Analysing Architecture - Softcover

Unwin, Simon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415489288 ISBN 13: 9780415489287

Publisher: Routledge, 2009

Synopsis

Clear and accessible, Analysing Architecture opens a fresh way to understanding architecture. It offers a unique ‘notebook’ of architectural strategies to present an engaging introduction to elements and concepts in architectural design. Beautifully illustrated throughout with the author’s original drawings, examples are drawn from across the world and many periods of architectural history (from prehistoric times to the recent past) to illustrate analytical themes and to show how drawing can be used to study architecture. Since its first edition appeared in 1997, Analysing Architecture has established itself internationally as one of the key texts in architectural education.

This third edition includes a new section discussing the ways analyzing examples cultivates a capacity for design. Original chapters have been expanded, new case studies added, and the format rearranged for additional clarity. The bibliography of recommended supplementary reading has also been extended.

In Analysing Architecture, Simon Unwin clearly identifies the key elements of architecture and conceptual themes apparent in buildings and relevant to other works of architecture such as gardens and cities. He describes ideas for use in the active process of design. Breaking down the grammar of architecture into themes and ‘moves’, Unwin exposes its underlying patterns to reveal the organizational strategies that lie beneath the superficial appearances of buildings.

Exploring buildings as results of the interaction of people with the world around them, Analysing Architecture offers a definition of architecture as ‘identification of place’ and provides a greater understanding of architecture as a creative discipline. This book presents a powerful impetus for readers to develop their own capacities for architectural design. It will also be of use to all those with an interest in the human occupation of and involvement with space – anthropologists, archaeologists, film-makers, installation artists, planners, urban designers, politicians.

A companion website will be available at www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415489287. 

About this title

About the Author

Simon Unwin was born in Yorkshire in 1952, but grew up in Wales. He studied in Chelsea School of Art, London, and then the Welsh School of Architecture in Cardiff, where he went on to do his PhD and become a senior lecturer. He has also lived in Australia, and taught architecture in the USA, Scandinavia, the Middle East and the Far East. He is currently Professor at the University of Dundee.

Review

"Excellent in every way - a core book along with An Architectural Notebook by him"– Terry Robson, Teaching Fellow in Architecture at the University of Bath, UK

"Probably the best introductory book on architecture" – Andrew Higgott, Lecturer in Architecture at the University of East London, UK

"I think this is an excellent book and I will continue to recommend it to my students."– Donald Hanlon, Professor at the Department of Architecture, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, US

"This book opens a fresh way to understanding architecture. It offers a unique 'notebook' of architectural strategies to present an engaging introduction to elements and concepts in architectural design. Beautifully illustrated throughout with the author's original drawings, examples are drawn from across the world and many periods of architectural history...one of the key texts in architectural education."
– Lonarrd

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0415489288
• ISBN 13: 9780415489287
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 296