Published by AR+D Publishers, San Francisco, USA, 2013
Moving across Japanese history in time and space, from its ancient Shinto beginnings to its largest recorded earthquake, and from the spiritual calm of the Ise Shrine and Ryoan-ji Temple to the psychedelic consumerism of Shinjuku and Ginza, Zen Spaces & Neon Places captures the multifarious interweaves of the Japanese built environment – its historic buildings and post-industrial cities; monastic gardens and digital streetscapes; modern landmarks and theme parks; and concurrent propensities for kinky love hotels and contemplative tea huts.
This book shifts the emphasis on how we choose to read Japanese architecture and urbanism: It focuses on phenomena and meanings rather than forms and objects, and prioritizes intentions and legacies over the mechanics of design. It aims to glean into Japan’s built landscape as an overall metamorphic ensemble rather than individual buildings, and embraces everything that has shaped, or is shaping the Japanese built world we see today.
“…opens up surprising and fresh perspectives on urban Japan and challenges views that have long been taken for granted…..”
Christian Dimmer, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Urban Design & Urban Studies
University of Tokyo
Urban Designer & City Planner
Los Angeles, USA
Vinayak Bharne, AICP, is an urban designer and city planner whose 25-year career spans practice, research, education and advocacy. His work includes projects across the United States, Canada, India, Australia, China, the United Arab Emirates, Panama, Kenya and Mauritius.
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