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

Abstract

This research aims to: (1) clarify the actual state of acceptance of international architectural design styles and factors influencing acceptance in Japan and Thailand; and (2) examine the changes in architectural styles and characteristics of the metropolitan condominium façade in Japan and Thailand during the 1960s - 2010s. The research methods included a literature review, survey observation, photography, and interview, which focused on 524 samples of low-rise, high-rise, and skyscraper condominiums in two metropolises: Tokyo and Bangkok. The results show the trend of changes in characteristics of the condominium façade. The first period of investigation was the 1960s – 1970s, covering the shift from spray-painting to tiling façade. There were spray painting condominiums before the 1960s, followed by tiling façades, which started to become popular in the 1970s. During the 1980s – 1990s the popularity of tiling façades increased, as condominium façades mostly were fully tiled in Japan. These ceramic tiles became an export product to Southeast Asia, including Thailand. Later, in the 21st century, after some accidents, frequent speculations, and higher cost of maintenance, ceramic tiling façade’s popularity started to decline in Japan but still dominated more than half of the housing market. Thus, by the 2000s – 2010s, glass, glazed, and glamorous was the crucial point of the fate of ceramic tiling façade. In Thailand, tile managed to slightly bounce back in the Futuristic style condominium in the late 2010s, even though glass and metal started to dominate the skyline of Bangkok. Overall, the condominium façades in Tokyo reflected the characteristics of Japan as the ‘Galapagos Effect’, which gradually accepted the new cultural elements. In Bangkok, condominiums reflected Thailand’s globalization-driven adaptation through several significant differences in the architectural style and characteristics in the area. Thus, the condominium façade played a crucial role in shaping the city skyline of Tokyo and Bangkok, contributing to the visual identity, character, and liveability of these cities.