Customer Reviews

Zen Architecture: The Building Process as Practice

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This is a good book of that retells the creative construction directions of the author, along with some wonderful pictures of the completed works. It is not a how-to book, but a good read and inspiration of what can be here today.

The principles of Zen Buddhist philosophy as applied to architecture and interior design have been a particular area of professional interest for architect, builder, and ordained Zen Buddhist priest Paul Discoe. With the assistance of Alexandra Quinn, he has written "Zen Architecture: The building Process As Practice", a compendium of information and insight into the study, design, and building of structures ranging from Zen temples and residential projects, to grand estates and modular structures. Profusely enhanced with the full color photography of Roslyn Banish, "Zen Architecture" also features floor plan sketches, landscaping embellishments, and occasional quotes from Zen masters. As beautiful and informative as it is inspired and inspiring, "Zen Architecture" is a welcome addition to the growing body of architectural, interior, and landscaping design literature, and a highly recommended acquisition for personal, professional, academic, and community library reference collections.

This book has some beautiful examples of adapted Japanese design for Western modes, schematics of traditional Japanese structures, great thoughts about building, craftsmanship, and the integration of design aesthetic with mindfulness and a concept of excellence.

My only criticism is that some of the photography could be better, looks like a cheap digital camera rendered crudely (hopefully, the book will see a re-print and this will be fixed).

I also give Mr. Discoe high marks for his dust jacket photograph, one of the best I have ever seen.