Towards a Nude Architecture Book Presentation with author Yuval Zohar

Join author, architect, and designer Yuval Zohar for a special presentation of his latest book Towards a Nude Architecture, a visual journey of the architecture of Japan’s onsen, or naturally occurring hot springs. Yuval will share his exploration of these diverse structures built around the tradition and the lasting influence of this poetic mingling between architecture, nature and the naked body including photos, drawings, collages and diagrams from over a decade of travel across the country.

Come celebrate the book, get your book signed and stamped, and enjoy steamy onsen inspired beverages!

More about the book:

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.

Read about the book in the New York Times!

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Yuval Zohar is an architect and designer working internationally. Born in Israel, raised in the United States, and having spent the majority of his career in Asia, he is currently based in Japan. He is the author of Towards a Nude Architecture, A Visual Compendium of Japanese Hot Springs, which was featured in a New York Times profile about his life the small Japanese countryside hot spring town of Yugawara. Prior to his current role at EXP. designing physical spaces activated through AR travel games, he was a senior architect at Diller, Scofidio + Renfro in New York, a project leader at OMA New York and Hong Kong, and directing JDS architects activities in China. He spent 8 years in Shanghai contributing to the design of high-profile constructed projects including the New Jindai sustainable school, the Hangzhou Gateway, exhibitions at the Shanghai World Expo and the BMW Guggenheim Lab in Mumbai, and several awarded competitions that have been featured online and in print.

+ POOL reclaims New York’s natural resources by opening our waters. What began as an idea for a water-filtering floating swimming pool, conceived by a small group of designers, has since launched a movement to restore the utility of our waterways. They support the preservation, restoration and conservation of natural bodies of water; promote water stewardship; and provide quality swim instruction and environmental education for New Yorkers. They enable people to care for and co-exist with nature, and work towards a future where everyone has the ability to enjoy the water that surrounds them.

Head Hi is an organization dedicated to art, architecture, design and sound specializing in publications and cultural programming with an espresso bar located in Fort Greene, Brooklyn by the Navy Yard. We feature a curated selection of publications from around the globe. Working with local and international artists, designers, publishers, and organizations in various fields, Head Hi is a space for exploration and interaction that hosts talks, book launches, exhibitions, music, performances and other events. Head Hi Fi enhances the experience of sound in the space with its vintage Klipsch La Scala speakers.