Towards a Nude Architecture: Book Talks in New York

Discover the hidden world of Japanese hot springs, from fabled origins to modern manifestations, with  architect Yuval Zohar. On July 24 and 25, he’ll be in New York for special events at the Vitra Showroom and Japan Society, where he’ll discuss his book Towards a Nude Architecture.

Vitra Showroom – Thursday 24 July

Join author and architect Yuval Zohar at the Vitra Showroom for a book talk on Towards a Nude Architecture. In this talk, he takes you on a visual journey through the history of Japan’s many hot springs. From an architectural perspective, he explores the spiritual origins of bathing and the wide range of contemporary designs built around it. What lasting impact do onsen have on architecture, nature, and the human body? A book signing and reception will follow the talk. For more information, visit the Vitra Showroom website.

Japan Society – Friday 25 July

Spend a summer evening virtually visiting a Japanese hot spring in this book launch with author and architect Yuval Zohar. As one of the most volcanically active geographies in the world, the islands of Japan gush with nearly 30,000 naturally occurring hot springs, or onsen, of varying temperatures, colors, and mineral compositions. When superimposed over the country’s history, their timeline winds its way through ancient religions, warring empires, medical marvels, and modern day pop-culture, forming a vital part of the national identity. As a true onsen lover and architect Yuval will tell you more about these special oases in public space. Fore more information and tickets, see the Japan Society website.

About Towards a Nude Architecture

As one of the most volcanically active geographies in the world, the islands of Japan gush with nearly 30,000 naturally occurring hot springs, or onsen, of varying temperatures, colors, and mineral compositions. When superimposed over the country’s history, their timeline winds its way through ancient religions, warring empires, medical marvels, and modern day pop-culture, forming a vital part of the national identity.

Combining photos, drawings, collages, and diagrams from over a decade of travel across the country, Towards a Nude Architecture explores this narrative through an architectural lens, presenting a visual journey of water and steam spanning centuries and geographies. In three chapters examining past, present, and future, the book looks at the spiritual roots of bathing, the diverse structures built around the tradition, and the lasting influence of this poetic mingling between architecture, nature, and the naked body. Facing declining visitors and increased privatization, compounded by recent global crises, the need to promote and preserve these bastions of public space is more crucial than ever.

Buy the book in your local bookstore or order a copy in our webshop.