Have you ever wondered how the Sydney Opera House got its sails or why skyscrapers don't fall over? The answer lies in architecture, where the realms of art and science converge. Architecture books can help professionals and amateurs alike increase their knowledge and appreciation of the built world.
There are architecture books that serve a variety of purposes. Depending on what you're hoping to learn about architecture, you'll want to search for something that focuses on a specific area of expertise.
For instance, some focus on the history of architecture in different cultures and regions all around the world. Other architectural books offer a deeper exploration into specific styles of design, like art deco or neoclassical. You can even find sustainable architecture books about eco-friendly design.
For those who find themselves itching to learn about the subject area but aren't sure where to start, we have a selection of beginner-friendly architecture books that offer comprehensive introductions to the world of built environments, such as:
101 Things I Learned in Architecture School: This comprehensive text features concise lessons for absolute beginners to better grasp architectural theory as well as build basic skills.
Out of the many timeless classics of architectural literature, here are a few that stand out:
A Visual Dictionary of Architecture: This book provides a comprehensive overview of architecture concepts, complete with drawings and text for the terms.
The Image of the City: Those interested in city architecture will want to read this cumulation of a five-year study of Boston, Jersey City, and Los Angeles.
The Architect's Studio Companion: This guide is designed to answer common questions about building codes, structural systems, and more, acting as a handbook for architects to get started on a design.
Architects' Data: A reference book for initial design and planning, this well-organized guide provides over 6,200 diagrams, with dimensioned illustrations and extensive details for each type of building.
A Pattern Language: A guide on the process of construction for designing personal spaces, public buildings, and more.
Architectural books can lead to a deeper understanding of architectural styles in many ways.
Many books employ visual aids, like illustrations and photographs, and most will provide some historical context as to how certain styles came to be in the culture. Many books also compare different styles of architecture, like baroque vs rococo, helping readers differentiate between them.
There is a wide variety of advanced-level architecture books that are highly regarded in the architectural community for those looking to hone their technical skills, fortify their historical knowledge, and improve their professional practice.
Some to add to your library include:
The Architecture of Happiness: A look at the way our environment impacts our happiness through the lens of philosophy and psychology.
The Architecture of Light: This guide is meant to make lighting design approachable and provides readers with case studies, discussions on theory, a catalog of lighting tools, and more.
Practice Practice: Author Ashton Hamm advocates for small firms to adopt the cooperative model in order to transform the architecture industry.
