Japanese Architecture An Exploration of Elements & Forms

andlt;bandgt;Thick thatched roofs and rough mud plaster walls. An intricate carved wood transom and a precisely woven tatami matand#8212;each element of traditional Japanese architecture tells a story.andlt;/bandgt;andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;In andlt;iandgt;Japanese Architectureandlt;/iandgt;, 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, andlt;iandgt;Japanese Architectureandlt;/iandgt; situates these elements firmly within the natural environment and traditional Japanese culture.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;Japanese architecture developed with influences from abroad and particular socio-political situations at home. The resulting forms and construction materialsand#8212;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 screenand#8212;are recognizable as being of distinctly Japanese design. Designed with strong connections to the surrounding environment, these constructed forms utilize natural construction materials in ways that are both practical and inventive.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;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"Mira Locher makes the observation that tradition only exists as an idea when it is challenged or superseded by the new.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." and#8212;andlt;bandgt;The Japan Timesandlt;/bandgt;

"It describes architectural components thoroughly, exactingly, and lovinglyuidentifying them all with Japanese terms. Overall, this is a delightful book of photographs and a usefulandhellip;guide for Japanophile architects and designers." and#8212;andlt;bandgt;Choiceandlt;/bandgt;

"Designers, architects, artists, and anyone with a love of Japanese traditional culture will enjoy this book." and#8212;andlt;bandgt;Library Journalandlt;/bandgt;

"Wider-ranging than most and packed with extensive discussions, andlt;iandgt;Japanese Architectureandlt;/iandgt; is a satisfying introductory survey for any who would understand the unique style, function and approach of Japanese design." and#8212; andlt;bandgt;Midwest Book Reviewandlt;/bandgt;

Thick thatched roofs and rough mud plaster walls. An intricate 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. Designed with strong connections to the surrounding environment, these constructed forms 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.

Thick thatched roofs and rough mud plaster walls. Intricate carved wood transoms and precisely woven tatami matsand#8212;each element of traditional Japanese architecture tells a story. Inandlt;iandgt; Traditional Japanese Architectureandlt;/iandgt;, 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, andlt;iandgt;Traditional Japanese Architectureandlt;/iandgt; situates these elements firmly within the natural environment and traditional culture of Japan.

andlt;bandgt;Mira Locherandlt;/bandgt;, FAIA, is an architect and professor who works in both the US and Japan. Born in Pennsylvania, she studied architecture and urbanism at Smith College and received her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She worked for Team Zoo Atelier Mobile in Japan for seven years before setting up an architectural practice in the US in partnership with Takayuki Murakami. See their website at www.kajikaarchitecture.com. Mira Locher is an Associate Professor in the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Utah. Her research focuses on traditional and contemporary Japanese design, and she is the author of andlt;iandgt;Super Potato Design: The Complete Works of Takashi Sugimotoandlt;/iandgt; and andlt;iandgt;Zen Gardens: The Complete Works of Shunmyo Masunoandlt;/iandgt;.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;andlt;bandgt;Ben Simmonsandlt;/bandgt; grew up in Columbus, Georgia. He studied photography and psychology in Upstate New York before completing a Master of Fine Arts in photography and art history at the University of Florida. Simmons taught photography at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina before relocating to Japan. Ben Simmons Photography Inc. is based on the Miura Peninsula seacoast at Sagami Bay, just south of Tokyo. Ben specializes in photoessays and book projects. Recent books include andlt;iandgt;Tokyo Desire; Hong Kong: The City of Dreams; Thailand: 9 Days in the Kingdom; Platinum Images of Thai Buddhism, Tokyo Megacityandlt;/iandgt; and andlt;iandgt;Kyoto: City of Zenandlt;/iandgt;. Visit his website at www.bensimmonsphoto.com.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;andlt;bandgt;Kengo Kumaandlt;/bandgt; was born in Kanagawa, Japan, and completed a major in architecture at the University of Tokyo. Kengo Kuma and Associates, his own studio, was established in 1990. He also worked as a visiting professor on the faculty of environmental information at Keio University. In 1997 he won the prestigious Architectural Institute of Japan Award for his work on "recovering the tradition of Japanese buildings" and reinterpreting it for the 21st century. In 2008, Kuma earned his Ph.D from Keio University, and he is currently a professor on the faculty of science and technology there, in the department of system design engineering.