《建筑里的中国》是作者花费近一年的时间，实地踏访窑洞、土楼、苗寨、徽派民居、山西大院、北京四合院等中国传统民居后写成的。旨在寻根本土的建筑文化，从传统中寻找力量。书中描述了“苗寨依山而建，留出平地种稻粮；客家土楼生土板筑，外如城堡内家园；徽派民居的尊重自然山水大环境，黄土地上的靠山窑和地坑窑……”中国传统建筑的这些“场所精神”，作者都一一亲身观测体会。

蒲肖依，1989年生于北京。自幼喜丹青，好读书，游历广泛。本科毕业于加拿大麦吉尔大学建筑系，现为美国耶鲁大学建筑系研究生。曾在日本隈研吾建筑都市设计事务所，美国Kohn Pedersen Fox和Pei Partnership等国际著名建筑事务所研习。有《做人与自然的协调者》等建筑学评论见诸报章，尝试将中国传统文化融入现代建筑语境中。

CHAPTER 1
Chinese Architecture: Three-Trait Coupling
The Origin of"Three-Trait Coupling"
The Material Trait of.Architecture
The Social Trait of Architecture
The Knowledge Trait of Architecture
The Architectural Significance of "'Ihree-Trait Coupling"
CHAPTER 2
Philosophical Thinking on Natural Residence:
History of Cave Dwellings
Harmony between Human and Heaven: Natural Abode
Xun, Shadow Play and Cave Dwelling
Various Forms of the Traditional Cave Dwelling
The Construction and Decoration of Cave Dwellings
Inspiration from the Earth
Reform and Renewal of the Cave Dwelling
Dialogue between Louis Isadore Kahn and Lao Zi
CHAPTER 3
Ten Thousand Buildings Towering in a Misty Landscape:
Picturesque Scenery with Tulou Architecture
Tulous of the Hakkas
Following Nature and Adapting to Local Conditions
Architectural Wonders without Any Specific Architect
A Utopia with a Communal System
The Tulou in Modern Society
CHAPTER 4
Subtle Reflections of the Great Journey of Humankind:
Courtyard Manors by Shanxi Merchants in the Course
of History
From Cave Dwellings to Brick-and-Tile Quadrangles
Currency Revolution and Vicissitudes of Courtyard Residences
As the Scenery Changes, So Do Your Emotions
Elaborate Exquisiteness of Qiao, Bold Majesty of Wang, and Refined Elegance of Chang
Rites and Order
Merchants and Confucianism
Metaphysics and Fengshui
Calligraphy and Architecture
CHAPTER 5
Huizhou Architecture amidst Mountanis and rivers
Ecological Space amidst Mountains and Rivers
Beauty in the Planning of Clan Settlement
Combined Confucian and Taoist Styles with Plainness and Ethereal Beauty
Huizhou Merchants: Both Businessmen and Confucian Scholars
Thriving Education in the Hometown of Zhu Xi
Connotations of the Patio Culture
Ambiguity and Permeability of the Patio
CHAPTER 6
Flying Eaves Rising among Rolling Mountain Ranges:
Miao Village in Xijiang
Nest Dwelling as the Origin
People Believing Divinity in Everything
Body Aesthetics Reflected in Miao Dwellings
Organic Building Developed from the Environment
Stilted Bottom Story and Utilization of Grey Space
Cultural Significance of Triple Spaces
CHAPTER 7
Cultural Traits Embodied in Square and Circular Spaces:
Miniaturized Cosmos in Quadrangle Courtyards
Vicissitudes over Eight Hundred Years
Dialogue between Gates and Hutongs
Embodiment of Quadrangle Space in Other Cultures
Appreciating Beauty of the Quadrangles
Discovering the Subtleties of Residences of Celebritie
Living in the Leisurely Enclosure of the Quadrangle Courtyards
Protecting the Symbol of Beijing
CHAPTER 8
Words Not to Be Taken as Ending
Postface
Bibliography