Space: Japanese Design Solutions for Compact Living [Hardcover]

Michael Freeman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 7, 2004

Space is a photographic exploration of Japanese architecture and design in size-constricted areas, exploring imaginative, ingenious, and revolutionary solutions to space-compromised living. Masters in the art of managing small spaces, the Japanese in their design have given rise to a particular style of ingenuity.

In their work, Japanese interior designers and architects constantly draw on cultural traditions, while using a modern, even radical approach. Whether in the use of lightweight partitions to create flexible spaces, deliberate profligacy to give a feeling of generosity, or strange perspectives, the results are not mere workaday solutions, but artistic and unusual ones that can turn a lack of space into a surfeit of style.

Distinctly Asian in its feel and comprehensive in its coverage, featuring every room of each highlighted house, the book is divided into such themed sections as "Every Square Centimeter," "Interconnection," "Wasting Space," and "Shock Value."

The crisp photography, inventive design solutions, unique packaging, and handy format make Space the perfect gift for anyone looking to maximize his or her space as well as architecture enthusiasts and those with an interest in Japanese style.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael Freeman was the photographer for Frank Lloyd Wright Masterworks, American Masterworks, Adobe, and Angkor. An authority on Asian design and art, he has written magazine articles and books, including Spirit of Asia and the award-winning Japan Modern.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Universe (August 7, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789310651
• ISBN-13: 978-0789310651
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 0.9 x 7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #134,872 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #49 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Small Homes & Cottages

More About the Author

Michael Freeman, professional photographer and author, with more than 100 book titles to his credit, was born in England in 1945, took a Masters in geography at Brasenose College, Oxford University, and then worked in advertising in London for six years. He made the break from there in 1971 to travel up the Amazon with two secondhand cameras, and when Time-Life used many of the pictures extensively in the Amazon volume of their World's Wild Places series, including the cover, they encouraged him to begin a full-time photographic career.

Since then, working for editorial clients that include all the world's major magazines, and notably the Smithsonian Magazine (with which he has had a 30-year association, shooting more than 40 stories), Freeman's reputation has resulted in more than 100 books published. Of these, he is author as well as photographer, and they include more than 40 books on the practice of photography - for this photographic educational work he was awarded the Prix Louis Philippe Clerc by the French Ministry of Culture. He is also responsible for the distance-learning courses on photography at the UK's Open College of the Arts.

Freeman's books on photography have been translated into fifteen languages, and are available on other Amazon international sites.

They are supported for readers by a regularly updated site, http://thefreemanview.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

89 of 90 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Interior Design Ideas That You Can Scale Up Or Down, August 14, 2004

By 

Manon Kavesky (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Space: Japanese Design Solutions for Compact Living (Hardcover)

Space: Japanese Design Solutions for Compact Living, is packed with more than 200 serene photos and outstanding ideas for living life to it's fullest in a very small space. The houses in this book are small and rely on traditional Japanese design elements. For example, tatami mats on the floor, futons that are rolled - up by day, and shoji screen dividers for walls. Most American homes do not follow a Japanese aesthetic and are not plagued by such tiny floor plans but they often have difficult areas that need help. Space will be a huge source of inspiration and ideas because the problems it tackles are so difficult and the solutions so interesting.

Each home in Space is as individual as it's occupants but there are a few common features that make these small spaces work. One essential ingredient is lightness whether in the choice of construction materials, the appearance of the structure, or color. Creative storage solutions are also important, some notable examples include, stair risers that double as drawers, shelving units that pull out of walls and, under the floorboard storage. Movable interior partitions that make a space as flexible as possible and exterior partitions or fences to obscure unpleasant views while psychologically extending the interior outside. Finally I was really impressed with the creative solutions for staircases especially the layout that featured a movable staircase that was akin to a pocket door.
This book is a must have, there are so many amazing ideas and they can be scaled up for large spaces or scaled down to meet the constraints of the snuggest confines.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars WHere are the floor plans, April 29, 2008

By 

Alfred (Dubai) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Space: Japanese Design Solutions for Compact Living (Hardcover)

This book is fine in almost everything but the floor plans that are missing. It's small and compact which goes with the theme but a floor plan would have been a great addition in simplifying the readability of it. Most of all it would be great if I could learn how to do them instead and of only admiring these houses.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars you'll want one of these houses, May 30, 2007

By 

Akira Touya (Berlin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Space: Japanese Design Solutions for Compact Living (Hardcover)

it would make a marvelous coffee table book, except it's half the size of one. or maybe it makes a wonderful table book precisely because it is so easy to pick up and skim. regardless, don't let that deter you from getting this book, as it is remarkable in its showcasing of the creativity that small spaces foster. as you read both the words and pictures throughout the book, you will find yourself thinking "wow that makes so much sense!" and "i want that house!" over and over.
a fantastic book, it will inspire you to either move to japan, or take the book to your architect and commission a house on the spot.