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Why Buildings Stand Up: The Strength of Architecture
Here is a clear and enthusiastic introduction to building methods from
ancient time to the present day, illustrated throughout with line
drawings. In addition, Mr. Salvadori discusses recent advances in
science and technology that have had important effects on the planning
and construction of buildings.
ancient time to the present day, illustrated throughout with line
drawings. In addition, Mr. Salvadori discusses recent advances in
science and technology that have had important effects on the planning
and construction of buildings.
Paperback, 320 pages
Published
February 17th 2002
by W. W. Norton & Company
(first published 1980)
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Without having read much to compare it to, I'd call this a good, comprehensive introduction to the mechanics of architecture. The discussion stays at a generalist's level and covers a lot of ground from the pyramids to the Superdome. And then, in the final chapter, semiotics.
Things I know now that I didn't know before:
1. The construction of the pyramids does not necessarily demonstrate knowledge of π. The book doesn't quite explain what π was theorized to have to do with the pyramids, but throu...more
Things I know now that I didn't know before:
1. The construction of the pyramids does not necessarily demonstrate knowledge of π. The book doesn't quite explain what π was theorized to have to do with the pyramids, but throu...more
The Book Why Buildings Stand Up by Mario Salvadori is a very stunning book. It talking about different kinds of buildings, the discovery of the buildings, how they 1st started building them, and many others. 1 of the most important thing about building tall buildings is that we need to know the strengths in them and the weakness. We need to make sure that the building is strong so it doesn't collapse and kill innocent people. The history of buildings are very old and are still used today. They m...more
Livre très didactique sur des concepts qui sont pourtant à première vue assez rébarbatifs (compression, flambement, transferts de charge et autres problèmes structurels), l'auteur se permet même par moment quelques envolées poétiques.
I've worked in the trades for years which probably accounts for why I'm always looking up when I enter a large auditorium, entrance hall, or any structure with vertical heft.
Salvadori examines classic structures of the west, from antiquity through the medieval and baroque periods, illustrating his concise primer on structures (beams, columns, loads etc) many are familiar with.
The final chapter is dedicated to the semiotics of structure. He notes that aesthetics of architecture are dynamic and...more
Salvadori examines classic structures of the west, from antiquity through the medieval and baroque periods, illustrating his concise primer on structures (beams, columns, loads etc) many are familiar with.
The final chapter is dedicated to the semiotics of structure. He notes that aesthetics of architecture are dynamic and...more
This book does a good job of introducing the basic principles of structural engineering with few if any equations or highly technical jargon. I enjoyed the range of types of architecture covered, and learned something about thin concrete structures and shells. The writing is for the most part commendably direct and easy to understand, though there were a few instances where I found myself skipping forward a few paragraphs. In all this is a good primer for someone interested in pursuing a career...more
I'll admit upfront that I only got halfway through this book and I'm labeling it as "read" because I can't make myself pick it up again. It had been recommended to me by a student, so I excitedly asked my class this past semester to purchase and read it. Bad mistake. I don't like to say this, (and I probably wouldn't if the author were still alive), but Salvadori can take even the most interesting concepts and make them boring. My class was too polite to say much, but when I'd ask the students p...more
This is a poor showing when compared to the sheer awesomeness of Why Buildings Fall Down. Which will kick your ass.
Inherent in 'Fall Down' is the imminent disaster about to take place, which is just thrilling. There is no thrill regarding why buildings stay up. 'Why do the pyramids stay up?' you ask? Well I'll tell you, they are a GIANT HEAP OF HEAVY ASS ROCKS that's why.
There, I just wrote a chapter of this book.
If you're interested in learning why shit works in a discovery channel for the m...more
Inherent in 'Fall Down' is the imminent disaster about to take place, which is just thrilling. There is no thrill regarding why buildings stay up. 'Why do the pyramids stay up?' you ask? Well I'll tell you, they are a GIANT HEAP OF HEAVY ASS ROCKS that's why.
There, I just wrote a chapter of this book.
If you're interested in learning why shit works in a discovery channel for the m...more
A layman's book about the fundamentals of how buildings, which includes bridges, stand up. No too technical and full of informative line drawings. I found it fascinating. I have never really trusted reinforced concrete. I do now that I understand how it transfers weight. And now I can truly appreciate, as well as name, a hyperbolic paraboloid.
il libro divulgativo che avrei voluto scrivere io...
...ma che ha già scritto Salvadori...scritto benissimo, intuitivo, appassionato, comprensibile quasi da tutti pur parlando di concetti che così facili proprio non sono...applausi!
...ma che ha già scritto Salvadori...scritto benissimo, intuitivo, appassionato, comprensibile quasi da tutti pur parlando di concetti che così facili proprio non sono...applausi!
It is one of the few books that turned me on to take all my elective classes in the field of Architecture while I was doing my MFA/Sculpture at Parsons School of Design in New York City.
kinda light on the technical aspects of architecture but he tells a good story about all the chosen structures. reading it in preparation for my structures exams...sigh.
May 13, 2009
Audie
added it
I like to keep a copy at my desk just to make sure that everyone knows that I know what I'm doing.
Excellent book for the average joe that is interested in architecture and the history behind it.
This was a fine introduction for a non-engineer like me. Frankly, it made me want to buy a bag of concrete mix and build something.
This is a great introduction to architecture, and answers questions you may have thought of concerning how some of the most famous buildings and structures actually hold together and dont come crashing down. What's funny is that you may not want to know how poorly some things are built. Pyramids, Eiffel Tower, mathmateical calculations if you feel so inclined.
Terrifyingly informative.
At times a bit too vernacular, but chock full of cool information. I really like the phenomenon by which, once someone learns something, s/he can't help but see the world differently. Whenever I look at waffled concrete ceilings, I will always see them in light of this book.
Quite excellent. Not sure what to make of the author's attitude toward engineers, but for a complete novice this book was accessible. I cannot judge how thorough the author's treatment of the subjects was; it felt solid. Recommended.
I started this all gung-ho but I realize I haven't picked it up in months so I'm not really currently reading it anymore. Someday.
Definitely drier than Why Buildings Fall Down, there's still a lot to be learned in this book.
Sort of one of those things that makes things make more sense.
An excellent book.
May 21, 2013
Desalegn Gebremariam
added it
May 18, 2013
Marcelomarttins
marked it as to-read
May 18, 2013
Chris Blaich
marked it as to-read
May 18, 2013
Rodney Ulyate
marked it as to-read
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