Architectural Type and Character: A Practical Guide to a History of Architecture

Architectural Type and Character offers an alternative perspective to the current role of history in architecture by reunifying architectural history and design. It argues that buildings are the products of a time, their form follows their function, and style is their most important attribute. The book provides drawings and interpretations of over one hundred sites from different times and places and is an excellent desk reference and studio guide for students and architects.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Architectural Type and Character presents a fresh perspective on the current significance of history in architecture, by merging architectural history and design to revitalize architectural discourse and practice. Historians play a vital role in enriching our appreciation of buildings and providing guidance to those involved in their creation. In contemporary histories, buildings are often viewed as products of their time, shaped by their functions, influenced by external forces, and prioritized for their novel style. This book challenges that conventional understanding and advocates for an alternative perspective.

The book is structured into two parts. The first part establishes the theoretical foundations for this alternative history of architecture. It delves into the historical, cultural, and social factors that have shaped architectural styles and forms throughout different eras and regions. The second part presents a comprehensive collection of drawings and interpretations of over one hundred significant sites from various times and places. These sites represent a diverse range of architectural styles, from ancient civilizations to modern masterpieces, and provide a visual reference for understanding the evolution of architectural typology and character.

Architectural Type and Character serves as an invaluable resource for students and practicing architects alike. It offers a comprehensive and practical guide to understanding the history of architecture, analyzing architectural styles, and creating buildings that reflect the rich tapestry of architectural heritage. The book's engaging writing style, accompanied by detailed illustrations and informative annotations, makes it accessible to a wide audience, regardless of their prior knowledge or expertise in the field.

In conclusion, Architectural Type and Character is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the role of history in architecture. By merging architectural history and design, it provides a practical guide to understanding, analyzing, and creating buildings that embody the rich diversity and evolution of architectural typology and character. Whether you are a student, practicing architect, or simply interested in the history and aesthetics of buildings, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to expand their knowledge and appreciation of the field.

Weight: 662g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138584037