The Architecture of Happiness

By: Alain de Botton

Narrated by: Simon Vance

The Architecture of Happiness is a dazzling journey through the philosophy and psychology of architecture and the indelible connection between our identities and our locations.

One of the great, but often unmentioned, causes of both happiness and misery is the quality of our environment: the kinds of chairs, walls, buildings, and streets that surround us. And yet, a concern for architecture is too often described as frivolous, even self-indulgent. Alain de Botton starts from the idea that where we are heavily influences who we can be, and argues that it is architecture's task to stand as an eloquent reminder of our full potential.

©2006 Alain de Botton (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"De Botton has a marvelous knack for coming at weighty subjects from entertainingly eccentric angles." ( Seattle Times)
"With originality, verve, and wit, de Botton explains how we find reflections of our own values in the edifices we make....Altogether satisfying." ( San Francisco Chronicle)
"Entertaining and stimulating....The strength of his book is that it encourages us to open our eyes and really look at the buildings in which we live and work." ( Publishers Weekly)

Great book!

liked the book, the narrator can be monotone at times but definitely a good listen.

Interesting book about architecture

Any additional comments?

I like architecture, i purchased this book along with another, lets see how it goes.

Simply wow.

One of the most interesting books I’ve ever read. Alain never ceases to be one of the most compelling thinkers of our time, and I am forever moved and changed by this writing.

Wonderful book

Alian de Botton is a great writer and this work demonstrates that beautifully. If you're at all interested in this book or aesthetic philosophy it is a must have for you. Also be sure to check out Alian's YouTube channel "The School of Life)

Superb. Offering a grasp of human history, what makes life worth living.

A book encompassing more than aesthetics.
Inspiring.
I will Liste to it again and again.
I see the world with richer eyes