Intercultural Architecture: The Philosophy of Symbiosis by Kisho Kurokawa
4to. pp. 208. 166 illustrations, over 90 in colour. paperback (fine condition).Washington, DC: The American Institute Of Architects Press, 1991.
ISBN-10: 155835039X / ISBN-13: 9781558350397
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Here architect Kurokawa gives us a further explication of his synthesist theory of architecture, called symbiosis. In his explanation he draws on aspects of human culture that are often lacking in modern architecture: the values of humanness and the use and presentation of wabi the patina of culture something develops over time and the cultural value it represents. As in many other fields, Japan continues to adopt a symbiotic stance in its architecture because of pressures of population, overconcentration of resources, a booming economy, and the "new" global consciousness of the Japanese. For urban planners, a special section of the book reveals Kurokawa's plan for further development in Tokyo. Those who have been to Tokyo will appreciate his creative proposed solutions to the overcrowding and increasing centralization in evidence. The translation from the Japanese has been well done and reads clearly. A minor point: more than the usual number of mis-romanizations of Japanese words have been left in the text, but they are (mostly) included in the corrigenda at the end of the book and should not prevent purchase. Highly recommended for collections in architecture, philosophy, intercultural studies, and related fields. Academic and larger public libraries will benefit from adding this volume.