiums before the 1960s, followed by tiling façades, which started to popularize in the 1970s. It had its peak during the 1980s – 1990s in Japan, becoming an export product to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, but was not well received. Later, in the 21^st century, after some accidents, frequent speculations, and higher cost of maintenance, tiling façade’s popularity started to decline in Japan, but still dominated more than half of the housing market. In Thailand, tile managed to slightly bounce back in the futuristic style condominium, even though glass and metal started to dominate the skyline of Bangkok. Thus, the tiling façade is currently at a crossroads of stepping into the future or being left behind from housing market. These differences contributed to the townscape atmosphere in distinct ways, reflecting the unique cultural, historical, and environmental contexts of each city, which played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity and livability of these dynamic urban environments.