japan wasnt designed like western towns with city squares/community gathering space
it was generally grid like with market districts on far east and west sides and a couple temples
in 1500s Toyotomi Hideyoshi used existing grid to split into 4 quadrants (cho) and organize those into 4s that are adjacent with intersecting streets - these became major streets and gathering places for the quadrant neighborhoods
castletowns radiate in webs from the castle - usually white
Edo (capital in 1600s) Period
Focused on views from mountains to landscape; avenues provide views to Mt Fuji or other famous landmarks
nagaya/ town houses designed around the tatami even structure
"the inbetween" , flexible public relationship with street and neighbors and seasons - wooden slatting / koshi, hinged or folding bench / agedama, low horse fences / komayose, shoji
open during day - commercial and communal
opaque : amado, rain shutters. sliding panels to open
peaceful private night
completely open semi public for festivals
plasticity of the street
amoebic, cohesive
street is not a void out of a mass
but instead an amoebic entity
curtains with crests wave to represent shops and their individuality - maintains plasticity