Asia is one of architecture's most fecund frontiers. The vast number of cultures, the rapid growth of its cities, and the global information network carrying in influences from all over the world -- all are sending Asian architects in radically new directions. Hamzah and Yeang are on the forefront of

Clever, Environmental architecture, Functional, Hi-tech, Modernist architecture, Political, Serene, Spiritual

A decelerated and aware contemplation. A slow introspection that arises in response to a meticulously wrought aesthetic object. Walter Pater asked, "What is this song or picture, this engaging personality presented in life or in a book, to me?" To discover Hiroshi Sugimoto is to answer that question

Contemplative, Empty, Ethereal, Minimal, Serene, Silence

A more emotional list of materials for Tadao Ando's buildings would include light, stillness, and space in addition to concrete, glass, and steel. A self-taught architect, Ando wandered the streets and back alleys of the United States, Europe, Africa, and his native Japan, studying places and spaces

Empty, Geometric, Metabolism and the japanese new wave, Minimalist architecture, Serene, Tranquil

The group known as Tortoise crawled through the caverns of Chicago's rock underground during the early 1990s, collecting people who loved odd, oozy noises. The band's own sound gelled when synth-man John Herndon and bassist Doug McCombs collaborated on an experimental project called Mosquito. Soon, J

Ethereal, Euphoric, Post-rock, Rhythmic, Round, Serene, Tranquil