Tolstoy Mini Hotel

A journey of architectural and spiritual dialogue through text.

In the world of architecture, amidst morality, meaning, power, and desire, how should we choose?

Architect Enzo and his good old classmates Julian, Richard, and Wai, have each developed in different directions over ten years since their graduation.

Julian, who has always aimed for influence, established an architectural firm in New York. Over the past few years, he has emerged prominently in the architectural world. His designs, full of personal style and strong visual impact, always capture media attention. However, an accident occurred—a four-year-old child fell from a handrail-less staircase in a minimalist, stylish detached house designed by Julian, and was hospitalized with injuries. This incident made Enzo question Julian's goals. Waves of doubt regarding architectural responsibility, designer ethics, and the meaning and contradictions of being an architect arose in his heart, and the friendship between the two also began to change.

It wasn't until their collaboration on a large design project that the rift between Enzo and Julian gradually healed. Just as Enzo was determined to pursue his ideals, a sudden event one evening shattered all hopes like falling stars. A devastated Enzo, at Wai's invitation, temporarily moved into a small hotel in the forest, embarking on a journey of reflection on architecture and life.

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"The book explores many thought-provoking issues—what exactly is architectural ethics? Since a building is both a client's product and part of a community, what role should an architect play? Is the so-called preservation of collective memory the selfishness or responsibility of the previous generation? Han Lin, with just the right amount of provocation, leads us step by step to ponder without being preachy." — Hong Lai-fong, author of "Distance at the Corner"

Life Creating, author of "Scene Pattern" and "Collection of Characters" X Cheung Kwok Lun, Architect / Director of onebite, jointly recommended