Traditional Japanese Architecture: An Exploration of Elements and Forms - Hardcover

Locher, Mira

4.02

56 ratings by Goodreads

9784805309803: Traditional Japanese Architecture: An Exploration of Elements and Forms

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 4805309806 ISBN 13: 9784805309803

Publisher: Tuttle Shokai Inc, 2010

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Thick thatched roofs and rough mud plaster walls. Intricate carved wood transoms and precisely woven tatami mats--each element of traditional Japanese architecture tells a story. In Traditional 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, Traditional Japanese Architecture situates these elements firmly within the natural environment and traditional culture of Japan.

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Review:

"Mira Locher makes the observation that tradition only exists as an idea when it is challenged or superseded by the new.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 "Designers, architects, artists, and anyone with a love of Japanese traditional culture will enjoy this book."--Library Journal "It describes architectural components throughly, exactingly, and lovely--identifying them all with Japanese terms. Overall, this is a delightful book of photographs and a useful...guide for Japanophile architects and designers."--CHOICE

Book Description:

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.

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