Kisho Kurokawa Architects and Associates: The Philosophy of Symbiosis from the Ages of the Machine to the Age of Life

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Summary: Philosophy of Symbiosis
Review: For those who are not aware, Mr. Kurokawa is one of the leading architects in Japan as he has been for many years, surviving through many generations, developing a prolific practice and distinctive design style, as well as observing myriad cultural transformations along the way. In his latest book he presents his personal vision. Kurokawa has always been guided by his profound philosophical mind. He reads Western writers with shocking depth and bridges East and West in a deeply gratifying way. I suspect that his mind is balanced and centered by means of practice, practice as a Buddhist, practice as a deep architect, and practice as a visionary. At the same time, his feet are firmly planted in the real world of post-war Japan. The Philosophy of Symbiosis: From the Ages of the Machine to the Age of Life, is as dense but thoughtful and well worth the effort. The book poses powerful questions about the significance of "minor cultures" and the process of intercultural development that is running apace in the world today. To use a metaphor, his writing gives us a musical key in which we can listen to the future of the human spirit. It is the key in which that tune will most likely be played.