Towards a Nude Architecture: A Visual Compendium of Japanese Hot Springs

As one of the most volcanically active geographies in the world, the islands of Japan gush with nearly 30,000 naturally occurring hot springs, or onsen, of varying temperatures, colors, and mineral compositions. When superimposed over the country’s history, their timeline winds its way through ancient religions, warring empires, and modern day pop-culture, forming a vital part of the national identity.

Towards a Nude Architecture explores this narrative through an architectural lens, presenting a visual journey of water and steam spanning centuries and geographies.