Measure and Construction of the Japanese House

A remarkable classic work on traditional Japanese architecture and its general integrative quality, the order of space and form, the flexibility of partitions and room functions and other important or unique qualities. The author describes in detail, and with numerous architectural plans and drawings, the influence of the anatomy of the Japanese human body on traditional units of measurement and on house construction. This work is not simply a description of the features of the Japanese house, but "an invitation to probe the possibilities of utilizing this architectural achievement of the Japanese ...in modern living and building," according to the author, who further believes that the unique features of the Japanese house are better suited to serve as a pattern for contemporary housing than any other form of residential structure.

Heino Engel studied architecture in Germany immediately following the end of World War II, then traveled through Egypt and Arabia, spent more than a year in India, Burma, Malaysia, and Thailand, before arriving in Japan. There, in his own words, he "realized that the Japanese house is as invaluable an experience for the contemporary architect as are the ancient Acropolis of Athens in Greece and the modern high-rise office towers of the United States." He remained in Japan for three years, concentrating on the study of the Japanese house, people, life, language, and culture, and also becoming a member of the Architectural Institute of Japan.