Art of Japanese Architecture

In this revised and expanded edition of the authors' Introduction to Japanese Architecture (2004), an overview of Japanese architecture is provided in its historical and cultural context. The book begins with a discussion of prehistoric pit dwellings and concludes with a description of significant modern buildings. The intervening 12,000 years are analyzed in reference to major changes in architecture caused by the introduction of Buddhist culture from Korea and China, the consolidation of indigenous influences, the development of feudalism, the influence of Western culture, and the adaptation of the international style in contemporary buildings. Through all of these changes, a restrained architectural tradition developed in marked contrast to an exuberant tradition characterised by monumentality and the use of bold colours. The book provides insights into the dynamic nature of this contrast and how it reflects the underlying diversity of Japanese culture.Young, David is the author of 'Art of Japanese Architecture ', published 2007 under ISBN 9780804838382 and ISBN 0804838380.