Discovering Architecture: How the World's Great Buildings Were Designed and Built

by Philip Jodidio, Elizabeth Dowling

This exceptionally produced art book with die-cut windows, overlays, and blueprints identifies, decodes, and explains the world’s architectural masterpieces. Based on the successful format of Discovering the Great Masters, this is an accessible reference for anyone interested in great spaces and spectacular buildings and for anyone keen to know more about architecture. Each of the architectural works features clever overlays and die-cut windows that allow the reader to identify and focus on specific design elements. Each featured window includes a thoughtful caption explaining the significance of the highlighted building materials, historical context, and insights into the planning and architectural influences. Including such works as the Tower of London, Notre-Dame de Paris, and the Taj Mahal in India, the book is organized chronologically and presents buildings from all genres, covering more than two millennia of architectural history. In addition to the clever die-cut captions, each building is featured in an essay filled with essential information on the construction, as well as the social, political, cultural, and geographical considerations of the architect. Stunning photographs allow the reader to appreciate the technical feats and aesthetic brilliance of both the buildings and architects past and present.

Genres: Architecture, Nonfiction, Art

260 pages, Hardcover

First published September 24, 2013

Reviews

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A global sight-seeing page turner! I never realized how much architecture communicates—about history, the present need, and hopes for the future. This book, highlighting fifty architectural masterpieces from around the world, provides background (both historical and structural) for each site which leaves the reader in awe of the intentionality that exists behind the use of space. I recommend to those who enjoy travel, history, or art.

I found it fascinating that though styles differ greatly worldwide, general principles like proportion, perspective, and purpose are universal traits that contribute to impactful architecture. The creative scope of humanity is truly one of the greatest beauties and gifts from God.

I give this 4 stars for two reasons. First, the amazing intro by the author was repeated when individual buildings were investigated in the body of the book. Second, the book itself was large and heavy, making it uncomfortable to read. However, the photography is stunning, so totally worth pushing through awkward reading positions.

[Servabo · Rating 3 out of 5]

"To every age its art, to art its freedom"
Der Zeit ihre Kunst, Der Kunst ihre Freiheit.

Vienna Sucession.

[Diego Alessandro Lopez Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice!

[Katelyn Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular book covering several countries in the world and their works of architectural art.
This is actually a pretty large-framed book, which is absolutely AWESOME given it has *full page photographs* of the locations in question.
This book is candy for the eyes, and knowledge for an ancestral soul. Read this please.