Architecture of Happiness (PB) Paperback – 27 March 2014

This book is a bridge between architecture and psychology. We always come across people debating what beauty is or how should a building function - i.e. with proclamations like 'Form follows function', etc. etc. but this book digs right through all the psychological loopholes in debates throughout architectural history.We spend our lives in and around buildings and our lives are shaped in and around buildings - including our opinions, beliefs, decisions, etc. This book is a beautiful work that gives expression to our difficult feelings around the idea of architecture and built environment. It describes in exquisite language how a lot many works of art,architecture and urban planning came about to exist, or missed getting approval or failed big time and how they contradict or complement each other throughout history. The most interesting parts of the book were comparisons between buildings and our own selves- how we look at buildings the way we look at people, how we judge the flaws and features of buildings that correspond to our own flaws and features.I haven't come across anything as delightful as Alain de Botton's vocabulary in any other architecture or design books. It raises deep questions and responds with deeper answers in what seems to be a language layered with elegant metaphors.All the examples in the book are accompanied by black and white pictures though I wish they were coloured- I kept wanting to know more about the building/artwork in question and was incessantly searching for their images on the internet while reading about it.Overall, I recommend this book for all architecture and philosophy/psychology enthusiasts.[I bought a paperback copy of this book, the print, paper quality, font size, binding, everything was perfect.]

This book has profound insights into our daily lives and the way we operate. De Botton has a deep understanding of the human psyche and his writing is spectacular.

Great books for architects but it looks like a printed copy and dont looks like a good published book.... Black and white from inside... Either it is a pirated copy or it is like this only. Doubt full about tha authenticity...

Really loved it just through the first 10 pages. Now I'm gonna complete it. Worth a read.

In today's Modern World this Book holds the taste of a Contemporary insight for all architecture enthusiasts!Helped me know more about the relation between a residence and it's resident.Thought provoking just in case to realise what is being built isn't mere raised structure but a way of an individual's belongingness!Kudos to Alain De Botton

A beautiful book on architectural philosophy. This author will tickle your funny bone and make you think at the same time. His writing is impeccable.

Superbbb.. archies should try it once

It's an engaging book, talks about interesting architectural examples from all around the world, It highlights the fact how architecture can influence society and the human behavior vice versa...I haven't finished this one completely yet. But I will put a revised review very soon.If you are looking for a casual read. You must try this!