No comments about Schweger + Partner, Zentrum fur Kunst und Medientechnologie, Karlsruhe (Opus 34) (Opus : Archiecture in Individual Presentations, 34).

No comments about OpenMP Shared Memory Parallel Programming: International Workshop on OpenMP Applications and Tools, WOMPAT 2003, Toronto, Canada, June 26-27, 2003. Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science).

No comments about Vernacular Modernism: Heimat, Globalization, and the Built Environment.

1 comments about SHUHEI ENDO: PARAMODERN ARCHITECTURE (Electa's Modern Masters).

1. In the introduction, Hiroyuki Suzuki regarded Endo as a true Japanese avant-garde architect unlike any others: "Endo's works are unrelated to [Western architecture]. He uses steel with a freedom that has cut its ties with all tradition." According to Suzuki, this is a breakthrough because modernism in Japan is largely founded on the tradition from western countries; and most modern Japanese architects are its followers, not inventors. But what makes Endo different? The answer lies in his own article included in the book.
   
   The book is titled "Paramodern Architecture". What does it mean? Termed by Endo himself, paramodern architecture refers to a specific architectural structure featuring "continous surfaces or strips that form the outer shell, floors and roofing, in their continuity partly sharing and shaping the complete building they define". Endo's Springtecture H (see one of the pictures I uploaded) and Rooftecture S are good examples of this paramodern philosophy.
   
   Like the assoication between Shigeru Ban and paper architecture, the name of Shuhei Endo is closely related to corrugated sheet steel. Actually, he used this material in most of his works. But Endo's contribution to architecture is not the material (which has been used in construction for a long long time) but how he uses it--the partial sharing idea embedded in his overarching phisolophy of paramodern architecture.
   
   Back to the question, what makes Endo different from all other western modernism followers is the origin of his paramodern architecture. In this article, Endo explained that the partial sharing and the concept of continous surface stem from his Japanese culture. He used the calligraphy example to show the connection between cursive script and his buildings. Put differently, the core of his paramodern architecture is the unique cultural aesthetics rooted in the Japanese history. We can say that though the appearance of his works seems very modern and western, the soul is really indigenous to Japan. Interestingly, from his bio, we know that Endo was completely trained in Japan.
   
   This great book included Endo's 32 projects which form a coherent presentation of his paramodern architecture (featuring multiple series such as springtecture, rooftecture, halftecture, skintecture etc.)
   
   Japanese people are famous for creating their own version of western culture. But Endo is beyond this. He has been creating a western version of Japanese culture. Architects like Endo are not only experts in manipulating spaces, but great thinkers!
   
   P.S. Interested readers can find more information on Endo's complete works and latest news on his website at www.paramodern.com

No comments about Japan: The Informal Contained (A History of Architecture #9).

No comments about Ontario House Styles: The distinctive architecture of the province's 18th and 19th century homes.

3 comments about Private Hong Kong: Where East Meets West.

1. Have you ever been curious about how Really Rich people live? This is your chance to take a peek at private, luxurious homes belonging to some of the wealthiest people in Hong Kong. Clear, detailed photography, and insightful text annotate an exclusive tour of remarkable decor and priceless artifacts and personalized treasures. If you were hoping that this book would substitute for actually visiting these places, you'll find that after reading the book, you'll now want to travel even more...



2. The book though lavish in its pictures,,,,is a study in bad taste.



3. One can learn a lot about a person by how he or she lives. I always learn more about people by spending 15 minutes in their houses than by spending countless hours talking to them. Why? Because what each of us chooses to live with reveals a lot about what is important to us.

   Hence, my year long fascination with this beautiful book! If you are only expecting to see interiors filled with nothing but chinese art and furniture, what a suprise you will get!! It is a felicitious blend of both eastern and western artistic traditons. The residences range from a luxurious junk owned by a Persian marble dealer, to an art-deco-style house owned by a former model and her husband. Though I never saw a picture of the owners, I developed a clearer, more vivid idea of who they are in my head. I learned about Kai-Yin Lo, and her fabulous collection of Ming Dynasty furniture, and David Tang's love of gardens, and classical piano. I also promised myself that someday I would go to Hong Kong and see this beautiful city.

   Sophie Benge has done a great job with the text and Fritz Von Der Schulenburg's photographs are beautiful. After seeing this book, you may just find yourself at the airport, bag and passport in hand ready to go!

No comments about Vancouver.

No comments about Evaluating Canada's Accord for the Prohibition of Bulk-Water Removal from Drainage Basins: will it hold water?(Report): An article from: Environments.

No comments about Isle of Wight: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides).