Art of Play - Wonder by Design

Stillness: An Exploration of Japanese Aesthetics in Architecture and Design

Stillness: An Exploration of Japanese Aesthetics in Architecture and Design - Main image
$50 $100 In stock

Category: Architecture

The book features richly illustrated dispatches from visits to Japanese landscapes, architecture and cultural sites, shedding light on the influence Japanese traditions have had on the studio’s contemporary projects, such as the Äng restaurant in Sweden or Heatherhill Beach House in Denmark.

Juxtaposing images from Japan with Norm Architects’ work, the book highlights the centuries-old connections between the distinct design cultures, emphasizing mutual respect and shared philosophies. Commentary from expert collaborators in both regions provides in-depth understanding into key design principles. At once an ode to Japan, a personal travelogue, and an aesthetic manifesto, Stillness takes readers on Norm’s decade-long journey as they’ve sought to understand one of the world’s most revered creative cultures.

Customer Reviews (5.0 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Zoe ★★★★★

I was skeptical a book about aesthetics could feel this transporting, but the richly illustrated dispatches from actual Japanese sites made me feel like I was walking through those spaces myself. The way it connects traditional architecture to contemporary design thinking is something I keep coming

Andrew C. ★★★★★

The chapters on how light falls through shoji screens made me slow down and reread several passages—it’s the kind of book that changes how you notice your own space. Even the paper stock feels deliberate, and I find myself flipping back to the landscape sections for a quiet minute before bed.

Joseph E. ★★★★★

The photos alone are worth the price—page after page of Japanese architecture that feels almost meditative to look through. I especially loved the chapters on how traditional landscapes influence modern design, it’s the kind of book you leave on the coffee table and pick up again every night.