48 Best Books on Architecture

“Introduction to Architectural Science: The Basis of Sustainable Design” Book Review: This book offers valuable insights into the physical principles underlying architectural design. It equips architects with the necessary knowledge to create buildings that offer comfort across diverse environmental conditions, reducing reliance on energy-intensive techniques such as air conditioning. This student-friendly book features larger page sizes and color printing. It covers the latest advancements in heat, light, and sound controls, providing readers with an understanding of these factors. The book includes convenient data sheets and method sheets at the conclusion of each chapter.

“Architecture” Book Review: This book explores the unique characteristics, important elements, and beautiful designs found in different architectural styles worldwide. It showcases iconic structures like the Great Pyramid of Giza, Machu Picchu, the Colosseum, Sydney Opera House, the Gherkin, and Burj Khalifa. Through stunning photographs and detailed cross-sections, the book provides a global perspective on historical and modern buildings. It explains the reasons behind common features in different time periods and how these remarkable structures have endured over time. With clear annotations and exquisite photography, it delves into the intricate details of each architectural masterpiece. The book also highlights the world’s most remarkable buildings, from ancient wonders to contemporary environmentally-friendly structures.

“Designing Tall Buildings: Structure as Architecture” Book Review: This book provides an overview of the essential principles underlying the design of high-rise buildings. It covers a range of key topics, including site selection, soil considerations, forces at play, architectural language, and elevations of structural systems. The book explores various aspects such as attributes, characteristics, systems, nature, and mechanics that contribute to successful high-rise design. The equations and figures in the book are meticulously labeled, ensuring clarity for readers. The inclusion of images aids students in grasping the concepts more effectively. This book serves as a valuable resource for students studying civil engineering.

“50 Architecture Ideas You Really Need to Know (50 Ideas You Really Need to Know series)” by Philip Wilkinson Book Review: This textbook offers an exploration of the fundamental concepts and innovations in architecture. It discusses the various ways in which the built environment is shaped and created, providing readers with a fresh and well-informed appreciation for architectural design that spans from the Classical orders of Vitruvius, including Doric and Ionic, to the latest contemporary trends. The book covers a wide range of content, focusing on topics such as Prefabrication, Dymaxion, Romanesque, Arts and Crafts, Alternative architecture, Art Nouveau, Brutalism, Palladianism, Secession, and Townscape. It discusses discussions on Green Architecture, Restoration, Organic Architecture, and Community Architecture.

“The Theory of Architecture: Concepts Themes and Practices” by Paul–Alan Johnson Book Review: This textbook is specifically designed for undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. Each section of the book begins by exploring the etymology of key terms related to the topic at hand, accompanied by a concise overview of its historical significance in architecture. The book covers a wide range of topics organized under main headings, including Identifications, definitions, power, attitudes, and order, followed by authority, governance, and relationship. It places particular emphasis on Advocacy and citizen participation in architecture, as well as delving into the various roles of the architect as an artist, poet, scientist, and technologist. The book also addresses the ethical obligations of architecture and offers insights into the rationales behind different models and methods of design.

“Draftsman’s Manual, Or, How Can I Learn Architecture?: Hints to Enquirers, Directions in Draftsmanship” by Frederick T Camp Book Review: The book focuses on providing a practical overview of the techniques employed to translate architectural ideas onto paper and other materials using various graphical representations such as plans, elevations, and sections. The author offers guidance on creating plans, sections, elevations, and details, while also delving into the History of Architecture, focusing on the classic, Gothic, and Renaissance styles.

“On Architecture: An Architectural Theory Based on Extensive Psychological Research” Book Review: This book is specifically aimed at undergraduate students studying architecture, although it can also be utilized by practicing architects. It explores a psychologically-oriented architectural theory known as “On Architecture,” which delves into the themes of radical innovation through imagination and engagement. The book further explores the dynamic relationship between design and research, while presenting concepts related to technology parks, cutting-edge materials, and innovative lighting and electrical systems. To enhance understanding, the book incorporates numerous diagrams and figures, along with practical case studies that exemplify the discussed concepts.

“101 Things I Learned in Architecture School” Book Review: This book has been crafted with a student-friendly approach. It offers concise lessons on design, drawing, the creative process, and presentation, covering everything from foundational concepts to the intricacies of color theory. Each lesson follows a two-page format, providing a succinct explanation accompanied by illustrative examples that span from diagrammatic representations to variable designs. The book is specifically designed to cater to the needs of architecture students, young designers, and experienced practitioners alike.

“Structural Design of Retractable Roof Structures: 5 (Advances in Architecture)” Book Review: This book provides an explanation of retractable roof structures, which enable swift and efficient movement of all roof components. It explores the advantages of these structures compared to traditional roofs, particularly in the context of their growing prevalence in sporting facilities. The book presents state-of-the-art designs, design guidelines, and recommendations for the implementation of retractable roof structures. It highlights the research findings and contributions of the International Association of Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS). The book discusses various aspects, including non-collapsible rigid frame structures, flexible materials, and folding membranes such as tents and pneumatics.

“Roof Design (Architecture)” Book Review: This book serves as a guide for architects, designers, and town planners who aspire to transform city skylines by utilizing extensions, attics, and distinctive roof designs. It focuses on the potential of rooftops as symbols of a new lifestyle and opportunities for enjoyment in previously unused spaces. The book explores various possibilities for roof design in residential, cooperative, and other types of buildings. It covers different roof types, including pitched roofs, flat roofs with vegetation, and rooftop gardens with pool areas. The book includes contact information for designers, providing readers with access to valuable resources.

“Towards a New Architecture” Book Review: This book offers a fresh perspective on architectural design and principles. It is written for architects, designers, and those interested in the field. The book covers various chapters on topics such as the use of space, the importance of light, the significance of proportion, and the integration of technology in architecture. Le Corbusier emphasizes the need for functional and efficient designs that cater to the modern lifestyle. With insightful illustrations and examples, the book encourages readers to embrace innovative approaches and envision a new era in architecture.

“Architecture: Form, Space, and Order” Book Review: This book offers an insightful exploration of present-day architectural forms, providing a fresh perspective on conventional models. It delves into the fundamental elements of point, line, plane, volume, and proportion, shedding light on their significance in architectural design. The book discusses the concepts of scale, circulation, and the interplay between form and space. It further includes dedicated sections on openings and scale, showcasing contemporary architectural design elements, and discussing design principles in depth.

“The Architecture of Happiness” Book Review: This book offers a unique perspective on the impact of architecture on our well-being and happiness. It is written for anyone interested in understanding the connection between our surroundings and our emotional state. The book covers various chapters exploring topics such as the influence of design on our moods, the role of beauty in architecture, the importance of harmony and proportion, and the relationship between architecture and our personal identities. With thought-provoking insights, this book invites readers to appreciate and seek out the beauty and meaning in the buildings around us.

“Deployable Structures (Small architecture series)” Book Review: This book provides an examination of the cutting-edge field of deployable architecture, exploring its various types, materials, and properties. It delves into the multitude of design approaches for these structures, drawing inspiration from natural processes and techniques such as paper folding. The book is richly illustrated with photographs, models, drawings, and charts, offering an abundance of inspiring ideas for architecture students and professionals alike.

“Enterprise Architecture at Work: Modelling, Communication and Analysis (The Enterprise Engineering Series)” Book Review: This book offers an exploration of constructing integrated enterprise architecture models, presenting concepts and methodologies essential for business architects and computer science students. It provides practical insights into efficient architectural practices, offering concrete instruments to enhance implementation. The book covers effective communication strategies and methodologies to engage with relevant stakeholders. Various analysis methods focusing on cost and performance considerations are discussed, providing valuable insights for readers. The text includes numerous real-life case studies that further illustrate the application of these concepts in practice.

“The Structure of Design: An Engineer’s Extraordinary Life in Architecture” Book Review: This book discusses the impressive engineering career of Leslie Earl Robertson, highlighting his lifetime achievements in creating groundbreaking buildings. From his early works, including iconic structures like the IBM buildings in Pittsburgh and Seattle, Robertson’s contributions have been at the forefront of innovation. The book offers valuable insights into the collaborative partnerships and problem-solving approaches essential in modern architecture, as well as the disciplined design principles employed in engineering. With its focus on practical knowledge, this book proves highly beneficial for civil engineering students.

“CLIMATE RESPONSIVE ARCHITECTURE: A Design Handbook for Energy Efficient Buildings” Book Review: The primary aim of this book is to enhance the understanding of data related to climatic zones, temperature zones, and other climatic parameters. It is based on extensive research in the field of Climate Responsive Architecture (CRA). The book is divided into two parts. The first part explores design tools, methodologies, and the latest developments in energy-efficient architecture. It includes dedicated chapters on lighting systems and materials, accompanied by informative inserts and photographs. The second part presents detailed climatic and environmental data for various locations, such as Leh, Shimla, Guwahati, and others, covering all temperature zones across the country. The discussed parameters include solar radiation, air humidity, temperatures, wind patterns, and precipitation.

“Contemporary Interiors” Book Review: This book serves as a valuable reference and guide, showcasing some of the most innovative ideas in home décor and furnishing. It presents a curated collection of the industry’s finest residential interior designs. Through the use of realistic 3D interior representations, the book offers visually captivating photographs that bring the designs to life. With a compilation of 36 projects, the book helps readers grasp the theoretical concepts behind these remarkable designs. Its aim is to provide readers with a fresh and inspiring perspective on the current trends in Indian residential spaces. Featuring designs from esteemed architects and designers, the book showcases projects that not only excel at a national level but also possess the potential to make an impact on the international stage.

“Detail in Contemporary Concrete Architecture” Book Review: This book offers an analysis of the technical and aesthetic significance of details in modern concrete architecture. It showcases 49 recently completed and influential concrete designs for residential and commercial structures. Each project is accompanied by vivid color photographs, site plans, sections, elevations, and an abundance of construction details. The book provides descriptive text, detailed captions, and in-depth information for each project, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the designs. A bonus CD-ROM is included, containing all the drawings featured in the book in both EPS and DWG (generic CAD) formats. The projects are presented in a clear and concise layout spanning four pages, with consistently styled drawings at standard architectural scales for easy comparison.

“Architecture in an Age of Uncertainty (Ashgate Studies in Architecture)” Book Review: This collaborative volume brings together academics, analysts, and architects to explore the intersection of economic turmoil and its social and political consequences, aiming to address the current state of confusion within the art and discipline of architecture. The book is structured around three key areas of study: economics, practice, and technology. Within these chapters, various topics are discussed, including protection, sustainable design, catastrophe architecture, the future of architectural practice, and the ethical responsibilities of social design within this broader context. The book provides a comprehensive explanation through glossaries, appendices, statistics, diagrams, and methodologies. To reinforce learning, the book includes lessons, examples, and homework problems that enable students to assess their skills effectively. The book incorporates diverse case studies at the end, offering practical insights into real-world scenarios.

“Landscape Architecture: An Introduction” Book Review: This book is perfect for professionals, students, and anyone who is interested in landscape architecture and design. It provides a detailed and practical introduction to the field. The book covers the history of landscape architecture and discusses the essential skills needed for the profession. It also explores the design process, focusing on principles like hierarchy, human scale, harmony, asymmetry, color, form, and texture. The book delves into educational and employment opportunities, as well as the future of the profession considering climate change and sustainability. It includes beautiful illustrations of completed projects from around the world.

“Landscape Architect’s Pocket Book (Routledge Pocket Books)” Book Review: This book is great for professionals, students, and anyone interested in landscape architecture and design. It is fascinating and very practical. The book provides a thorough introduction to landscape architecture, including the skills needed and the latest advancements. It covers all the important topics like hard landscaping, soft landscaping, planning, and legislation. It even includes a helpful glossary of key terms, useful calculations, and useful contacts. It’s a handy pocket book that has everything you need to know in one place.

“Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture” Book Review: This book is a must-read for professionals, students, and anyone interested in landscape architecture and design. It’s fascinating and highly practical. The book explores how plants and materials in landscape architecture work together to create a balanced and appealing design. It showcases exceptional landscape designs from around the world and discusses important elements like form, color, texture, and visual weight. With beautiful photographs and helpful drawings, the book examines how landscape architecture evolves over time with the growth of plants, changes in the environment, and people’s use of space. It’s a valuable resource that will inspire and spark innovative ideas.

“Vernacular Traditions: Contemporary Architecture” Book Review: This book discusses the complex issues of mass migration, economic crisis, climate change, and globalization, with a particular emphasis on how these factors manifest as social and economic constraints. It explores the significance of vernacular traditions in responding to and adapting to the socio-cultural environment. A key focus of this book is to determine whether vernacular architecture can serve as a model for sustainable development. The book acknowledges the role of modern technology in this context and examines the sustainability aspects of vernacular architecture.

“Built to Meet Needs: Cultural Issues in Vernacular Architecture” Book Review: This book provides an in-depth exploration of domestic buildings from various localities, examining their unique characteristics and the social and cultural factors that have influenced their evolution. It serves as a guide for students, architects, and individuals interested in housing planning, offering valuable references, papers, case studies, research findings, and essays. The book discusses the rich topics of vernacular architecture, including discussions on technology, economy, inherited skills, belief systems, symbolism, and meeting physical needs. With its diverse range of insights, this book offers a valuable resource for understanding and appreciating the multifaceted aspects of domestic architecture across different regions.

“Lessons from Vernacular Architecture” Book Review: This book explores the principles and lessons derived from traditional architecture in the context of new buildings. It examines both the technical and social solutions offered by vernacular architecture. The book features a collection of case studies that highlight various aspects of environmental design. It covers different building types and their corresponding climatic conditions, providing valuable insights into the relationship between architecture and the natural environment.

“Visual Databases in Architecture: Recent Advances in Design and Decision Making” Book Review: This book is specifically designed for undergraduate students of architecture, but it also serves as a valuable resource for architect professionals. It is a compilation of research papers focused on various topics within the field of architecture. These papers were originally presented at the Decision Support Systems in Architecture and Urban Planning Conference. The book discusses recent advancements in visual databases within the architectural context, exploring their applications and fundamental principles. Abundant diagrams, figures, practical case studies, and illustrations are included throughout the book, enhancing the reader’s understanding and engagement with the subject matter.

“Autocad 2017 for Architectural Design” Book Review: The book starts by introducing the AutoCAD interface, providing readers with a solid foundation. It guides readers through the process of importing hand-drawn drawings and utilizing them to create AutoCAD drawings. The book also covers the use of dynamic blocks for doors and windows, adding dimensions and annotations to the drawings, and creating elevations and 3D models. With detailed instructions and concise explanations, readers will learn how to create 2D architectural drawings, develop 3D architectural models, and perform rendering. Step-by-step guidance is provided throughout the book, ensuring a learning experience.

“Mastering Autodesk Revit 2017 for Architecture” Book Review: This book is a valuable resource for both beginners and professionals in the field. It covers all the essential aspects of Revit Architecture, providing step-by-step guidance on using the software effectively. The chapters cover topics such as project setup, modeling, creating construction documents, visualization, and collaboration. The book includes practical examples and exercises to reinforce learning. With clear instructions and detailed illustrations, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to master Autodesk Revit Architecture 2016.

“Autodesk Revit Architecture 2016 Essentials: Autodesk Official Press” Book Review: This book is made for fashion and architecture students, as well as professionals in the industry. It focuses on Revit Architecture and its tools and processes. The book covers a wide range of tools, including templates, annotations, and complex structures. It also discusses tools like work sharing, documentation, and modeling. Real-life examples and practice exercises are included to help readers apply what they’ve learned. The book also provides practical tutorials to enhance the learning experience.

“Autodesk Revit 2017 for Architecture No Experience Required” Book Review: This book starts by providing an overview of the Autodesk Revit environment, including the interface and essential tools. It then discusses the step-by-step process of creating a model, generating views, utilizing Revit tools, dimensioning and annotating, designing floors and roofs, incorporating structural elements, creating ceilings and interiors, constructing stairs, ramps, and railings, generating specialized views and match lines, preparing sheets for printing, and creating room and area plans.

“Contemporary Vernacular: Evoking Traditions In Asian Architecture” Book Review: This book explores the architectural trends and movements in Asian countries, focusing on architects who are reimagining and revitalizing their cultural heritage. It discusses contemporary architectural expressions and showcases topics such as the reinvigoration, reinvention, and extension of traditional design principles. The book also includes a variety of illustrations that highlight these concepts and examples.

“Elliniki Paradosiaki Architektoniki: Thessalia-epiros: 6 (Greek Traditional Architecture)” Book Review: This book focuses on connecting the medical and modern aspects of Greece from the 15th to the 20th century. It serves as an important resource for understanding the modern Greek identity. The book provides a comprehensive view of traditional architecture, showcasing the rich architectural heritage of Greece. It promotes the understanding, appreciation, and preservation of Greece’s architectural wealth. With color photographs of both exteriors and interiors, along with original drawings of traditional neighborhoods and houses, the book showcases the diverse architecture found in Pelion, Ambelakia, Trikala, Metsovo, Yiannina, and Zagori.

“Greek Traditional Architecture: Cyclades v. 2” Book Review: This book has a goal to bring together the medical and modern aspects of Greece from the 15th to the 20th century. It provides an important reference point for understanding the modern Greek identity. The book offers a comprehensive view of traditional architecture, giving a complete picture of the architectural heritage. It helps people understand, appreciate, and preserve Greece’s rich architectural wealth. With color photographs of both exteriors and interiors, as well as original drawings of traditional neighborhoods and houses, the book showcases the diverse architecture found in Andros, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Sifnos, Syros, Tzia (Kea), and Tinos.

“Greek Traditional Architectural Volume 3: Crete (Greek Traditional Architecture)” Book Review: This book has a goal to bring together the medical and modern aspects of Greece from the 15th to the 20th century. It aims to provide an important reference for understanding the modern Greek identity. The book offers a comprehensive view of traditional architecture, aiming to give a complete picture of the architectural heritage. It contributes to the understanding, appreciation, and preservation of Greece’s architectural wealth. With color photographs of both exteriors and interiors, as well as original drawings of traditional neighborhoods and houses, the book showcases the diverse architecture found in Rhodes, Patmos, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Leros, Astypalaia, and Crete.

“What is Japanese Architecture?: A Survey of Traditional Japanese Architecture” Book Review: This book provides an exploration of Japanese architecture, spanning from prehistory to the mid-nineteenth century, covering topics such as construction, design, carpentry, and the historical context. With over 300 detailed drawings, the book effectively elucidates the fundamental principles of Japanese architecture. Divided into four parts, it discusses religious structures, residences, castles, and places of entertainment, shedding light on the evolution of architectural practices over centuries. The book highlights the historical circumstances and key figures who played significant roles in shaping the field. Designed for a diverse audience including architects, designers, historians, carpenters, movie enthusiasts, tourists, and garden designers, it offers valuable insights and knowledge on Japanese architecture.

“Masterpieces of Traditional Indian Architecture” Book Review: The primary objective of this book is to provide an immersive exploration of India’s rich heritage and architectural traditions. The book successfully blends informative content with a reader-friendly approach. It discusses various aspects of Indian aesthetics, engineering principles, history, and the philosophical ideas that infuse grandeur and majesty into Indian architecture. The book offers insights into the evolution of architectural forms and their usage across different periods in history. It further elucidates how diverse cultures, religions, and individuals have played significant roles in shaping and defining distinctive architectural styles in India.

“Architecture of Bali: A Source Book of Traditional and Modern Forms (Latitude 20 Books (Hardcover))” Book Review: The main objective of this book is to provide a visual exploration of Balinese architecture, encompassing its origins, elements, variations, and intriguing nuances. The book initiates with a comprehensive overview of Balinese architecture and subsequently delves into its foundational components, such as the walled courtyard and the pavilion. It further explores the building materials, ornamentation, and the architectural fusions resulting from diverse ethnic influences. Notably, the book features a collection of stunning photographs captured by internationally acclaimed artists. With its focus on ethnic architecture, the book caters to individuals with a keen interest in this subject matter. It serves as a valuable resource for designers seeking inspiration from Balinese architectural aesthetics.

“Light in Architecture (Architecture in Focus)” Book Review: This book serves as a valuable resource for interior designers and architects, offering a plethora of creative ideas and inspiration. It showcases numerous projects that demonstrate how effective lighting can significantly enhance the appearance of a room and properly accentuate its interior. The book provides insights on harnessing both natural and artificial light to create a captivating spatial experience. It also explores the diverse roles that illumination can play in architectural design. Featuring a compilation of 123 projects from renowned architects and designers worldwide, this book showcases a wide range of exceptional designs. Among them are notable examples such as the Air Traffic Control Tower in Vienna, the Greenpix Zero Energy Wall in Beijing, the Ave Maria Chapel in Naples, the Deloitte Headquarters in Copenhagen, and the Koukjian Jewelry in Beirut.

“Space Architecture: The New Frontier for Design Research (Architectural Design)” Book Review: This book is for undergraduate students studying architecture and can also benefit professional architects. It explores the planning of long-term colonization in space and the design of habitable interiors, such as the International Space Station. The book introduces innovative computational design techniques and showcases notable designs. It also investigates how space architecture principles can be applied to terrestrial designs. With the inclusion of diagrams, figures, and practical case studies, this book offers a comprehensive resource for understanding and applying space architecture concepts.

“Principles of Town planning and Architecture” Book Review: In this book, the fundamental principles of town planning are explained. It covers a wide range of topics, including the human habitation environment, urbanization, the evolution of forms, aesthetics, proportions and materials, architectural principles and bye-laws, as well as architectural project management and design. By addressing these key aspects, the book provides a holistic understanding of town planning and equips readers with essential knowledge and insights in the field.

“Architecture and Town Planning” Book Review: This book is a valuable resource for students and professionals in the field. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the history of architecture, urban design principles, sustainable development, and the integration of technology in architecture. It explores various architectural styles and presents case studies of iconic buildings and urban projects. With its clear explanations and visual aids, this book provides a comprehensive understanding of architecture and town planning concepts.

“Basics Interior Architecture 03: Drawing Out the Interior” Book Review: This book serves as an introductory guide to interior architecture, focusing on the creative processes of drawing and modeling. It presents a diverse range of techniques and methods for interior design, providing readers with valuable insights. The chapters cover essential topics such as drawing conventions, concept boards, sketches, drawing to scale and projection, as well as orthographic projection. The book explores drawing space, perspective, animation, texture, and patterns, offering a comprehensive understanding of these elements in relation to interior design. It features a collection of drawings and sketches curated from renowned designers, showcasing their expertise and inspiring readers. Designed specifically for interior design students, this book offers a valuable resource to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field.