Review of the best books for architects

Books are an important building material for our consciousness. They form and help to open wider the boundaries of our own consciousness. Today we will talk about specialized books. Namely, we will compile a rating of the best books for architects. They contain a lot of useful information not only for beginners in architecture, but also for professionals who never stop learning. Let's talk about each separately and analyze all the subtleties.

A selection of the best books for architects

100 Contemporary Concrete Buildings

Book from the famous writer Philip Jodidio. The print run is fully printed by TASCHEN. For more than half a century, works from this great man have been shining on all book pedestals. It is currently one of the most interesting and informative sources in the world of architecture. This book is available to everyone, it is also quite massive in terms of information load, and you can find hundreds of variations of buildings in it. For an experienced architect with great imagination, this book is ideal.

It contains many concrete buildings of recent years. The edition was specially released in two volumes so as not to compress the content or make the book very large. Below you can see one of the reversals.

• the book was written by a Harvard graduate;
• high-quality translation from English into Russian;
• occupies a leading position for more than half a century on all book pedestals;
• a lot of useful information;
• edition in two volumes;
• serves as a source of inspiration.

• released specifically and exclusively for professional architects;
• there is no edition in Russian.

History of architecture

This is a book on the history of architecture, published in two volumes, from Auguste Choisy. It is perfect for novice architects who are learning the basics of their future business. In the book, the author tells not only about the stages of the formation of architecture, but also explains in detail the meaning and properties characteristic of each architectural element, not bypassing the smallest details.

• a book from an architectural historian and former engineer;
• ideal for aspiring architects;
• similarly describes all the stages of the formation of architecture as a craft;
• detailed description of the basics.

• no shortcomings have been identified, the book has no competitors in terms of information content.

Essays on the history of architectural styles

It was written in co-authorship by I. A. Bartenev and V. N. Batazhkova - Russian writers. The book is called the bible of architectural excellence.In it, you can track the development of architecture over the centuries, the transition and emergence of styles, how styles are associated with art and much more. This is a real treasure not only for lovers of architecture, but also history. In the process of reading, you will find for yourself many such subtleties of work that no author will write.

• one of the most worthy domestic works;
• bible of architectural excellence;
• in the book you can find the history of architecture from its inception to the connection of styles with art.

• the edition is not often found in modern stores.

People and Bricks: Ten Architectural Structures That Changed the World

The author of the book, Tom Wilkinson, is an architectural historian who lived in Britain. Translated into Russian and sold in most domestic stores. He will immerse his reader in the world of history and tell about it in the most interesting and understandable language for everyone. The book was published not only for professionals, but also for people who are simply interested in architectural mastery. In his book, he explores architecture and connects it with difficult human relationships in order to make the reader understand the most vivid and open picture.

• the book was written by a British architectural historian;
• talks about architecture in clear and simple language;
• ideal for aspiring architects;
• for a simpler perception, the author connects architecture with human relations.

• the book has no flaws.

The Classical Language of Architecture

The author of the written book is John Summerson, an architectural historian. The book has been translated from English for interested readers from Russia. He believes that each architectural style has its own unique language with which he communicates with people. This publication tells about a unique cipher found in architectural styles. And their main representatives are buildings. The book will be useful for those who have already learned the basics of architectural skill and learned to distinguish at least some of the styles.

• the author tells in the most interesting way about the unique language of each of the architectural styles;
• reveals the essence of the topic using the example of the most magnificent buildings.

• the book is available for those who are already familiar with the basics of architecture;
• users who have bought the book note that there are inaccurate moments of translation.

ANDO. Complete works to date 1975-2014

The author is Philip Jodidio and the book is published by Taschen. The language of the work is English. However, despite the absence of a Russian version, the book can inspire any architect. It would be a big omission to go through and miss a publication showcasing the work of Japanese creator Tadao Ando.

He is the owner of several of the most prestigious awards in the world of architectural construction. This collection is considered a great inspiration for the creation of the works of other equally famous architects. There are echoes of Tadao's work in them. Centerfold photos will captivate many and make you spend a lot of time studying them.

• one of the most complete editions of monographic works;
• the projects of the Japanese architect Tadao Ando are presented;
• the collection can be used as an inspiration;
• photographs are presented in a spread.

• no Russian version.

Ten books on architecture

If you really immerse yourself in the world of architecture, then it is better to get to know it from the very beginning, from the beginning. One of these works is a treatise by the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius. He, one of the first architects in the world, tells everything he knows about brick and stone, as well as how the forum is organized and which place is best for the altar. In addition, he will talk about the work of sundial and water clocks. All his works were published in 12 books.His work is undeniably a bit heavy, but it's a classic. It is considered the basis of everything and therefore it is an important work, this is what architecture began with.

• a book about the history of architecture;
• a treatise by the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius;
• he talks not only about styles, but also ways of working with them;
• one of 12 books about his work;
• classics in the world of architecture.

• books are too heavy for beginners to read.

Book on Japanese architecture

The book was published by the German publishing house Detail. It will acquaint the reader with the architecture of ancient Japan, their favorite open spaces. She talks about everything, including the minimalism that has long been inherent in the Japanese. After all, there is nothing more interesting than this culture, millions of people come to this country every year to not only enjoy the signature food, but also to look at the beautiful buildings.

• one of the few books detailing the works of Japanese architects;
• the story begins with the architecture of ancient Japan.

• no Russian version.

B as Bauhaus

The book is on behalf of the director of the London Museum, Deyan Sujin. He talks about the most important things. For example, it describes in detail how modern architecture is arranged, and why everyday design is so important, the sketches of which we see every day. They can even serve as mass-produced goods, as well as works of the highest art. If we understand what they are made of and how they function, then some clarity will appear in our life, we will begin to understand the structure of everything. But the book can at the same time bring some interesting and useful things into our life. She is just that, she talks about the connection between simple and complex things in human language, so that we begin to see the beautiful in the ordinary.

• the book was written based on the stories of the director of the London museum;
• quite clearly translated from English;
• written in simple language to convey the essence to any reader.

• no flaws were found in the analysis.

Twenty minutes in Manhattan

The author of the work is Michael Sorkin. Translated into Russian. Millions of people come to New York every year to see, if not the first, then not least, Manhattan. In the book, we can walk through it with an architecture critic and hear his personal reflections on history, politics, urbanization and human behavior. If you are interested in this direction, then you have chosen the right path. It will be a great adventure from home to his personal studio in the Tribeca area. This budget trip will have a big impact and bring a lot of useful information you never knew before.

• the book is narrated from the perspective of an architectural critic;
• along the way, he talks about history and many other significant things;
• the author in the book will reveal many previously unknown secrets.

• the book is written in an interesting and simple way, so it has no shortcomings.

 

The circle of total architecture

The author of the book is Walter Gropius, the most famous theorist of architectural modernism and the first director of the Bauhaus. He is also a former Dean of the Department of Architecture at Harvard University itself. The book contains more than ten program texts, they are full of information. It's hard to argue with the reliability of the data. The book is considered revolutionary for the 20th century. He talks about architecture as an integral part of human life. And he is really right, because we face this every day and have the right to know what surrounds us. He looks at architecture from all angles, touching on the functional.

• the book was written by one of the most famous theorists of architectural modernism;
• professionally written as a former Dean of the Faculty of Harvard University;
• revolutionary edition of the 20th century.

• since the book has been translated, there are small inaccuracies in it, but this does not greatly affect the quality of perception;
• suitable for professional architects.

 

Triumph of the City. How our greatest invention makes us richer, smarter, greener, healthier and happier

This most interesting book from the world of architecture was written by Edward Glazer. He, like the author of the previous book, is associated with Harvard. But there he was educated as an economist and worked on it. With the help of historical descriptions and personal observations, he reveals the hidden mechanisms in the work of large cities. Edward moves away from the usual ideas about the world of architecture and explains why cities are useful, why they are healthier, richer economically and culturally and environmentally friendly enough spaces to build their own life in them.

If you open this book once, you will definitely not be able to tear yourself away. The author did his best and brought a large number of interesting and informative moments to the work. In particular, at their expense, the book is so interesting.

• one of the most interesting books in the world of architecture;
• written on the basis of my own knowledge and observations;
• a fascinating book written in simple language.

• the book is not available in all bookstores.

A guide to modernist architecture in Moscow

When you get tired of theoretical books and understand that it is time to start practical study, then go for a walk. For this there are a large number of guidebooks, for example, on Moscow architecture, each of which can offer interesting routes for research. Additionally, they will tell you about the historical value of architectural buildings.

In the new edition of the guide to Moscow, the authors paid great attention to Soviet modernism. They singled it out as a special and one of the most important species in the world history of architecture. Recall that he began to be such at the end of the 20th century. In it you can find stories about the construction of the Academy of Sciences, the "Chaika" pool, the Ostankino tower, Vorobyovy Gory and many photographic illustrations made by the famous photographer Yuri Palmin.

You can safely take this guide with you and go for a long walk around the capital. He will tell and show how the most notable and memorable monuments in history were built.

• a book about the architecture of our capital;
• the main theme is Soviet modernism;
• a large number of descriptions of the construction of buildings significant for the country.

• few of these books remain, since the edition has not been updated for a long time.

100 Contemporary Wood Buildings

The author of the book is Philip Jodidio. The book is published in English, German and French. With the advent of more modern architecture, in which concrete and steel occupied a significant part, many began to forget about the use of wood. People think that it is far in the past. But Philip has two volumes of evidence that the tree has not lost its relevance and is constantly being revived in various creations of modern architects.

The publication contains the most unusual and monumental objects built in the 21st century. They are created thanks to modern production technologies and the most talented architects collected from all over the world.

• in the center of attention are architectural structures made of wood;
• the author proves that this material is popular in the 21st century;
• there are images of the most unusual buildings from famous world famous architects.

• there is no Russian version of the book.

DOM Publishers Guide

Let's talk about another guide from the German publishing house DOM Publishers. Not so long ago, they released a whole series of guidebooks related to architecture in different famous cities in the world. Moscow was also among them.Publishers and authors who have had a hand in creating the guidebooks selected 10 of the most significant and popular buildings in each country. Those that even foreigners should get to know. They went for a trick and added 5 historically significant and 5 hidden ones, which few people know about, but they are no less interesting. The editions were also translated into Russian.

• nice and simple guide;
• the list includes the most significant and least known buildings.

• no shortcomings identified, a very exciting publication that is suitable for foreigners and those who like to find new places in their homeland.

 

This brutal world

The book was written by Peter Chadwick. There is no book in Russian translation. The publication contains the so-called "brutal" architecture. Were selected the most impressive specimens that have ever been built on the planet. They can be called true architectural treasures.

This is a global exploration of style using the finest works of Zaha, David Chipperfield and some of the most famous representatives of brutalism from the bygone 20th century. Yes, many have already guessed what kind of people we are talking about. Fans of this genre will simply be delighted with what they see.

• understandable and aesthetically beautiful book;
• representative of brutal architecture;
• written in simple and understandable language.

• no edition in Russian translation.

City architecture

The author of the book is Aldo Rossi. He examined the city structure in sufficient detail and seriously as a work of art and the result of political decisions taken at different times. At first, you will have to slowly and thoughtfully read the book in order to understand what is at stake, but at the end the author still summarizes and helps to reach the desired conclusion. Thus, he opens his eyes to the structure of different cities in the world and why there is a direct link between architecture and happiness.

Suitable for architecture lovers who are at least superficially familiar with this world. Otherwise it will be difficult, but, in any case, whoever bought and read this book, he will be able to look completely differently at the world of architecture.

• serious book;
• detailed analysis of the city structure.

• intended for people who already know the basics of architecture;
• very difficult to learn.

New York is beside itself

This book combines the incongruous with itself. She's both serious and funny. It is called the bestseller in the architectural world because it was a real shock for people who first saw it. Until now, the book finds its reader and leaves a mark in hearts for a long time.

The central figure of the story is New York, one of the most populous and promising cities on the planet. All styles of architectural craftsmanship are mixed together in it and get along quite well together. Additionally, you can find stories about the city itself, some are quite funny, and therefore they will bring a certain ease of reading. They are very vividly written and fit organically into the general context. Therefore, reading such a novel will appeal to anyone to whom one day "New York outside of itself" falls into their hands.

• the book combines incongruous things in the world of architecture;
• became a real bestseller for people.

• no shortcomings were identified.

Death and life of big American cities

This book was written by an American journalist. She was the main opponent of the development of Manhattan. Her name was Jane Jacobs. She said that the city does not have to live as a single centralized system under strict supervision, sometimes it needs to be given freedom.

Therefore, the book began to act on the part of the opposition. And, there is a small hope that someday it will find its application and finally realize the idea of ​​its author. It is worth reading for those who support the author's position and those who constantly love to learn something new, who are extremely interested in public opinion and simple voices from the crowd.

• the book was written by a journalist acting on the part of the opposition to traditional buildings;
• talks simply and clearly about his point of view.

• no shortcomings were identified.

The future of architecture. 100 most unusual buildings

And, the last book, which we will analyze today, has become a kind of source of inspiration for architects. It will help to rest the soul of anyone who takes it in hand. It was written by architect Mark Kushner and directed by TED Books.

The book answers in sufficient detail and simply to the most difficult questions in the world of architectural construction, the illustrations attached as an explanation help especially well. It is unique in that the publication contains the most unusual modern buildings. They will certainly entice you and explain the essence of this or that type of buildings in the world of architectural construction.

• the book serves as an inspiration for architects;
• gives simple answers to difficult questions;
• details the most beautiful and unusual buildings.

• today it is rarely found on shelves in stores.

Output

We have analyzed the most popular architectural books. We have collected them specially from different architects, theorists and practitioners, from all over the world, so that you can take a fresh look at the world of architecture. Each of the books is suitable for both amateurs and professionals in the field. Some need to be carefully read, since they contain a large amount of professional information, while others, on the contrary, are created so that you can understand the essence of the world and its structure. They are written very simply and the rest is for inspiration.