Introduction
Reading about architecture is a must for architects and students alike. This guide will help you find the best books to broaden your knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.
Classic reference editions or more experimental offerings, this guide provides an overview of some of the most acclaimed titles in architectural literature. Topics like design, building technology, history, theory and materials are all covered. Plus, there are books exploring niche areas like lighting design or green technology.
For experienced architects or those just starting out, these books offer valuable knowledge, inspiration, and advice. Find the perfect one for you!
Books for Beginners
Kick-start your architectural journey! Get up to speed with great books. Learn construction and structural design fundamentals. Gain a clearer insight into the world of architecture.
The books will help you get started:
Architecture for Beginners by David Hand
David Hand’s book, ‘Architecture for Beginners’, is great for those just starting out in architecture. It explains the main concepts and principles of architecture. Chapters cover elements and theories, drawing and designing, technology, and professional practices.
Instructions guide readers through starting to design on their own. Diagrams and illustrations show structures from around the world. The book helps those understanding the basics of architecture or learning more about design processes from a professional’s point of view.
Throughout, it offers advice on topics like estimating costs, understanding building regulations, and creating sustainable structures. This comprehensive guide gives novices the tools they need to explore the world of architecture.
The Architecture Student’s Handbook of Professional Practice by American Institute of Architects
The Architecture Student’s Handbook of Professional Practice, by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), is a must-have for architecture students.
This guide covers all major aspects of architectural practice:
- Licensing and project delivery methods, to contracts and fees.
- Team structure, project management, and marketing.
- It explains ethical and environmental responsibilities architects must uphold.
- Plus, it has real-world examples to show how decisions are made during a project.
This book is an essential tool for those transitioning into professional practice.
Design Drawing by Francis D.K. Ching
Design Drawing by Francis D.K. Ching is a great architecture book. The text is clear and easy to comprehend. It is suitable for both beginners and professionals. It covers many topics, such as:
- Drafting techniques
- Sectional drawings
- Dimensioning schemes
- Elevation drawings
Aspiring architects can use this book to learn the basics of architectural drawing. Experienced professionals can use it to sharpen their skills. All illustrations are hand drawn by the author for accuracy. Making Design Drawing by Francis D.K Ching a great resource for all aspiring architects!
Books for Advanced Learners
Are you a student or professional looking to up your architecture game? There are numerous books available that can help! If you’re aiming to get into grad school or learn more about the history and techniques of various architectural styles, these books are sure to aid your learning journey. Check out some of the best books for advanced architecture learners!
Architectural Graphics by Francis D.K. Ching
Architectural Graphics by Francis D.K. Ching is essential for architects and architectural students. It’s written by an authority on architecture and explains the various architectural graphics used for communication and representation.
Topics include: principles of draftsmanship, visual communication, BIM, ylotypography, isometric drawing, orthographic projection, axonometric drawing and perspective drawing. Plus, new technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality. Tutorials with hundreds of colors illustrate each concept.
The book is great for students starting out or professionals updating their skillset. Architectural Graphics by Francis D.K. Ching is a learning resource to get up to speed fast on the latest digital tools and technologies available to today’s architectures big ideas – no matter the project size!
Architecture: Form, Space and Order by Francis D.K. Ching
Francis D.K. Ching’s Architecture: Form, Space and Order is a highly respected source for architectural design principles and techniques. It examines the basics of space design and arrangement of form. Visual examples of traditional and modern buildings demonstrate elements like point, line, plane, shape, volume, texture, colour, and site considerations.
The book looks into topics such as designing stairs and stairways, planning room flow, the psychology of design, and how to lead people through buildings. Ching’s diagrams explain complex concepts. The third edition has 600 drawings to illustrate the ideas.
It’s a great resource for architects and those curious about architecture. The short chapters are detailed, but not overly technical. This book is a must-read for those in the profession and has been used in universities since 1979!
A Visual Dictionary of Architecture by Francis D.K. Ching
Francis D.K. Ching’s Visual Dictionary of Architecture is a must-have guide for architecture students, professionals, and aspiring architects. It gives precise definitions for a broad range of architectural principles, such as codes and standards, building materials and locations, electrical systems, finishes, and interior elements.
The illustrations of construction details provide a real understanding of how these terms are used in practice. Ching explains the role and application of each element clearly. He is an instructor at one of the most renowned architecture colleges, making this book a perfect introduction to building technology for those beginning their architectural journey or just wanting to broaden their knowledge.
Ching’s Visual Dictionary is essential reading for any student or professional who wants to make the best of their studies or practice. It is also a great way to gain insight into what makes a successful design project – from materials and functions to styling details – to ultimately create efficient designs suitable for different needs in various contexts.
Books for Professional Architects
Architects need to be professionals, so they must understand the basics of architecture. That’s why experienced architects must read books about design, drafting, construction and code compliance. Here are some of the best architecture books for them. They provide deeper knowledge of the topics needed to create successful projects:
- Design
- Drafting
- Construction
- Code Compliance
Architectural Graphic Standards by American Institute of Architects
Architectural Graphic Standards by American Institute of Architects is a must-have resource for architects, engineers, and contractors. It covers almost every aspect of planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining buildings.
This book is divided into chapters based on building materials such as wood, steel, masonry, and stone. Each chapter has diagrams to show how the material is used. Pictures are included for extra reference. Further, the book covers HVAC systems, plumbing, landscape design, and structural capacity. There are sections dedicated to North American code standards, like the NYCBB. This edition has 500 full-color illustrations and thousands of tables with information about building components.
A great reference guidebook for architects and other professionals involved in building construction projects.
Architectural Design Portable Handbook by William J. Brummel
William J. Brummel’s Architectural Design Portable Handbook is an incredibly helpful reference guide for professionals and students alike! It covers all areas of architectural design, from planning to construction and landscaping, to energy efficiency. It provides easy-to-follow explanations of essential elements of good design. These topics range from site analysis to zoning laws, and building systems to materials.
Plus, this guide features helpful diagrams, tables, drawings and photos to illustrate key points. It also covers standards such as building codes, fire safety systems and sustainability requirements. Whether you’re new or experienced in the field, this book has something to offer. Its concise format and simple language make it a valuable resource for architects and students.
Designing with Light by J. Michael Fazio
J. Michael Fazio’s Designing with Light is a must-have for professional architects and students. It presents a comprehensive introduction to lighting design science and sources, luminaires, calculations, and residential and commercial design examples.
This book explores how natural light works differently in exterior and interior design, as well as the impacts of lighting on people’s behavior and mood. Its topics include:
- geography,
- climate,
- culture,
- colour temperature,
- daylighting systems,
- photometric equations and more.
Each chapter has diagrams to illustrate important data, like reflectance curves.
Designers can learn advanced strategies, such as how to design a space without direct light sources, but still ensure a comfortable room with no hot or cold spots on its surfaces. Designing with Light provides detailed accounts of natural and artificial lighting fixtures and strategies to save energy, like using luminaries to reduce power costs. Architects can also gather information about the latest technologies, such as shades or dimmers for windows. Plus, they can decide between daylighting techniques like skyroofs or atrium spaces when creating or renovating projects.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it depends on one’s preference and choice when selecting the best architecture books for architects and students. It’s important to consider what type of book, budget, reading level and genre you prefer.
- If a textbook or guide with industry standards is desired, then a textbook is your best bet.
- For architecture design concepts and styles, collections of works by different architects is a great resource.
- Reading up on architecture through literature can provide insight into the profession and add to your studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the best architecture books for beginners?
A1: For beginners, some of the best architecture books are “Architecture: Form, Space, and Order” by Francis D.K. Ching, “Architecture: A World History” by Richard Ingersoll, and “Designing Buildings and Cities: Principles and Practice of Architecture” by George R. Collins.
Q2: What are the best architecture books for professionals?
A2: For professionals, some of the best architecture books are “Architectural Graphic Standards” by Charles George Ramsey and Harold Reeve Sleeper, “A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction” by Christopher Alexander, and “Architecture in Detail” by Edward R. Ford.
Q3: What are the best architecture books for students?
A3: For students, some of the best architecture books are “Architectural Drafting and Design” by Alan Jefferis and David A. Madsen, “Design Drawing” by Francis D.K. Ching, and “Architectural Graphics” by Francis D.K. Ching.
