In the past the focus of urban illumination has been purely functional. This book is a treatise on the work of Kaoru Mende+Lighting Planners Associates, a Japanese firm, which purposely creates spaces to leave a lasting impression through the use of light and shadow. This fascinating full colour book explores the use of light from many different aspects; from the sensuous through to the pragmatic sequencing of place and time not forgetting, of course, its relationship to the natural environment. This is a very different sort of book, full of practical and innovative ideas.