Hiroshi Hara: The 'Floating World' of his Architecture by Botond Bognar, Hiroshi Hara

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Synopsis

With a cover showcasing the Sapporo Dome in Japan's northernmost major city, this homage to one of Japan's most acclaimed contemporary architects intersperses seven short theoretical essays by Hara, who views architecture as an event in constant flux, among color and b&w photographs of 29 of his major projects. Bognar (architecture, U. of Illinois) analyzes Haràs innovative "fusion of reality and fiction," such as his Extra-Terrestrial Architecture, in the contexts of modern Japanese and international architecture. Includes a biography, and lists of his works, awards and collaborators. Lacks references and an index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Biography

BOTOND BOGNAR is an architect, architectural scholar and photographer. Currently Professor of Architecture and an Associate of the Center for Advanced Study at the University of Illinois, he was educated at the Technical University of Budapest and the University of California, Los Angeles. As a Mombusho Scholar, he conducted research at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. He practised architecture in both Hungary and Japan where he lived for several years.
Beyond teaching, Professor Bognar lectures extensively both in the United States and abroad. In addition to being a frequent contributor to international journals and other publications on architecture, he is also the author and editor of numerous books, including Contemporary Japanese Architecture (New York, 1985); The New Japanese Architecture (New York, 1990); The Japan Guide (New York, 1995); Minoru Takeyama (London, 1995); Togo Murano: Master Architect of Japan (New York, 1996), winner of a 1997 AIA International Book Award; World Cities: Tokyo (London, 1997), and Nikken Sekkei 1900-2000: Building Future Japan (New York: 2000).