Place, Time and Being in Japanese Architecture

This work examines built forms which, by actively celebrating a particular place, time or pattern of material being, seem able in a number of ways to enhance our experience of existence. In addition to highlighting the transcultural human benefits of such environments, Place, Time and Being in Japanese Architecture also illustrates generally applicable strategies for revealing these universal parameters in built forms. It is suggested that greater use of such techniques could not only help to sustain environmental and cultural identities against the homogenizing effects of globalization, but can also heighten our appreciation of the peculiar condition 'being here now.'