This book proposes a new theoretical framework for understanding architecture and urbanism in Asia through the intertwined metaphors of the postcolonial, the urban, and the maritime.It positions Asia not as a cultural identity or fixed geography, but as a methodological horizon shaped by articulation, negotiation, and discontinuous historicity. Against universalising narratives that treat Asian architecture as derivative or exceptional, this book foregrounds entanglement and circul...

This book provides a bidirectional investigation of Asia’s spatiotemporality by asking how Asia is located and how localities are Asianized. Historical and theoretical inquiries into architecture and urbanism in order to trace a notional “common divisor” are integrated with readings of this Asian imagery. Such a common divisor is conditioned to Asia’s phenomenal postcolonial subjectivation and showcases Asia’s unique character. This book contends that the postcolonial condition of architec...

Heteroglossic Asia presents an analysis of geographic, historical, cultural, economic, spatial and political factors underlying Taiwan’s maritime urbanity by means of case studies based on Taipei and Kaohsiung; two cities which represent the multi-accentual character of Taiwan’s urban environment and its recent changes and development through architecture.Focussing on the concept of a heteroglossic Asia Pacific, exemplified by the analysis of Taiwan’s urban transformation,...

Li Ang (1952–) is a famous and prolific feminist writer from Taiwan who challenges and subverts sociocultural traditions through her daring explorations of sex, violence, women’s bodies and desire, and national politics. As a taboo-breaking writer and social critic, she uses fiction to expose injustice and represent human nature. Her political engagement further affords her a visionary perspective for interrogating the problematic intersection of gender and politics. The ambivalence in her...

This book is the first overall and detailed discussion of contemporary Asia’s architectural theorisations and phenomena based on its heteroglossic and decolonisation character. Lin presents a theoretical journey of transdisciplinary reflection upon contemporary Asia’s pragmatic phenomena which is methodologically achieved by means of elaborations of how tangible Asian architecture can be philosophically theorised and how interchangeable architectural theory is practically ‘Asianised’. Disc...

Jing Si means to think in tranquility with an unperturbed and pure heart on the origin of life.Master Cheng Yen translates the essence of the Buddha's teachings into simple and easy- to- understand language to exemplify life lessons. Her exquisite words and caring thoughts inspire wisdom and provide direction amidst delusional thinking.In the world, there are natural disasters caused by the disequilibrium of the Four Elements (earth, water, fire, and air) as well as man-mad...