Metaphoric Architecture: Transforming Ideas into 3D Form

by Michael C. Abrams

Overview

Metaphoric Architecture focuses on a fundamental but often challenging part of the beginning design phases—how to take an abstract idea and transform it into a three-dimensional object, space, or building.

Through media experimentation, analysis of innovative case studies, and hands-on exercises, Abrams guides the reader through the early stages of design, which include site and precedent analysis, among other initial approaches. To comprehend design thinking, the visual arts, music, and film are examined in relation to architecture. Chapters demonstrate how abstract ideas inspired by paintings, music, and films, can be utilized in the spatial design process and transformed into habitable spaces. There are 22 exercises that increase in complexity to strengthen students’ abilities and promote the use of digital and manual representation in a back-and-forth motion. With 444 illustrations, this book demystifies the process of designing 3D form and space in a highly visual way.

It will be the ideal studio companion for beginning and intermediate students of both architecture and interior design, with a wide range of architectural lessons that include abstraction, design fundamentals, concept development, building design, case study analysis, and site-to-building relationships.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032585406
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	07/14/2025
Pages:	348
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Michael C. Abrams is a Puerto Rican architect and Architecture Professor at the University of Maryland-College Park. Mr. Abrams is the author of the best-selling book The Art of City Sketching: A Field Manual—2nd ed. (Routledge, 2021). He has taught graduate and undergraduate architectural design studios, sketching and drafting courses, as well as the history of contemporary architecture at several colleges and universities along the East Coast and Midwest of the United States, such as George Washington University, Catholic University of America, Marymount University, and Columbia College Chicago, among other institutions. Mr. Abrams obtained a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and a Bachelor in Environmental Design from the University of Puerto Rico. Michael has spent several years working in the profession in the United States, Spain, and Italy.

Table of Contents

Introduction. Materials & Tips. 1: Design Fundamentals. 2: Art & Architecture. 3: Music & Architecture. 4: Film & Architecture. Conclusion.

Editorial Reviews

"Michael Abrams’ new book, Metaphoric Architecture, is an indispensable guide for any aspiring architect or studio instructor. He approaches the design process with a thoroughly original, creative method that ties in art, music, and film—a highly innovative connection that uses the metaphor to incite strong design concepts and ideas."

Stephanie Travis, Associate Professor & Program Head of Interior Architecture, The George Washington University

"Drawing from his extensive experience as a practicing architect and educator, Abrams bridges architecture with its allied disciplines: visual arts, music, and film. Rich with insights, case studies, and exercises, this book is an invaluable resource for undergraduate to graduate architecture design studio students and instructors."

Juan Luis Burke, Assistant Professor, History and Theory of Architecture, University of Maryland

"Architectural concepts generate unique forms influenced by place, culture, identity, or time, evoking emotions, attachment and comfort. Each creation is a story fragment shaping a way of life. Michael Abrams’ Metaphoric Architecture poetically captures this process, highlighting its uniqueness without reducing it to rigid or preconceived parameters."

Omayra Rivera-Crespo, PhD, Assistant Professor School of Architecture, University of Puerto Rico

"Michael C. Abrams’ new book is an exciting exploration of metaphoric architecture, blending art, music, and film to reveal their transformative power in design and architecture. Filled with inspiring case studies and practical exercises, it’s a must-have for architects at any level. We are eager to share it with our own team to spark creativity, refine design thinking, and deepen the connection between concepts and the real-world execution of our projects."

Charles Warren, Co-founder and Principal of Design, TeassWarren Architects, Washington, DC

"Metaphoric Architecture offers an evocative exploration of how metaphors from art, music, and film inspire architectural design. This timeless book empowers architects and students to transform abstract ideas into ingenious spaces by demystifying the creative process and blending theory with hands-on exercises. A joyful guide for unlocking imagination in design."

Clara Irazábal, Urban Studies and Planning Program Director, University of Maryland

From the Publisher