Zen Spaces & Neon Places: Reflections on Japanese Architecture and Urbanism (ORO EDITIONS)

Anyone travelling to Japan - diplomat, business person or traveller, - will want to read this book in order toreally appreciate and understand what they see and experience there. The book gives depth and breadth to the experience of present day Japan.

Whether you're an experienced Japanophile or are just wondering why do you find the aesthetic so intriguing, Professor (USC) Bharne's book will help you discover the essence of tradition-rooted life in Japan. From roofs to gardens, tea ceremony to gridlock traffic, this is a very personal journey with a guide who has a keen eye for details honed through time, space and time-space. (Yes, he should have directed his publisher away from using an image of Shinto torii gates when the title has to do with Zen Buddhism. What's an author to do ...?)

Bharne's thoughtful and _original_ insights are matched only by his eloquent, gracious prose. And that praise covers just the words. Visually, the publication wows; all-color photographs are artfully placed on glossy paper stock. If you're remotely interested in the topic of Japan's architecture and architectural history, or even just Japanese culture, you will love this book.