Research Article
Types of Architectural Compositions of komainu Guardian Lions of Sengen (Asama) Shrines
Vladimir Gorshkov Cantacuzene*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
109-116
Received:
10 September 2026
Accepted:
20 September 2026
Published:
29 September 2026
Abstract: One of the attributes of Shinto shrines are the komainu guardian lions, which are paired sculptures, sometimes supplemented with additional attributes such as lion cubs and an orb (jewelled). The current diversity of komainu makes it difficult to systematise them. This article examines the komainu of the shrines of Sengen (Asama). It is shown that more than half of them simultaneously belong to the “edo”-kotori and “edo”-tamatori styles, and some of them include elements of the “izumo” and “okazaki” styles, which leads to the conclusion that the existing division into styles is not suitable for the komainu of these shrines. This may be due to the influence of the Fuji (Fujiko) faith, which is indirectly confirmed by the unique komainu located in the territory of Fujizukas. All the komainu studied were divided into three types of compositions, the benchmark being the komainu of shrines important to the Fuji faith. The first type of komainu is present in the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha. The right sculpture is a seated lion with its mouth grinning. Its paw is placed on a lion cub that is biting it. The left sculpture is a sitting lion, without a grin, with its paw resting on a ball. Variations of this type include the position of the lion cub under the paw. In Yamanaka Sengen Jinja the paw is on the back, in Kawaguchi Asama jinja it is on the head, and in Tamagawa Sengen Jinja the lion cub additionally holds a ball. Inversion, where the lion cub is part of the left sculpture of the composition, is quite popular, and is found in shrines in Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Aichi, Kanagawa prefectures and in Tokyo. The second type of komainu is present in Higashiguchi Sengen Jinja. These are essentially komainu mounted on mounds shaped like fujizuka, illustrating the proverb Shishi-no-ko-otoshi. Variants of this type, including two lion cubs, are found at Sezaki sengen Jinja and at Tagoyama Fujizuka. The third type of komainu is present in Kitaguchi Hongu Sengen Jinja and is two komainu, one of which growls. This type is the simplest and most common. The article is supplemented with illustrations of komainu for all types and their variants.
Abstract: One of the attributes of Shinto shrines are the komainu guardian lions, which are paired sculptures, sometimes supplemented with additional attributes such as lion cubs and an orb (jewelled). The current diversity of komainu makes it difficult to systematise them. This article examines the komainu of the shrines of Sengen (Asama). It is shown that ...
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Research Article
The Green Envelope: Facade Design Strategies for Sustainable Architecture in Developing Countries like Bangladesh
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
117-152
Received:
29 August 2026
Accepted:
14 September 2026
Published:
12 November 2026
Abstract: The building sector is a first-rate contributor to energy consumption and carbon emissions, making the development of climate-responsive building envelopes increasingly vital for countries experiencing rapid urbanization and environmental pressure. In Bangladesh, where high temperatures, humidity, solar exposure, and the growing intensity of urban heat create significant challenges to building performance, facade design has considerable potential to reduce energy demand and improve indoor environmental conditions. Although previous studies have examined individual sustainable facade techniques, including adaptive shading, high-performance materials, green walls, and other green facade technologies, there remains a lack of an integrated approach that evaluates these techniques collectively under the climatic and architectural conditions of Bangladesh. In particular, limited research has connected facade-level interventions with energy performance, indoor thermal comfort, and urban heat mitigation within a coherent green-envelope framework. This research, therefore, aims to examine the potential of the Green Envelope as an integrated approach to sustainable facade design in Bangladesh. The study has four major objectives: (1) to identify and critically examine sustainable facade techniques applicable to the climatic and environmental conditions of Bangladesh; (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of adaptive shading, high-performance materials, and green-wall systems in improving building energy performance and indoor thermal comfort; (3) to investigate the potential contribution of green facade interventions to reducing heat gain and mitigating urban heat-island effects; and (4) to develop design recommendations for integrating these strategies into climate-responsive and resilient building facades. The research combines a review of relevant literature with architectural case-study analysis, field-based observations, and environmental performance simulations to assess facade strategies under local climatic conditions. The findings are intended to establish a more integrated understanding of how green-envelope interventions can be combined rather than implemented as isolated measures. The study contributes a context-responsive framework for architects, urban planners, and policymakers seeking to improve building environmental performance and climate resilience in Bangladesh. While the research focuses mainly on facade-level strategies and simulated performance, further investigation through long-term monitoring and post-occupancy assessment is recommended. The proposed method can also provide a foundation for adapting green-envelope strategies to other developing-country contexts facing comparable climatic and urban challenges.
Abstract: The building sector is a first-rate contributor to energy consumption and carbon emissions, making the development of climate-responsive building envelopes increasingly vital for countries experiencing rapid urbanization and environmental pressure. In Bangladesh, where high temperatures, humidity, solar exposure, and the growing intensity of urban ...
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