Examine the finest works of Taiwanese architecture from literally every angle with master architect Lee Chian-Lang, whose book shows off the unique splendor of indigenous, dynastic, and colonial Taiwanese architecture.

The homes we build say more about us than simply how much stuff we have to store; building styles reflect cultural values, religious tenets, and our relationship to our environment. Taiwan’s architectural landscape is among the most diverse in southeast Asia, because the country has occupied a crucial position at the crossroads of maritime trade routes since humans began to sail. Master architect and urban planner Lee Chian-Liang is here to show off the unique splendor of indigenous, dynastic, and colonial Taiwanese architecture from literally every angle.

Heart of the Craftsman takes an in-depth look at thirty-five different buildings of vastly different styles located all across Taiwan. A marvelous hand draughtsman, Lee offers full-color representations of a Portuguese castle, indigenous cave house complexes, aristocratic mansions, imperial-era temples and more. Each piece is presented from multiple angles, such as a “bird’s eye view”, a “bug’s eye view”, a “fish-eye view”, and many others in order to highlight its special characteristics.

Lee supplements his beautifully-crafted images with detailed documentation and analysis of each building, in which he explains its history, its composition, its architectural pedigree, and its unique value. Heart of the Craftsman provides a wealth of information in a clear, easily understandable format that leaves readers with a broad understanding of what can sometimes feel like an intimidating subject. It gives us both the matter and the meaning of Taiwanese architecture.