“A frog jumps into a pot of water which is gradually being heated. As the water gets warmer, the frog adjusts its body temperature and continues to adjust to the increasing water temperature until, ultimately, the frog is boiled alive”. Like the frog, modern man is forever adjusting to an increasing number of environmental stressors. Ironically, however, many such stressors originate in the buildings we have created to protect us. We seek greater comfort, convenience and freedom – but at what cost? And how many individuals (both lay and professional) have knowledge or remembrance of our true nature and relationship to the environment sufficient to make valid and informed choices? To this end, Thomas Saunders brings together knowledge, experience and wisdom. He reminds us that we are not just matter, but we are body, mind and spirit, interacting with the full spectrum of energies which make up the environment, and that by consciously building in harmony will provide the peace and security to which we aspire.

The first part of the book (about modern buildings – topics such as sick building syndrome and electromagnetic radiation) is sufficient to empower us to press for change, while the second part (sacred geometry, music, mathematics, medicine) demonstrates how change is needed in the schools and by professionals in their understanding of how buildings affect our psyche and therefore must be conceived of as more than just a screen from nature.

This is a thoughtful, important and timely book which can help to reconnect us with forgotten truths whilst moving forward to a healthy and delightful experience of architecture.




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