By examining the Japanese history of buildings and building designs from prehistory to modern day; lovers of Japan will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of this island country. Simplicity; sensitivity to the natural environment; and the use of natural materials are the hallmarks of Japanese architecture. The Art of Japanese Architecture provides a broad overview of traditional Japanese architecture in its historical and cultural context. It begins with a discussion of prehistoric dwellings and concludes with a description of modern Japanese buildings. Important historical influences and trends—notably the introduction of Buddhist culture from Korea and China; the development of feudalism; and the influence of modern Western styles of building—are all discussed in detail as facets of Japanese design. Through all of these changes; a restrained architectural tradition developed in marked contrast to an exuberant tradition characterized by monumentality and the use of bold colors. The book provides tremendous insights into the dynamic nature of Japanese architecture and how it reflects an underlying diversity within Japanese culture. The book is profusely illustrated with over 370 color photographs; woodblock prints; maps; diagrams; and specially commissioned watercolors. A classic in the making; The Art of Japanese Architecture will be sure to enlighten and delight readers.
#4242448 in eBooks 2013-07-03 2013-07-03File Name: B00794SSMC
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Awesome - Sumitas book is a Call to ArmsBy DaphneSumita Sinha is the founder of Architects for Change. the RIBA Equality and Diversity Forum. In her new book which sits in tandem with her MA course of the same title at London Metropolitan University. lsquo;Architecture for Rapid Change and Scarce Resourcesrsquo;. Her lively and engaging prose addresses us all as lsquo;development activistsrsquo; and we become instant recruits. She employs her own breadth of vision honed over twenty years in several countries to persuade us into making connections and daring to look at contradictions.It is a survey of current paradoxes in the world and asks questions of ourselves. Sumita takes us into the lsquo;heart of darknessrsquo; and we see various innovative practices and our awareness is raised kicking and screaming into the margins of life such as slums. informal settlements. cities and a phenomena she calls lsquo;glocalisationrsquo;.The Ultimate in alternate materials? A door made of human excrement at the Museum of Toilets. New Delhi. in order to change peoplersquo;s minds about human waste. Will you change yours? p. 102.The book is packed with lively narrative intermingled with facts. images and her own photographs that boggle the mind. challenge our assumptions. engage and inform us from the safety of the printed word. Much like the slum it is teaming with life and raises a poignant visceral smell that repels and attracts in equal measure. Sumita has created a triumph of a book.Daphne Chalk-Birdsall. Academic Liaison Librarian for Architecture and Interior Design at London Metropolitan University
