In a couple of days, on April 23, we celebrate the World Book Day. This day, as many of you know, was chosen because was the date of death of two of the most eminent literay geniuses of all time: William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes. Well, that’s not exactly true: both died on April 23, 1616; but Spain used the Gregorian calendar and England used the Julian calendar so Shakespeare actually died 10 days later than Cervantes.
Anyway, here they are some ideas, some of the best books for architects (in our humble opinion!):
Archi-Doodle: An Architect’s Activity Book by Steve Bowkett
A fun, interactive way to learn about architecture. It’s full of architectural challenges for the reader: designing your own skyscraper, drawing an island house, creating a Constructivist monument and many more! Suitable for beginners, but also for those dedicated to design and architecture, it encourages to use the imagination and in that way, learning and developing architectural issues such as how to furnish a space, how to read plans, materials…
Due to the success, a few months ago appeared a second part, centered on the city: Archidoodle City: An Architect’s Activity Book
101 Things I Learned in Architecture School by Matthew Frederick
Ideal for architecture students, it expresses in clear and simple language 101 concise architecture lessons in a two-page format, with a brief explanation and an illustration. All the important subjects are in the book from the basics: design, drawing, the creative process, presentation. Written by an architect and instructor is a good complement to the architectural studies.
Yes Is More: An Archicomic on Architectural Evolution by Bjarke Ingels
We simply love Bjarke Ingels and BIG‘s work! If you too, this is your book! According to the publisher description, this is a «manifesto of architecture as seen by the Copenhagen-based group BIG, told in comic book form». So simple and brilliant as that. In te group own words:
Architecture seems entrenched: naively utopian or petrifyingly pragmatic. We believe there is a third way between these diametric opposites: a pragmatic utopian architecture that creates socially, economically and environmentally perfect places as a practical objective.
Le Modulor and Modulor 2 by Le Corbusier
A classic, an indispensable book for architects. A must. Le Corbusier was one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century: more than an architect, a philosopher. Le Modulor is the tool he invented to assist the architect to ensure proportion. This book addresses the philosophy behind the tool and discusses its usability.
The book is full of remarks about the Golden Section but also include many letters from his colleagues which does it even more enriching.
Architecture Now! Vol. 1 by Philip Jodidio
Taschen is synonymous with quality when it comes art books. This book, the first of a series of 9 (by far), depicts the best of contemporary architectural design the definitive reference guide to contemporary architecture. All the big names and buildings that are now indispensable, architectural icons, are here, arranged alphabetically with biographical and contact information.
El Croquis by Several Authors
If you speak Spanish and are interested on spanish and latinamerican architecture (but not also), you must read El Croquis, Spain’s most prestigious architectural magazines and one of the best known in the world. It publish 6 issues per year, each one dedicated to a reknown architect or studio. Several Pritzker winners have their own volume, which is an honor in itself. Because of its price, not all architects can buy each number, so they are considered almost as precious objects.
