Analysing Architecture

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Now in its fourth edition, Analysing Architecture has become internationally established as the best introduction to architecture. Aimed primarily at those wishing to become professional architects, it also offers those in disciplines related to architecture (from archaeology to stage design, garden design to installation art), a clear and accessible insight into the workings of this rich and fascinating subject. With copious illustrations from his own notebooks, the author dissects examples from around the world and all periods of history to explain underlying strategies in architectural design and show how drawing may be used as a medium for analysis.

This new edition of Analysing Architecture is revised and expanded. Notably, the chapter on 'Basic Elements of Architecture' has been enlarged to discuss the 'powers' various architectural elements offer the architect. Three new chapters have been added to the section on 'Themes in Spatial Organisation', covering 'Occupying the In-between', 'Inhabited Wall' and 'Refuge and Prospect'. Two new examples - a Mud House from Kerala, India and the Mongyo-tei (a tea house) from Kyoto, Japan - have been added to the 'Case Studies' at the end of the book. The 'Select Bibliography' has been expanded and the 'Index' revised.

Works of architecture are instruments for managing, orchestrating, modifying our relationship with the world around us. They frame just about everything we do. Architecture is complex, subtle, frustrating... but ultimately extremely rewarding. It can be a difficult discipline to get to grips with; nothing in school quite prepares anyone for the particular demands of an architecture course. But this book will help.

Analysing Architecture is the foundation volume of a series of books by Simon Unwin exploring the workings of architecture. Other books in the series include Twenty Buildings Every Architect Should Understand and Exercises in Architecture .

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Preface
• Introduction
• How Analysis Helps Design
• Architecture as Identification of Place
• Basic Elements of Architecture
• Modifying Elements of Architecture
• Elements Doing More Than One Thing
• Using Things That Are There
• Primitive Place Types
• Architecture as Making Frames
• Temples and Cottages
• Geometries of Being
• Ideal Geometry
• Themes in Spatial Organisation: Space and Structure
• Themes in Spatial Organisation: Parallel Walls
• Themes in Spatial Organisation: Stratification
• Themes in Spatial Organisation: Transition, Hierarchy, Heart
• Themes in Spatial Organisation: Occupying the In-Between
• Themes in Spatial Organisation: Inhabited Wall
• Themes in Spatial Organisation: Refuge and Prospect
• Postscripts
• Case Studies
• Acknowledgements
• Select Bibliography and References