Architecture and the Sites of History: Interpretations of Building and Cities

Architecture and the Sites of History is an introductory textbook that explains how the present state of the urban and rural environment came into being. The book derives from an innovative history course for planning, building and architecture students given at University College of London's Bartlett School of Architecture and Planning by a diverse range of scholars and practitioners.

Unlike other introductory histories of architecture, a wide range of different interpretations is brought to bear upon the subject. Constructions are appraised from architectural, economic and cultural viewpoints. Themes which recur in history are treated equally from differing perspectives. While great buildings are given their due weight, the tissue of everyday life in town and country is given equal importance. This is only in part a book about the history of monuments. More than the usual attention is paid to everyday buildings and to how cities and landscapes have grown and changed, all topics not normally found in standard textbooks.

Accessible introduction to architecture
Lavishly illustrated with over 200 photographs, paintings and drawings
Covers Western architecture and cities

'This is an ambitious and important book which aims to do nothing less than transform the way history is taught in architectural schools.'
The Architects' Journal
'This unusual but interesting book examines the complex nature of the
history of buildings and cities and their impact on architecture.'
ASI Journal, July 1996