architecture

Architectures, Vol. 1
$39.95
There are times when I think the French are completely incapable of anything coherent, and then I encounter something like this. This is an excellent series. Comes in three different languages (French - spoken, and German and English - voice-overs and subtitles). Some of the verbage is a bit over the top and grandiose, but the coverage of the different architectural examples is always excellent. Where they can, they include interviews with the architect; always show work drawings and detailed graphical diagrams; always show detailed examples of current life within the results, along with honest discussion of some of the practical problems encountered during design, construction, and maintenance.

The only thing you could wish for is coverage of more examples. Even with five different volumes with coverage of six designs per volume, a hard core architecture junkie would have several hundred (thousand) more examples for the list. In addition, they were smart enough to let each design speak for itself. For example with Walter Gropius, you can see why Bauhaus does/does not work for you, without the usual lecture on why you should/should not worship at that particular altar.

Architecture: Form, Space, & Order
$45.00
This book is a must for anyone studying drawing, drafting or architecture. Fantastic detail and examples.

101 Things I Learned in Architecture School
$12.95
I'm a grad student in architecture and got this book during my second year, but didn't look at it too closely until my thesis project (3rd year). Seriously, this book is like a breath of fresh air in an architecture environment filled by relativism and differing opinions. I have often wondered if there were absolutes in architectural education, and this book sets them out (at least as close to absolutes as you get in our postmodern world). The book mentions that you should initially have a basic parti, or idea, to begin your design; and that parti should inform the whole design. Wow of course, that's so simple and common sense, but rarely heard. This book really breaks it down and gives many little pearls of advice to inspire your thoughts. It helped me get out of a rut I was in with my thesis design. I would definitely recommend this to any architect or architecture student.

Think Like an Architect (Roger Fullington Series in Architecture)
$26.95
I am not an architect; merely someone who appreciates the end results of good architecture. I do not routinely read books about architecture, or books written by architects. But as a long-time admirer of Hal Box's architectural work, I was curious how a book titled Think Like an Architect might read.

Short answer? Terrifically! I learned something interesting about the history, art and science of architecture in every chapter.

As I finished the book, which I accomplished faster than I would have liked or imagined, it occurred to me that Hal Box accomplished with this book what Vitruvius, the first century BC Roman architect, espoused as the goals of good architecture: commodity, firmness, and delight. The book accomplished its program of encouraging me to think more like an architect (commodity); the ideas and illustrations are thoughtfully and artfully presented in a sturdy format which will withstand years of referencing and re-reading (firmness); and Professor Box puts forth his ideas and opinions, earned over a long and distinguished career as an educator and practicing architect, clearly and entertainingly (delight).

Whether one plans to build or is simply curious about how to do it right, Think Like an Architect is a must.