Case Study:

Horyu-ji, situated in the Naga Prefecture, is an ancient Buddhist temple site.

The site is divided into two precincts, East (Toin Garan) and West (Saiin Garan). Saiin Garan's main
elements are (Goju no To) or 5 storey Pagoda and the "Kondo" or hall. Toin Garan has the "Yumedono"
or Hall of Main Visions as its centerpiece.

The Horyuji Kondo exhibits an interesting roof structure, consisting of wooden dowels, brackets shaped
like clouds, all interlocked together and giving a space frame-like effect. This is similar to the Chinese
"Dougong". Historical uniqueness is also present in the "Great Lecture Hall" situated between the
"Kyozo" and "Shoro" bell tower. The bay division is reminiscent of ancient Chinese halls, with an odd
number of bays such as 5 or 7.

If I was a modern japanese architect, I would seek to acquire the hypostyle columns along with the
bracketing system but in today's buildings. I think that the timber structure is beautiful because its
ornamental quality is created through its function in distributing loads rather than just aesthetics.
Combined with postmodern concepts of light construction it will remain relevant today.

Showing distribution of loads within the bracketing system.

Journal: Experimental study of the roof structure. Kimoto and Inayama.
7 bay Daikodo Great Lecture Hall.
http://www.horyuji.or.jp/en/garan/

Wooden structural components with grooves for connecting. Some cases fixings are not used, which
helps in reducing material usage.
Journal: Experimental study of the roof structure. Kimoto and Inayama.
Kondo great hall, with half hip and half gabled top roof common in East Asian traditional architecture.
http://www.horyuji.or.jp/en/garan/
Diagram showing timber 7D to 8D using Japanese joinery.

Bibliography:
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/660/
http://www.horyuji.or.jp/en/garan/
Journal Article: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/aijs/74/644/74_644_1795/_pdf/-char/ja