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Natalie Perri

Architecture Books: Top 10 Architecture Books to Read if You're Interested in Architecture

Updated: Jun 16, 2023

Architecture books are not only an excellent way to expand your mind, but they can also be a great source of inspiration. If you love architecture and want to learn more about it, these 10 books are a good place to start:




The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard is a book about the importance of space, and how it affects our emotions and our lives. The author uses many examples from literature to illustrate his points: how to create a space that is comfortable and inviting, how to create a space that is inspiring and creative.


The book also discusses the psychological effects of different kinds of architecture on people's moods--for example, how tall buildings can make us feel small or insignificant; or how rectangular rooms make us feel trapped (and claustrophobic).




A Pattern Language is a collaborative work between architect by Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa, and Murray Silverstein, and a team of researchers at the Center for Environmental Structure. It's an attempt to create a language for describing the relationship between people and their environment, with over 900 patterns organized into seven categories: homes, streets, cities, regions, landscapes, buildings and other structures. Overall, this book proposes a system of design patterns that can be used to create buildings and urban spaces that are functional, beautiful, and meaningful.


Written by Peter Zumthor, this book explores the idea of creating architecture that is sensitive to its context and the people who use it, emphasizing the importance of sensory experience and atmosphere. It is considered a must read for any architect, student, or individual interested in stepping into the mind of one of the greatest architects of this century.



The Architecture of Happiness is a book that examines how architecture can make us happier. The author Alain de Botton talks about how our buildings can shape our lives and how they affect us on a day-to-day basis.


He explains how certain types of buildings have had an effect on human beings over time, from churches to libraries, he gives examples of different types of architecture that have either made people happy or unhappy depending on the situation.




Written by Francis D. K. Ching, this book is a comprehensive guide to the principles of architectural design, aimed at students and practitioners alike. The book covers a wide range of topics, including form, space, proportion, scale, and construction, and provides numerous illustrations and examples to illustrate these concepts.


One of the strengths of the book is its clear and concise writing style, which makes complex concepts easy to understand. The book also includes numerous diagrams, drawings, and photographs, which help to illustrate the key ideas and provide visual examples of architectural principles in practice.


There are several reasons why people should read "Introduction to Architecture". Firstly, the book provides a solid foundation in the principles of architectural design, making it an essential resource for students of architecture, as well as for anyone interested in the field. Secondly, the book is highly accessible and easy to read, making it an excellent introduction for those who are new to the subject. Finally, the book is a valuable reference for practicing architects, providing a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and principles that underpin architectural design.






Written by Leon Krier, this book explores the role of architecture in creating cohesive and sustainable communities, emphasizing the importance of human scale, traditional building techniques, and contextual design.



Written by Rem Koolhaas, this book examines the history of New York City through the lens of architecture, exploring the city's unique urban form, its iconic buildings, and its cultural mythology.




This book is written by Le Corbusier. This book is a manifesto for modern architecture, advocating for a radical break from traditional forms and techniques in favor of a new, machine-based architecture that is functional, efficient, and expressive.


It is a seminal work in the history of modern architecture, advocating for a radical break from traditional forms and techniques in favor of a new, machine-based architecture that is functional, efficient, and expressive. It offers insights into the vision of one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, and can help readers understand the underlying principles and philosophy that have shaped modern architecture.




This book is written by Joseph DeChiara, John Hancock Callender, and Michael J. Crosbie, and is the perfect handbook for readers who are looking to take architecture more seriously. This handbook provides detailed information on the design and construction of various building types, including commercial, residential, and institutional buildings. It includes standards for building dimensions, systems, and materials, as well as design guidelines and case studies.





This book is written by Charles George Ramsey and Harold Reeve Sleeper. This handbook is a comprehensive guide to the technical aspects of architectural design, including drafting, construction documentation, and building systems. It provides detailed information on building codes, material standards, and construction practices, as well as examples of architectural drawings and details.




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There are many interesting books out there on architecture.


These are just some of the books on architecture that I have read and enjoyed. There are many other books out there on architecture, so don't hesitate to search for more if you're interested in learning more about this subject. You can find these books online or buy them in bookstores, or borrow them from libraries!


The list of architecture books is endless. These 10 are just some of the best ones I have read and can recommend for anyone interested in this fascinating topic.

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