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Japanese Architecture

An Exploration of Elements & Forms

Mira Locher author Ben Simmons illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Tuttle Publishing

Published:17th Mar '15

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Japanese Architecture cover

Thick thatched roofs and rough mud plaster walls. An intricately carved wood transom and a precisely woven tatami mat—each element of traditional Japanese architecture tells a story.

In Japanese Architecture, author Mira Locher explores how each of these stories encompasses the particular development, construction, function and symbolism inherent in historic architectural elements. From roofs, walls and floors to door pulls and kettle hangers, Japanese Architecture situates these elements firmly within the natural environment and traditional Japanese culture.

Japanese architecture developed with influences from abroad and particular socio-political situations at home. The resulting forms and construction materials—soaring roofs with long eaves, heavy timber structures of stout columns supporting thick beams, mud plaster walls flecked with straw and sand and the refined paper-covered lattice shoji screen—are recognizable as being of distinctly Japanese design. These constructed forms, designed with strong connections to the surrounding environment, utilize natural construction materials in ways that are both practical and inventive.

This fascinating architecture book provides a comprehensive perspective of traditional Japanese architecture, relating the historical development and context of buildings and the Japanese garden while examining the stories of the individual architectural elements, from foundation to roof.

"Mira Locher makes the observation that tradition only exists as an idea when it is challenged or superseded by the new. In her first-rate resource book on traditional design you will learn a great deal about construction methods, in which the use of natural materials encouraged a responsible attitude toward conservation." --The Japan Times
"It describes architectural components thoroughly, exactingly, and lovingly∙identifying them all with Japanese terms. Overall, this is a delightful book of photographs and a useful…guide for Japanophile architects and designers." --Choice magazine
"Designers, architects, artists, and anyone with a love of Japanese traditional culture will enjoy this book." --Library Journal

ISBN: 9784805313282

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 907g

224 pages