LAUSR

ABSTRACT This study examines the prototypes, characteristics, and perspectives of public space in museums whose existential values and concepts have continuously changed based on their historical contexts. Based on an understanding of museum architecture and its cultural and social context in Japan, this research focuses on two national museums that represent Japanese modern and contemporary eras. In particular, this research examines The National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo – designed by Le Corbusier, an internationally known French architect, in the 20th century – and the public space of The National Art Centre – the fifth national museum in Japan which was designed in the environment of Japanese museums by a Japanese representative architect, Kisho Kurokawa. This research concentrates on the public space within museums that reflects the flows and social demands of the era, rather than focusing on the architects’ design concepts or architectural analysis. A thorough analysis will be conducted, focusing on the museums’ floor plans, sections, images, and diagrams to showcase the characteristics and perspectives of public space in 21st century museums