Just like, try not to make anything disgusting

 

“Specialists, such as practitioners and critics find their criteria by looking at overseas examples and Japanese classics. This is correct and necessary, but the values woven by this situation show up this city as covered by disgusting buildings.” 

Category, structure, and use -  are identified as the three “modes” that Atelier Bow-wow identifies for contemporary informal Japanese architecture. Their argument that engaging all three modes leads to pompous architecture that leaves the user a bit exhausted is an interesting proposal, as it, off-hand, goes against a lot of what is learned in a formal architectural education. 

Atelier Bow-wow is fighting on the side of the civilian here - arguing in favor of eclectic, informal architecture that shares “modes” between one building and its neighbor, between one overpass and the space crammed underneath it. This analysis is incredibly important as to ground architects in reality and give us a frame of reference relative to the actual users and ground-level experience of the day-to-day. Over time several constructions could compile on one-another to get to a multi-modal mess, but that mess could very well be the most  beloved block in town. 

Bow-wow advocates for a face that only a mother could love.