Japanese houses today have to contend with unique factors that condition their design, from tiny plots in crowded urban contexts to ever-present seismic threats. These challenges encourage their architects to explore alternating ideas of stability and ephemerality in various ways, resulting in spaces that are as fascinating as they are idiosyncratic. Their formal innovation and attention to materials, technology and measures to coax in light and air while maintaining domestic privacy make them cutting-edge residences that suggest new ways of being at home. Contemporary Japanese architecture has emerged as a substantial force on the international scene ever since Kenzo Tange won the Pritzker Prize in 1987. This overview of 50 recent houses powerfully demonstrates Japans enduring commitment to design innovation.

This beautifully illustrated book takes the reader on a journey through a number of outstanding contemporary houses designed and built across the richly varied and extraordinary European landscape, and acts as a strong reference for architects and interior designers wanting to know more about the diversity of regional domestic architecture and design. Philip Jodidio presents his expertise and knowledge on the most profound influences of contemporary residential architecture in this region. This book pairs images of unique architecture and interior design and a comprehensive analysis of each project, set within full-colour photographic portraits that all together reflect the strength of drive and progressive thinking that inspired these designs. Though progressive, the architect's designs draw heavily on the local vernacular of the buildings of this region. Ordering principles borrow from the building's context and often relate metaphorically to the surrounding natural landscape, connecting the building to its site in a meaningful way. Sustainability and green energy efficiency features are also crucial components in the house design objectives and are seamlessly integrated with the architecture and these influences are clearly illustrated in this impressive volume.

This exceptionally produced art book with die-cut windows, overlays, and blueprints identifies, decodes, and explains the world's architectural masterpieces. Based on the successful format of Discovering the Great Masters, this is an accessible reference for anyone interested in great spaces and spectacular buildings and for anyone keen to know more about architecture. Each of the architectural works features clever overlays and die-cut windows that allow the reader to identify and focus on specific design elements. Each featured window includes a thoughtful caption explaining the significance of the highlighted area: building materials, historical context, and insights into the planning and architectural influences. Including such works as the Tower of London, Notre-Dame de Paris, and the Taj Mahal in India, the book is organized chronologically and presents buildings from all genres, covering more than two millennia of architectural history. In addition to the clever die-cut captions, each building is featured in an essay filled with essential information on the construction, as well as the social, political, cultural, and geographical considerations of the architect. Stunning photographs allow the reader to appreciate the technical feats and aesthetic brilliance of both the buildings and architects past and present.

For centuries Japanese potters have been turning out porcelain vessels, known for their purity of colour and perfection of form. In contrast, the work of Taizo Kuroda is revered not for its purity or precision, but for the luminous warmth and joyful asymmetry that makes his work both approachable and appealing to the senses. This monograph celebrates Kuroda's most beautiful creations — vessels that transcend their functionality to become works of art. Kuroda's unique approach to glazing, his love of shape and silhouette, and his willingness to let the potter's hands become part of the piece all serve to make his art some of the most revered and sought after in the world.