Learning from the Japanese city

About this book

"Why do Japanese cities look the way they do? What relevance do they have to the wider world of contemporary urban design? How sharp is the divide between the cities of today and Japan's urban traditions?"--Jacket. "First Shelton examines how Western attitudes to Japanese cities have changed over time. He then shows us how Japanese ways of thinking about space, while consistent in themselves, are quite different from those of the West - from writing on paper to settlement in a landscape. Learning from the Japanese City next discusses an array of Japanese urban characteristics and building types - from historic house forms to the work of contemporary architects - that offer insights into today's cities. Aspects of culture and religion which influence urban form and space are also explored."--Jacket. "Finally, the author draws together threads from throughout the book to address his initial questions. It is here that Japan's chaotic forms emerge in a more positive light and with broad implications for contemporary urban design."--Jacket.