Publisher's Synopsis
Over the last decade there has been an exciting change of direction in architecture, pioneered by the new generation of Gaian and natural architects from many countries. All share a reawakening of consciousness for designing, building and living that puts people back in touch with the Earth and themselves. This consciousness is as old as building itself, reaching back through ethnic traditions across the world. Everywhere indigenous building strove to express a harmony between people, land and cosmos - to make forms that linked Earth to spirit.;This personal account by the author of the "Natural House Book" examines the new architecture of today that seeks to rediscover ancient wisdom, respect the lessons of the past, and marry them to modern environmentally-sound and health-conscious design and technology. From the humble compost toilet and permaculture garden to the dramatic and organic designs of Hungarian architect Imre Makovecz, from German healthy buildings to Scandinavian new communities, the new architecture is found in church and home, office and communities, but is as yet little known to the general public.;This evocation in words and images is of the environmental and spiritual architecture inspired by a rediscovery of vernacular traditions, and by growing contemporary conerns for human and planetary well-being. The book is a record of David Pearson's odyssey across America and Europe exploring this old-and-new architecture, and gives a personal account of the philosophy, the people, the cultures and the buildings involved.
