fbpx
Architect-US

10 Books Every Architect Should Read

1. Form, Space, and Order by Francis D.K. Ching

Architecture Books

This beautifully illustrated book by D.K Ching encourages critical thought in designing architectural spaces. Being used for over 40 years, Form, Space, and Order are used as the introduction to basic architectural vocabulary. It comes as no surprise that architecture schools all around the world are recommending this book to their students.

[irp posts=’160830′]

2. The Architecture Reference and Specification Book: Everything Architects need to know Every day by Julia McMorrough

Courtesy Of Julia McMorrough

With a  majority of standard books coming with overwhelming details, The Architecture Reference and Specification Book contains vital information in a format small enough to carry around. It streamlines the data provided in standard books and includes the most requested and indispensable architectural data.

3. A Field Guide to American Houses: The Definitive Guide to Identifying and Understanding America’s Domestic Architecture by Virginia Savage McAlester

Courtesy Of Virginia Savage McAlester

A Field Guide to American Homes is a book that makes all the periods of domestic Architecture in America, easily identifiable. Covering more than 50 styles, this book is invaluable to architects, tourists, house buyers, and architecture enthusiasts.
The illustrations in the book make it pleasing to the eye and informative.

4.The Future of Architecture in a 100 Buildings

Courtesy Of Marc Kushner

Architizer.com’s founder and practicing architect draws on his unique experience in social media and architecture to identify 100 buildings that are representative of the future.

5. Architecture A World History

Courtesy Of Daniel Borden, Jerzy Elzanowski, Joni Taylor, Stephanie Tuerk

Beautifully illustrated, this architecture book is a gift for an enthusiast. This pocket-sized book is filled with significant movements in architecture as well as crisp biographies of great architects. It also explores the evolution of the industry and of architectural masterpieces.

6. Ten Books on Architecture by Vitruvius

Courtesy Of Vitruvius

Vitruvius has been of great influence in the world of architecture. For hundreds of years, the instructions in his Ten Books on Architecture were followed to the dot. His influence can be seen in numerous buildings and this book has been important in the creation of many architectural masterpieces.

7. ArchiDoodle by Steve Bowkett

Courtesy Of Steve Bowkett

Just as the name suggests, this book is a fun and interactive way to learn about architecture. With numerous challenges for the user –  from designing a skyscraper to creating a Constructivist monument, this is an amazing book for learning about architecture while having fun.

8. Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History, and Meaning by Leland M Roth and Amanda C Roth Clark

Courtesy Of Leland M. Roth, Amanda C. Roth Clark

 

This intriguing and engaging book includes architectural styles from all over the world. It examines the meaning, structure, function of architecture in ways that are accessible and interesting.

9. Brunelleschi’s Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture by Ross King

Courtesy Of Ross King

Written as a tribute to the man who built a dome and changed the way Architecture was viewed, this book is about how Brunelleschi reinvented Architecture. Engineering the perfect placement of brick and stone, hoists and cranes to carry 70 million pounds, hundreds of feet in the air, he also designed the routines and platform of workers. His planning was so precise, that only one man died during the decades of construction.

10. Architecture: Residential Drafting and Design by Clois E. Kicklighter Ed. D., W. Scott Thomas

Courtesy Of Clois E. Kicklighter Ed. D., W. Scott Thomas

This provides comprehensive information on architectural designs, drafting methods, constructionprinciples, and methods. It helps new students to easily learn different and unique ways of drafting as well as designing sustainably, through a design-building process.

11. The Language of Architecture: 26 Principles every Architect should know by Andrea Simitch, Val Warke

Courtesy Of Andrea Simitch, Val Warke

Based on 26 building blocks of Architecture, this book is a comprehensive learning tool. Starting from the basics and moving on to complex architectural designs, The Language of Architecture is definitely a go-to book for reference.

12. The New Old House: Historic & Modern Architecture Combined by Marc Kristal

Courtesy Of Marc Kristal

An interesting perspective on timeless houses, which have been revamped and used for other purposes, The New Old House traces the inventive methods used by architects to revitalize old buildings.

13. St. Petersburg: Architecture of the Tsars by Dmitri O. Shvidkovsky

Courtesy Of Dmitri O. Shvidkovsky

It chronicles the history of city planning and construction of St. Petersburg under the Russian Tsars. It is compiled with pictures, illustrations, and detailed descriptions of the architecture of St. Petersburg.

14. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction by Cyril M. Harris

Courtesy Of Cyril M. Harris

Updated and revised, this is a comprehensive collection of architectural terms – with 25,000 definitions, 2,500 illustrations. This is the best dictionary for an architect and one of the must-have architecture books.

15. Architecture: From Prehistory to Postmodernity by Marvin Trachtenberg, Isabelle Hyman

Courtesy Of Marvin Trachtenberg, Isabelle Hyman

This book depicts the various periods of architecture and illuminates the aesthetical, social, and intellectual difference in the historical trends

16. A Visual Dictionary of Architecture by Francis D K Ching

Courtesy Of Francis D. K. Ching

It is a concise dictionary of illustrations and hand-rendered drawings of numerous architectural definitions.

17. Architecture in Wood: A World History

Courtesy Of Will Pryce

Written by a photographer, who trained as an architect, this book beautifully conveys the excitement of seeing timber architecture.

18. Sustainable Design: A Critical Guide

Courtesy Of David Bergman

Sustainable Design is a comprehensive guide to reducing energy and carbon footprints and creating structures that are environmentally responsible.

19. World Architecture: The Masterworks by Will Pryce

Courtesy Of Will Pryce

With over 350 photographs showcasing the finest buildings of the world, this is one of the best architecture books.

20. Modern Architecture Since 1900 by William J R Curtis

Courtesy Of William J.R. Curtis

This contemporary classic combines a concise and clear historical outline with masterly interpretation.

21. A Global History of Architecture by Mark M. Jarzombek, Vikramaditya Prakash

Courtesy Of Mark M. Jarzombek, Vikramaditya Prakash

This book differs from the standard architecture books, by looking at history from a global perspective rather than from a Western lens.

22. Sketching for Architecture + Interior Design by Stephanie Travis

Courtesy Of Stephanie Travis

Having learned architecture in the era of computers and rendering software, a lot of today’s architects lack the ability to sketch. This book is a brilliant guide to help students and architects hone their sketching skills.

When considering your next career move, plan proactively and create Portfolios that include your best work. Consider looking into finding a mentor with Architect-USand improving your Portfolios with our Portfolio Plans and Career Advice Program. We provide coaching and personalized mentorship, so you can have a professional and experienced take on your next steps in your career, as well as a great team to confide in.

Architect-US

Instagram

Follow Us!

Don't lose anything about-us

Instagram