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This clearly written, fully illustrated survey of Western architecture defines and explains structure, function, history, and meaning. Architecture is examined as a cultural phenomenon as well as an artistic and technological achievement. The book is divided into two parts: Part One, "The Elements of Architecture,” deals with the basic properties of architecture in chapters that explain function, structural principles, and elements of design, including examples in the text and illustrations from all periods and styles. Part Two, "The History and Meaning of Architecture,” is a chronological survey of Western architectural development from prehistoric times to the present. The approach is selective in terms of buildings and architects included; the examples are chosen for their importance and significance and are fully explained. Each chronological chapter begins with a concise, historical outline giving the social and cultural background. The illustrations (photographs, drawings, maps, and plans) are integrated with the text and there are notes, suggested readings, a glossary, chronological chart, and index.
| List of Maps | ||
| List of Illustrations | ||
| Preface | ||
| Introduction: Architecture, the Unavoidable Art | 1 | |
| Pt. 1 | The Elements of Architecture | 6 |
| 1 | "Commoditie": How Does the Building Function? | 6 |
| 2 | "Firmeness": How Does the Building Stand Up? | 18 |
| 3 | "Delight": Space in Architecture | 44 |
| 4 | "Delight": Seeing Architecture | 56 |
| 5 | "Delight": Architectural Acoustics, Shape, and Sound | 90 |
| 6 | The Architect: From High Priest to Professional | 104 |
| 7 | Architecture as Part of the Environment | 120 |
| 8 | Architecture, Memory, and Economics | 134 |
| Pt. 2 | The History and Meaning of Architecture | 138 |
| Chronological Table | 138 | |
| 9 | The Invention of Architecture: From Caves to Cities | 140 |
| 10 | Egyptian Architecture | 158 |
| 11 | Greek Architecture | 182 |
| 12 | Roman Architecture | 212 |
| 13 | Early Christian and Byzantine Architecture | 238 |
| 14 | Early Medieval Architecture | 264 |
| 15 | Gothic Architecture | 290 |
| 16 | Renaissance and Mannerist Architecture | 316 |
| 17 | Baroque and Rococo Architecture | 356 |
| 18 | Architecture in the Age of Enlightenment, 1720-1800 | 396 |
| 19 | Architecture in the Nineteenth Century | 420 |
| 20 | Early-Twentieth-Century Architecture: The Perfection of Utility | 458 |
| 21 | Late-Twentieth-Century Architecture: A Question of Meaning | 484 |
| Glossary | 519 | |
| Index | 531 |
Anonymous
Posted May 10, 2001
I am an architecture student at Pitt Community College in Greenville, NC and this book was my text book this semester. It is a good clear coverage of architecture from the beginning of recorded time. The only down side is that it does not feature many buildings in the US and does not cover much American architecture which is a disappointment to me since I love American architecture the most out of all others in the world. But even though it is a wonderful book on the history of architecture.
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Overview
This clearly written, fully illustrated survey of Western architecture defines and explains structure, function, history, and meaning. Architecture is examined as a cultural phenomenon as well as an artistic and technological achievement. The book is divided into two parts: Part One, "The Elements of Architecture,” deals with the basic properties of architecture in chapters that explain function, structural principles, and elements of design, including examples in the text and illustrations from all periods and ...