Basic Design Principles of Architecture

This book is a thorough and comprehensive document outlining the many and diverse factors contributing to an architectural design process. It is an inspirational volume for students and practitioners alike to better understand and produce functional, yet beautiful architecture. Architects, architectural students, and anyone who has an interest in architecture and wants to be able to distinguish between good, bad, and/or great architecture, will find this book to be of great value. The book will provide a clear understanding of how to achieve creative design and solutions in architecture and architectural processes. It will assist readers in understanding and creating high quality design, as well as a verification of the criteria for judging the degree of superiority of architectural design. What's unique about this book is a certain zeal and passion underlying the text which communicates to readers the techniques and theories, which are often perceived to be complex and complicated, in plain terms and discourses so that they can be understood by all. And it does so in a clear and concise manner, organized around key words and amply illustrated to visually convey the essential design elements of buildings and their sites. In terms of educating a broad readership about the basics of architecture, few books compare to this one. This book includes 370 color photos and 110 black and white photos. This book is functionally organized with the essential 72 architectural design elements which can be utilized during the design process very usefully and effectively.

This is one of the most thorough and comprehensive documents I have ever seen on the many and diverse factors contributing to an architectural design process.  This book can inspire students and practitioners alike to better understand and produce functional, yet beautiful architecture. - R. Randall Vosbeck FAIA The American Institute of Architects

This is a wonderful book.  It not only helps readers find answers to diverse architectural problems which are often complex and complicated, but also extends their perspective and enables them to enjoy architecture itself. - Hiroshi Oune, FJIA, Former President, The Japanese Institute of Architects

As a young architect I worked for Leonard Parker.  He was my mentor.  Now, forty-five years later, I am again exposed to the depth of his architectural knowledge and sensibility. - William Pedersen, FAIA

This is a book which can be used as a guide and inspirational source for practical and theoretical aspects of design.  Many visual examples help the reader to understand very clearly the points that are being made.  I strongly recommend this wonderful book. - Stephan S. Huh, FAIA