The Architecture of Happiness

By: Alain de Botton

Narrated by: Alain de Botton

From one of our greatest voices in modern philosophy, author of The Course of Love, The Consolations of Philosophy, Religion for Atheists and The School of Life

The Architecture of Happiness explores the fascinating hidden links between the buildings we live in and our long-term wellbeing

'Engaging and intelligent... Full of splendid ideas, happily and beautifully expressed' Independent

'Alain de Botton takes big, complex subjects and writes about them with thoughtful and deceptive innocence' Observer

'Clever, provocative and fresh as a daisy' Literary Review

Bestselling author Alain de Botton has written about love, travel, status and how philosophy can console us. Now he turns his attention to one of our most intense but often hidden love affairs: with our houses and their furnishings. He asks: What makes a house truly beautiful?Why are many new houses so ugly?Why do we argue so bitterly about sofas and pictures - and can differences of taste ever be satisfactorily resolved?Will minimalism make us happier than ornaments?

To answer these questions and many more, de Botton looks at buildings across the world, from medieval wooden huts to modern skyscrapers; he examines sofas and cathedrals, tea sets and office complexes, and teases out a host of often surprising philosophical insights. The Architecture of Happiness will take you on a beguiling tour through the history and psychology of architecture and interior design, and will forever alter your relationship with buildings. It will change the way you look at your current home - and help you make the right decisions about your next one.

A great "read"...

At first I thought it was one of those self help books on happiness, which is not what I was after.
I'm so glad I took the leap based on a friend's suggestion.
It's a truly fabulous "read" which answered many of my questions on art, photography, painting, beauty and well being in general.
It's also a mine of knowledge.
Merci very much Mister de Botton.

Misleading title

I bought the book because I enjoyed some talks by the author. I expected the book to deconstruct happiness into building blocks and suggest how to use this knowledge to architect a more fulfilling/meaningful/happy life.

Instead it's actually (at least the first chapter that I managed to listen, which is a third of the book) only about how architecture of buildings influences our perception and emotions and how it communicates to us.

While the topic is interesting and well documented, the title is misleading.

It is a waste of time if you are looking for what the title says.

The title should've been "Architecture speaks" or "Architecture and emotions" or at least "Architecture and happiness".