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.
