Collecting Architecture: A Brief Overview

The history of architecture is perhaps also the history of human evolution. The process of taking note of form and function is, in essence, a kind of survival of the fittest that is applied to structures. Architecture is the marriage of art, design, and engineering. It is subject to cultural biases, availability of materials, and the limits of imagination.

The ancient Seven Wonders of the World, one of the earliest “Best of…” lists, largely recognized achievements in architecture. Dating to 150 BC, when Greek poet Antipater of Sidon wrote of the “wall of lofty Babylon” and the “house of Artemis,” even the two statues among the seven are perhaps there as much because of their achievements in size as any other characteristic. The “new” Seven Wonders of the World also celebrate architectural achievement, and their election created quite a stir of interest and debate recently—if nothing else, people acknowledge that they care very much about these things.

Nations and neighborhoods are defined by their architecture—indeed, it is architecture that often translates ideologies into form. George Washington not only commanded the Federal Army, he also commanded the construction of the Federal City. It was he who selected Pierre L'Enfant to design the city, and while Thomas Jefferson had ideas of his own, Washington was largely responsible for pushing aside old Europe for the fresh, new face of an American government.

More locally, travels in any region provide a glimpse of architecture that fits with an environment and a period of time. As the needs of people change, so changes their architecture.

No less than the homage paid to ideologies, architecture is also used to pay homage to individuals—oftentimes, to the architect himself. In what could seemingly be an endless list of achievement immortalized in stone and mortar, architecture is the recognition of choice for those we value most.

To collect books on architecture is to cut a swath of the book collecting world so large as to hardly be able to make sense of it. As architecture gets divided into categories of Greek, Roman, Renaissance, Neoclassical, Revival, Beaux Arts, Modern, and more, so does the opportunity to collect. Collections can also be divided by architect, era, location, and form. The collecting opportunities are expansive. Here are some possibilities:

Ten Collectible Books

Modern Architecture

Plate books such as this one offer two opportunities for collectors: first, to collect the subject matter of interest to the collector; and second, to collect a particular illustrator. Prior to the use of photography, illustrated plate books provided the best glimpse of a subject, such as this one published c. 1860 on the homes of London.

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Four Books of Architecture

By Issac Ware

This translation by English architect Issac Ware is considered the best translation of Andrea Palladio’s Four Books of Architecture, 1738. Ware added his own careful engravings. Palladio’s work was in and out of favor in Europe after the 17th century and gained interest in North America, primarily because of the interest by Thomas Jefferson.

Find This Book | Other books on Palladio

The Works of John Ruskin

Ruskin was a social critic of art and architecture and became extremely influential during the Victorian era. He proposed that building structures should be sympathetic with their environments and use local building materials. This book is a compilation of his writings.

Find This Book | Other Editions by Ruskin

Some Essays on Golf Course Architecture

By H.S. Colt and C. H. Alison

The broadness of the term architecture allows one to travel in almost any direction of collecting, especially around areas of personal interest. H.S. Colt had a hand in more than 300 golf courses worldwide, and this book serves as a grand overview of golf’s early era.

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Architecture of Sire Edwin Lutyens

When the British Empire cast its shadow over the whole world, Sir Edwin Lutyens was among the architects leaving an imprint in building. Largely credited with the building that created New Delhi, Lutyens has been described as the greatest British architect.

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A History of the University of Oxford. Its Colleges, Halls, and Public Buildings.

By R. Ackermann

Collect this book for its study of university buildings and architecture or, more likely, for the fine work of its publisher, Rudolph Ackerman. Ackerman color plates are highly collectible, as is this work in particular.

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Spanish-Colonial Architecture in Mexico

By Sylvester Baxter

While not an architect per se, as a journalist reporting on Mexico, Baxter and his book had tremendous influence on other architects who used his photographic work as a model for their own designs. Baxter was later credited with design work on the Boston park system.

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An History of Marine Architecture

By John Charnock

As a study of form and function, architecture applies to boatbuilding in this classic history. As much a study of civil and military engineering, this work was largely considered to be the definitive work of its kind.

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Grotesque Architecture, or Rural Amusement

By William Wrighte

If design is in the details, then this book provides a close look at unusual architectural minutia. In addition, Wrighte incorporated landscape into his design to give the prospect a better idea of how his designs might look in the real world. He was the first to use this “marketing” technique.

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Architectural Designs for Model Country Residences

By John Riddell

Philadelphian John Riddell was greatly influenced by designs from the Italian countryside, but his work eventually evolved to meld European ornamental design with a growing suburban American landscape. This work includes full color lithographic plates by T. Sinclair and building trade advertisements from the publisher.

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