Architecture Explained

by Neil Stevenson

Explains and illustrates the structure of fifty of the world's greatest buildings through hundreds of photographs, floor plans, and cross sections, as well as provides each architect's philosophy and the stylistic context of each building.

Genres: Architecture, Art, Nonfiction, Reference, Adult

112 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the reasons I love my job so much. This book went across my desk and the I grabbed it. I appreciate the DK books for their beauty, color and the ability to take a glimpse at a subject and make it understandable. Many of the older classic building were familiar, but the extra information was very interesting. I just finished some books on Frank Lloyd Wright and was excited to see the Japanese Katsura Palace and its large overhangs and landscaping that inspired Wright. Also, I was fascinated by the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, still not completed, that looks like dribbled sand. I would also like to know if the residents and workers of The Ark in London enjoy this kidney shaped place now that it is 25 years old. I also wonder how the Schlumberger Cambridge Research Center "roof" of fabric is holding up after 25 years of weather. It is beautiful, but is it going to be practical over time and wear. My friends would say I think too much, but I am glad that people are still testing the limits of structure and form.

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Large & lovely oversized compendium of great works of architecture. One might quibble with some of their choices towards the end but really, it was a feast for the eyes.

[Ann Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a marvelous collection of world architecture! This is the perfect gift for someone who has everything.

Within its pages, the reader will find the mysteries of the Temple of Amun at Karnak, Santa Sophia, as well as the impressive castle, Krak des Chevaliers. Here, too, are the details of how the Villa Rotunda was constructed, what makes Hardwick Hall so fascinating and the schematic drawings of Robie House in Chicago, created by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Architecture can be as diverse as the Neue Staatsgalerie in Stuttgart, Germany with its serpentine walls, as simple as the Ise Shrine in Japan, which is burned to the ground then reconstructed every twenty years, or as complex as the Florence Cathedral. Each building contains a summary of how it was constructed, with unique information regarding the architect, materials used, and even the political and social climates influencing its construction.

Since it is constructed in sections, this book may be read in segments or all at one time. Perfect for a physician's office or for those with an artistic flair.

[Azad Azadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm gonna read this lovely book!

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not in depth detail of architecture but a good picture book.