Publisher Description

Korea Style reveals the central elements of Korean design; simplicity, moderation, constraint, and a deep respect for all things natural. Despite the filtering of Japanese and Western design ideas into Korea over the millennia, the peninsula has maintained its own identity and is gaining recognition for its own particular "style." Spatial, spiritual and material qualities are reflected in the pure beauty of its architectural design, while classic objects that immediately distinguish themselves as being uniquely Korean are used with distinctive flair in interior design and decoration.

Korea Style is the first book devoted to the country's architecture and interior design-featuring twenty-two exceptional homes, studios and public and heritage buildings. They range from vernacular to cutting-edge creations and are a celebration of the country's natural landscape, arts and crafts and architectural heritage juxtaposed with a drive towards invention, experimentation and individuality.

Author Biography

Marcia Iwatate is one of the leading professionals in the Japanese design and food industry. She is the author of Eat.Work.Shop., and the co-author of Japan Houses and Shunju: New Japanese Cuisine, which won a James Beard Award in 2004. Kim Unsoo was born in Korea and educated in the United States. She has worked in the contemporary art field in both New York and Seoul. She lives in Seoul with her husband and two children. Photographer Lee Jongkeun has become one of Korea's foremost photographers of interiors, food, and products since establishing Apo Associates in 1995. He works actively in the field of advertising and regularly contributes to design and lifestyle magazines. He is currently photo director for Marie Claire and Maison Marie Claire and also publishes catalogues and books from his firm Guru Visual.

Review

"Don't be fooled into thinking [a commitment to minimalism] means cold or empty. These are rich, textural spaces that make you think about home in a whole new way." -Capital Times "[Korea Style] is an inspirational piece for both the everyday and the professional student of design." -East West blog "Iwatate and art exhibitor Unsoo show how vernacular Korean home design and decoration with its regard for "[s]implicity, moderation, constraint, and a deep respect for all things natural" has been incorporated into the 20-plus contemporary commercial and residential buildings visited here." -Library Journal

Long Description

Discover the beauty and variety of Korean architecture and design! Simplicity, tradition, and a deep respect for all things natural - these are the basic elements of Korean style that underpin the nation's fast-growing creative movement, making Korea a leader in global fashion and design. Influences from China, Japan, and the West have filtered into Korea, but the peninsula has always maintained its own identity. Spatial, spiritual, and material qualities are reflected in the simple beauty of its architecture, while classic objects with a uniquely Korean aesthetic are used with panache in interior decoration. In the first book to document Korea's architecture and design scene, authors Marcia Iwatate and Kim Unsoo present 24 exceptional homes, studios, and heritage buildings. Ranging from vernacular to cutting-edge contemporary, these projects celebrate Korea's natural landscapes, crafts, and deep architectural heritage -juxtaposed with the nation's dynamic drive to invent, experiment, and create.

Review Quote

"[Korea Style] is an inspirational piece for both the everyday and the professional student of design." -- East West blog

Details