In one of our greatest voices in modern philosophy, writer of The Span of Love, The Consolations of Philosophy, Religion for Atheists and THE INSTITUTION of Life

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

‘Participating and intelligent… Full of splendid ideas, gladly and beautifully expressed’ Independent

‘Alain de Botton takes big, complex subjects and writes about them with thoughtful and deceptive about The Structures of Happiness innocence’ Observer

‘Clever, provocative and fresh like a daisy’ Literary Review

Bestselling author Alain de Botton provides written about love, travel, status and how idea can gaming console us. Right now he becomes his attention to among our most intense but often hidden like affairs: with this houses and their furniture. He asks: What makes a house truly beautiful?Why are many new homes so unappealing?Why do we argue so bitterly on the subject of sofas and photos – 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 around the world, from medieval wooden huts to contemporary skyscrapers; he examines sofas and cathedrals, tea models and workplace complexes, and teases out a bunch of frequently surprising philosophical insights. The Architecture of Happiness will need you on the beguiling tour through the history and psychology of structures and home design, and will permanently alter your romantic relationship with buildings. It will change the way you look at your current home – and help you create the right decisions about the next one.