The Japanese garden, like all gardens, is more than mere nature; it is nature crafted by man. It needs the hands of the designer to give it meaning. The Japanese garden belongs to the realm of architecture; at its best, it is nature as art. The phases of its history document the constant redefinition of man's position within and towards nature. Its changing forms respond both to socio-economic developments and to religious and philosophical trends, and thereby reflect the spiritual climate in which its architecture was conceived.

Various - and often irreconcilable - concepts of environmentally-friendly architecture

When is a house ecological? Does the use of natural materials and solar cells on the roof make a building an example of "green" architecture? Perhaps even Antoni Gaudí and Frank Lloyd Wright designed "greener" buildings than most contemporary architects, whose low-energy houses scarcely differ outwardly from traditional ones.

Now in its fifth installment, the Architecture Now! series is an ongoing project documenting the work of the most innovative and influential architects across the globe. Volume 5 features famous names and newcomers alike, and this time around a number of designers are also included, reflecting the new ways in which design and architecture are coming together. Since architecture also extends beyond walls, landscape architecture makes its appearance as well. Easy-to-navigate illustrated A-Z entries include current and recent projects, biographies, contact information, and web sites.

Architects at the cutting edge 

Architecture Now! Volume 3 was the winner of the prestigious Saint-Etienne Prize for the Best Architecture and Design Book of 2004. Volume 4 proves that the best keeps getting better, with new names from all over the world and the most exciting and unique buildings and designs. As always, easy-to-navigate illustrated A-Z entries include current and recent projects, biographies, contact information, and website addresses.