[Index] [Previous] [Next] [Group] (Page reference: 641)

134 Zen View

May be part of Entrance Transition (112), Entrance Room (130), Short Passages (132), Staircase as a Stage (133), Paths and goals (120).

Conflict

The archetypal zen view occurs in a famous Japanese house, which gives this pattern its name.

Resolution

If there is a beautiful view, don't spoil it by building huge windows that gape incessantly at it. Instead, put the windows which look onto the view at places of transition- along paths, in hallways, in entry ways, on stairs, between rooms.

If the view window is correctly placed, people will see a glimpse of the distant view as they come up to the window or pass it: but the view is never visible from the places where people stay.

May contain Natural Doors and Windows (221), Tapestry of Light and Dark (135), Window Place (180).