Stillness (an Exploration of Japanese Aesthetics in Architecture and Design)

Two distant places. One shared language of quiet. Stillness traces the subtle dialogue between Japanese and Scandinavian design—two traditions rooted in nature, light, and craftsmanship.

At its center is the idea of space as reflection. A Japanese tokonoma, where a single flower or scroll holds meaning. A Scandinavian wall vase in a lakeside villa, where fresh green leaves echo that same intention. The book pairs these moments—visually and conceptually—without forcing the connection. It lets it unfold.

Edited in part by Norm Architects, the Copenhagen studio known for its balance of softness and structure, Stillnessmoves gently between rooms, philosophies, and cultures.

I keep this book close because it reminds me that design doesn’t have to speak loudly to hold depth. Whether it’s the curve of a chair or the weight of still air in a room, it’s often the quietest details that stay with you longest.

Editors: Norm Architects

Features: Full color, hardcover, stitch bound, 304 pages 
Format: 24,5 × 33 cm, 9.6 × 13.0 inches