Top 5 Books to read as an architect and what can you learn from them

Architecture knowledge is not restricted to merely classrooms and lectures. It grows with every project you assist, every work you study, and every book you read. Internet is quite a popular source of learning these days, and books combined with the internet are an unbeatable source of enhancing knowledge.

Why books?

If you desire to flourish as an architect, you must indulge in reading about architecture. Experts from the architecture field have expressed about their learnings, hard work, and experiences in books that will help you grow as a professional. Most of the books on architecture comprise of conceptual drawings, architectural designs, and structural planning along with detailed explanations. These books on architecture help you –

• grow with experiences
• inspire you with new ideas
• help you understand things better
• expose you to new ideas

Let us have a look at the five best books to read:-

Architecture – Form, Space, and Order. Writer – Francis D.K. Ching

One of the first books you should opt for a better understanding of design. Ching has combined the basics of architecture in his book for any beginner willing to upgrade his knowledge better. He illustrates the geometry basics of architecture – volumes, lines, planes, and points, further explaining how to create and organize architecture forms using the basics. The book features several sketches to keep the interest of the readers intact. The motive of the book is to explain arrangement, geometry, and proportion of architecture to beginners.

World Architecture: The Masterworks. Writer – Will Pryce

World Architecture brings you information on 350 architectural marvels with photographs and in-depth details on how they were created. It showcases the evolution of Islamic architecture to Modern architecture. Pryce is a renowned architect who also excels in photography, making the book an excellent pick for photography and architecture enthusiasts alike.

101 Things I Learned In Architecture School. Writer – Matthew Frederick

This book by Frederick gives an insight into designs, concepts, and principles of architecture. There is an elaboration on the design and layouts of structures along with details on the designing process. The mentioned 101 things are separately explained on one page each.

The New Old House: Historic and Modern Architecture Combined by Marc Kristal. Writer – Marc Kristal

This book is an interesting read, illustrating 18 historic homes of locations varying from Europe to North America. The book expands on the several ingenious ways used by architects to refresh these historic homes for a new generation. There are portions explaining sustainability, preservation, multiculturalism, demonstration, and style of architecture. If you desire to read on a combination of history and modernity, this book is a perfect pick.

Towards a New Architecture. Writer – Le Corbusier

Le Corbusier is a legend in the architecture industry, and any book written by him is a must-read for any architecture enthusiast. His works are the finest examples of modern architecture, and his book enlightens vision for a modernly developed world. The details of the book include technical theories, economics, aesthetic theories, and views on the architecture industry.

Conclusion

Whatever book you may pick, make sure to start reading and learning. If not a reader, you can begin with a book with photographs and sketches.