Building Paradise: Episodes in Paradisiacal Thinking

Building Paradise is a historical study that proposes a garden ethic for the design arts based on our ecological and biological insights to build more intelligently than current practices. The idea of paradise has been a motif in various cultures and religions, informing mythologies, art, and architecture. The book takes a biophilic approach and argues for a design ethic centered on human needs and aspirations. It is written for students and academics in architecture and related fields.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Building Paradise is a comprehensive historical exploration that aims to establish a garden ethic for the design arts. This ethic is founded on the notion that, with our recent ecological and biological insights, we can create designs that are more intelligent than the current practices in the field. The paradisiacal instinct serves as the driving force behind every artistic impulse. From its theological origins to the present, the concept of paradise, as a garden of peace, beauty, and happiness, has evolved and acquired numerous meanings. It was first articulated in the earliest cultures of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley, and later became a prominent feature of Buddhist, Judeo-Christian, and Islamic practices. It influenced Greco-Roman mythologies and the design of Japanese gardens. It also inspired Renaissance humanists and played a role in visions of a New Arcadia within the landscapes of the Americas.

This book, emphasizing how the built and urban environments shape culture, adopts a biophilic approach and draws upon the significant advancements of the human sciences in recent decades to advocate for a design ethic centered squarely on human needs and aspirations. Written for students and academics in architecture and related fields, this book focuses on the efforts to create paradise in a material way.

The book explores the historical and cultural significance of paradise and its role in shaping human aspirations. It discusses the various interpretations of paradise throughout different religions and cultures, including its association with gardens, gardens, and the natural world. The book also examines the role of design in creating paradise, including the use of natural materials, sustainable practices, and the integration of human needs and desires into the design process.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea that design can be a powerful tool for creating a more sustainable and equitable world. The author argues that current design practices often prioritize aesthetics and functionality over environmental and social considerations, leading to negative consequences for both the natural world and human societies. By adopting a more biophilic approach to design, we can create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also promote human well-being and environmental sustainability.

The book also explores the role of technology in shaping the built environment and the potential for digital technologies to create new paradigms for design. The author argues that digital technologies can enable us to create more efficient, sustainable, and accessible designs that can meet the needs of a growing population. However, the book also raises concerns about the potential negative impacts of technology on human well-being and the environment, such as the loss of privacy, the proliferation of artificial intelligence, and the environmental impact of digital technologies.

In conclusion, Building Paradise is a thought-provoking and comprehensive exploration of the relationship between design, culture, and the natural world. The book offers a compelling argument for a more biophilic approach to design that prioritizes human needs and aspirations while promoting environmental sustainability. It provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural significance of paradise and its role in shaping human aspirations, and it offers practical strategies for creating more sustainable and equitable designs in the future. Whether you are a student, academic, or professional in the field of design, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in creating a better world through the power of design.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 178 x 254 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032014029