Problem solving in pre-modern Japanese architecture.

[Richard Cate]

I have long loved the complex simplisity of classical Japanese architecture. I am most impressed with their soulitions of solving load bearing issues. The scope of buildings has always been limited by hoe these issues were solved with the materials and technology of their time. The Japanese solution of using a mixture of the materials at hand in what became a seemingly seemless merger of stone and wood seems unique to the Japanese.