Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History, And Meaning - Hardcover

Roth, Leland

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0064384934 ISBN 13: 9780064384933

Publisher: Westview Press, 1993

Synopsis

This clearly written, fully illustrated survey of Western architecture defines and explains structure, function, history, and meaning. Architecture is examined as a cultural phenomenon as well as an artistic and technological achievement. The book is divided into two parts: Part One, “The Elements of Architecture,” deals with the basic properties of architecture in chapters that explain function, structural principles, and elements of design, including examples in the text and illustrations from all periods and styles. Part Two, “The History and Meaning of Architecture,” is a chronological survey of Western architectural development from prehistoric times to the present. The approach is selective in terms of buildings and architects included; the examples are chosen for their importance and significance and are fully explained. Each chronological chapter begins with a concise, historical outline giving the social and cultural background. The illustrations (photographs, drawings, maps, and plans) are integrated with the text and there are notes, suggested readings, a glossary, chronological chart, and index.

About this title

About the Author

Leland M. Roth is Marion Dean Ross Professor of Architectural History at the University of Oregon at Eugene. He is the author of American Architecture: A History ; A Concise History of American Architecture ; McKim, Mead & White, Architects ; and other works. He lives in Eugene, Oregon.

Reviews

This lively survey by the author of A Concise History of Architecture ( LJ 7/79) examines architecture as a cultural phenomenon as well as an artistic and technological achievement. Roth (architecture, Univ. of Oregon) argues that architecture does more than provide shelter; it is also a physical expression of how people view themselves in relation to each other and to the universe. Part 1 provides a solid introduction to the discipline's form and function; Part 2 focuses on the major buildings, styles, and architects from prehistoric times to the present, with a valuable historical overview opening each chapter. Non-Western and vernacular architecture are mentioned only in passing, the one small shortcoming in an otherwise readable and lucid book. Highly recommended.
- H. Ward Jandl, National Park Svce., Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Westview Press
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0064384934
• ISBN 13: 9780064384933
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 576