Ben Simmons Libros

Tokio es una ciudad de contrastes y contradicciones en la que el Este coexiste con el Oeste; la modernidad prospera en medio de tradiciones ancestrales, y el orden prevalece en una de las ciudades más densamente pobladas del mundo. Esta impactante colección de fotografías en blanco y negro ilustra todas estas verdades sobre esta compleja ciudad y sus habitantes. Ya sea fotografiando un santuario en la azotea frente a los rascacielos del distrito de Shinjuku, una masa de viajeros en la estación de Tokio durante la hora pico, o la tranquila belleza del Palacio Imperial, las fotografías de Ben Simmons irradian la vitalidad de Tokio y revelan sus tradiciones perdurables.

Thick thatched roofs and rough mud plaster walls. An intricately carved wood transom and a precisely woven tatami mat—each element of traditional Japanese architecture tells a story. In Japanese Architecture, author Mira Locher explores how each of these stories encompasses the particular development, construction, function and symbolism inherent in historic architectural elements. From roofs, walls and floors to door pulls and kettle hangers, Japanese Architecture situates these elements firmly within the natural environment and traditional Japanese culture. Japanese architecture developed with influences from abroad and particular socio-political situations at home. The resulting forms and construction materials—soaring roofs with long eaves, heavy timber structures of stout columns supporting thick beams, mud plaster walls flecked with straw and sand and the refined paper-covered lattice shoji screen—are recognizable as being of distinctly Japanese design. These constructed forms, designed with strong connections to the surrounding environment, utilize natural construction materials in ways that are both practical and inventive. This fascinating architecture book provides a comprehensive perspective of traditional Japanese architecture, relating the historical development and context of buildings and the Japanese garden while examining the stories of the individual architectural elements, from foundation to roof.

Zen Buddhist priest Shunmyo Masuno understands that today's busy world leaves little time or space for self-reflection, but that a garden--even in the most urban of spaces--can provide some respite. In his words, "The garden is a special spiritual place where the mind dwells." With this in mind, Masuno designs spectacular Japanese gardens and landscapes with the aim of helping people achieve a balanced life in the 21st century. This book explores Masuno's design process and ideas, which are integral to his daily Zen training and teachings. It features 16 unique gardens and contemplative landscapes completed since 2012 in six countries--all thoughtfully described and documented with full-color photos and drawings. Readers will also find an insightful essay on Masuno's philosophy of garden design and a conversation between the designer and famed architect Terunobu Fujimori. Zen Garden Design provides an in-depth examination of Masuno's gardens and landscapes--not just as beautiful spaces, but as places for meditation and contemplation.

Ebook updated for 2020! Kyoto Machiya Restaurant Guide . Over 100 all new must-visit restaurants + revisions throughout. (Print edition is unchanged.) Machiya , or townhouses, are traditional wooden dwellings in Kyoto that evoke the elegance and culture of Japan's old capital with their architectural details, beautiful gardens, and intimate rooms. Many have been converted into restaurants to create unforgettable dining experiences. Enjoying healthy food in a historic, traditional Kyoto environment is a rare pleasure. Here are some 130 restaurant listings (food, decor, hours, addresses, prices, maps, and index) and a photographic guide to machiya architecture, culture, and aesthetics. Judith Clancy has lived in Japan since 1970 and is the author of Exploring Kyoto . Ben Simmons is a Japan-based photographer.