The Architecture of Happiness

By: Alain de Botton

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 4 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

LOVED it!

If you could sum up The Architecture of Happiness in three words, what would they be?

Verbalizes the difficult to articulate feelings that one experiences when experiencing a man-made place.

What did you like best about this story?

It's an unusual and difficult to tackle area. Nebulous. But the author has gotten the lightning into the bottle, as they say.

What does Simon Vance bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Vance brings to the material the character of a like-able and effusive aesthete and bon-vivant. The perfect voice for the elevated and of the moment ideas in the book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The impossible book to capture on film has been made.

worth the effort

Interesting and unexpected, definitely will look at buildings from a different perspective from now on

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

Delightful introduction into built beauty

If you ponder the artistry of buildings and those who built them, this book is for you. Beautifully narrated, it is as meditative as it is informative.

Excellent If You Have Insomnia!

Highly educational and occasionally interesting and insightful. Incredibly helpful when I needed to fall asleep. Definitely recommend!

Valuable Book

Beautiful writing that offers thoughtful commentary on the biases and aspirations that shape our built environment.