Exploring the world of architecture requires more than a simple study of the creations themselves. The field's links with art and photography run deep, starting from the first photograph taken and centuries of renderings by artists worldwide. For a fuller understanding of the implications, impressions and views of architecture in the world, exhibitions exploring the theme are vital. Tokyo's countless galleries offer a world of architectural learning, with dedicated museums or one-off exhibits, all exploring the structures that surround us.

Unbuilt: Lost or Suspended

Archi-Depot Museum  |  Shinagawa  |  Until Oct 8th

Focusing on the unseen creations of architects, this exhibition explores the projects which were never realised. Whether they were unsuccessful in bids or frozen for financial, political or social reasons, the lost and suspended works offer an insight into the history of architecture, its future and what has been lost. The exhibit features works by Jun Yanasigawa, Atelier Tekuto and Yuusuke Karasawa Architects among others. 

A Gaze into Architecture - Phases of Contemporary Photography and Architecture

Archi-Depot Museum  |  Shinagawa  |  Until Oct 8th

Combining contemporary photography with architecture, this exhibition reveals a multi-layered relationship between the two worlds. Since the first ever photograph — taken by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce of the view of a barn and pigeon house from his workshop window — the arts have been indelibly linked. Focusing on the works of 13 photographers active in Japan and abroad, the exhibition features striking photography of memorable designs, with six architectural models of featured structures. 

Crafts, Architecture that Speaks 

SFT Gallery  |  Roppongi  |  Until Oct 15th

A small exhibition, this exploration of architecture features the works of four local artists: Yaku Murakami, Wataru Hatano, Takatoshi Kuronuma and Katsunori Yaoita. Working with ceramics, textiles, woodcarving and more, the artists explore their conception of architecture from a creative viewpoint. Curated by Sho Oshima, the exhibit offers an alternative, personal interpretation of the often large-scale venture that is architecture.

A Nomad Sub Exhibition

Prismic Gallery  |  Omotesando  |  Until Oct 20th

An introduction to the works of A Nomad Sub, a firm started by Suma Ichika and Kosuke Bando in January this year, this exhibition considers the alternative creativity the firm focuses on. Seeking ways of living and working that reach beyond the conventions of everyday architecture and transcend the limitations of residential planning, their work is unpolished and unrestrained — a truly fresh version of architecture in Japan.

GA School Presentations

GA Gallery  |  Sendagaya  |  Until Nov 4th

Ten selected architects present their recent project proposals in this running exhibition peppered with talks by the participants. Run entirely in Japanese, the platform allows them to present ideas and participate in Q&A sessions with the audience during talks. The regular exhibition runs from 12pm to 6:30pm, while talks are scheduled from 7pm on selected evenings. Architects include Eureka, Takashi Fujino, Yoshitani and Hideyuki Nakayama. 

Living Architecture: Junzo Sakakura in Paris and Tokyo

Institut Francais du Japon  |  Shinjuku  |  Until Oct 21st

A reflection of the more traditional works of Junzo Sakakura, designer of the Institut Français du Japon, this temporary exhibition explores the work of the quiet architect. Heavily influenced by Le Corbusier's Modernism, he received international acclaim after being chosen to design the Japan Pavilion at the 1937 Paris World Exposition and formed a bond between the countries for decades to come. Using photographs, materials and documents from the time the exhibition aims to reflect the warmth, elegance and bold nature of his designs both in France and Japan. 

Alvar Aalto - Second Nature

Hayama Museum of Modern Art  |  Until Nov 25th

A touring exhibition created to celebrate the works of leading Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto, this display will feature over 300 items chosen from his works, reference materials and vintage items. Created by the Vitra Design Museum and the Alvar Aalto Museum, it is a carefully curated exploration of his life, work and influences focusing on his relationship with nature as well as his ties with other influential architects of the time. 

Toyko 150 Years: The City, Building and People

Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum  |  Until Jan 20th 

Celebrating 150 years of Tokyo, the architectural museum's exhibition will introduce the changes and developments the city has seen over the decades. Focusing on long-lost buildings and the older examples that have survived as well as contemporary creations, it will explore the growth of the city through its structures. Viewing the metropolis as a combination of its buildings and inhabitants and as a life force of its own, this exhibit will be a journey through the history of Tokyo.

Architecture x Photography - A Light Existing Only Here

Tokyo Photographic Art Museum  |  Nov 10th - Jan 27th

Another journey into the relationship between photography and architecture, this exhibition takes viewers from the first photograph to the most contemporary images of architecture. Largely created from works owned by the museum, the display considers the role of buildings as stationary objects as well as elements of changing landscapes. Offering views of structures no longer in existence, the necessity of photography and its role in the preservation and development of architecture and design is reflected upon with an impressive selection of images from across the world.

By Lily Crossley-Baxter

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