[MattUK]

Hey Folks!
I just registered today, not sure whether this is the right place for my questions.

I'm a student from the UK, currently writing a paper on South East Asian design,
in connection with traditional philosophies.
So my main concern is to connect the famous traditional pieces of art (imperial palaces, traditional painting etc.) and the contemporary happenings in the design world. For example, its very hard for the Western eye to see any remains of traditional architecture in the concrete jungles of the major cities.
You probably have to look closer.

My question:
Do you know about any good books about this subject?
I browsed through loads of books in the campus library already.
But they all tell the traditional and the modern stories, yet ignore the connections.
Websites would do, as well, if need be.

Thanks to anyone who reads this!
I appreciate any help!

Matt