Reading Architecture

Reading Architecture

Released February 2012
Publisher(s): Laurence King
ISBN: 9781856697361

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Book description

This innovative and unique book is a visual guide to the buildings that surround us, naming all the architectural features so that, unlike other architectural dictionaries, the reader doesn't have to know the name before looking it up.

Clear line drawings and extensive color photographs illustrate each of the main building types, from forts to churches, stately homes to skyscrapers. The individual structural elements and materials common to all buildings are explained, whether in Classical, Gothic or Modernist style, before delving into the inner architectural details, such as doors and windows, roofs and staircases. A comprehensive glossary completes the book.

An original and accessible take on the architectural dictionary, this book will be useful not only to students but to anyone with a general interest in architecture.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Contents
  4. Introduction
  5. Chapter 1. Building Types
    1. The Classical Temple
      1. The Temple Front
      2. Temple Front Widths
      3. Intercolumniation
      4. Types
      5. Internal Spaces
    2. The Medieval Cathedral
      1. West-End Portal
      2. South Transept Portal
      3. Plan
        1. Church Plan
      4. Section
      5. Furnishings
    3. The Renaissance Church
      1. Exterior
      2. Plan
      3. Interior
    4. The Baroque Church
      1. Exterior
      2. Plan
      3. Interior
    5. Fortified Buildings
      1. Keep Castle
      2. Concentric Castle
      3. Exterior
    6. Country Houses and Villas
    7. Street-Facing Buildings
    8. Public Buildings
    9. The Modern Block
    10. High-Rise Buildings
  6. Chapter 2. Structures
    1. Columns and Piers
      1. Types
      2. The Classical Orders
      3. Non-Classical Capitals
    2. Arches
      1. Elements
      2. Round Arches
      3. Pointed Arches
      4. Other Arch Forms
      5. Types
    3. Modern Structures
      1. Concrete
      2. Steel
      3. Building Forms
  7. Chapter 3. Architectural Elements
    1. Walls and Surfaces
      1. Masonry
        1. Common Types of Stone
        2. Surfaces
        3. Rustication
      2. Brick
        1. Positions
        2. Bonds
        3. Mortar Joints
        4. Types
      3. Timber
      4. Tiles and Ceramics
      5. Concrete and Renders
      6. Glass
      7. Metal and Synthetic Materials
      8. Large-Scale Wall Articulations and Features
      9. Surface Articulations
      10. Unenriched Mouldings
      11. Enriched Mouldings and Decorative Elements
    2. Windows and Doors
      1. Types
      2. Delineating Apertures
        1. Classical Apertures
        2. Pediment Types
        3. Gothic Apertures
          1. Tracery Elements
          2. Tracery Types
      3. Common Window Forms
      4. Window Projections and Balconies
      5. Roof Lights
      6. Common Door Forms
    3. Roofs
      1. Types
      2. Tiling and Roof-Cladding Types
      3. Pitched and Gabled Roofs
        1. Gable Types
      4. Spires and Castellations
        1. Spire Types
      5. Domes
        1. Exterior
        2. Interior
        3. Types
      6. Structures
        1. Trusses
        2. Vaults
          1. Rib Vault Types
    4. Stairs and Lifts
      1. Staircase Components
      2. Staircase Types
      3. Lifts and Escalators
  8. Glossary
  9. Index
  10. Picture Credits
  11. Acknowledgements
  12. Copyright

Product information

  • Title: Reading Architecture
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: February 2012
  • Publisher(s): Laurence King
  • ISBN: 9781856697361