Importance of Architectural Books:
Architecture connects various professions of the world. Everything we see around us has been designed and documented in some form. Architects need to analyse the ideal ways of designing. Architecture Books answers all the ‘How’, ‘What’, and ‘Where’. The books not only keep a record of how other architects design, but also provide inspiration and information on how architects can contribute to the world. Hundreds of books on architecture can help you develop your skills effectively. Following is a list of books one should read in 2024. The list is segregated in terms of different periods so that there is something for everyone.
For Students:
‘The Architecture Reference + Specification Book’ by Julia McMorrough is a bible for architecture students. The book consists of every detail and specification that students need to learn in the initial stages of their degree education. The book also shows various diagrams and representation techniques to help students clearly understand the subjects. The book covers topics like design standards, design specifications, universal norms, safety and sustainability, and technical design.
‘The Language of Architecture’ by Andrea Simitch and Val Warke provides 26 important principles of architecture that every architect must know. Starting from simple forms and design, the book documents and elaborates on complex designs and techniques. This gradual approach makes the book simple to understand for students and boosts their confidence to experiment with their designs.
For Fresh Architects:
‘Pattern Language’ by Christopher Alexander is one of the most interesting and unique books for architects and urban designers. The book documents and helps form a language out of different patterns. This is exactly how our ancestors and primitive humans must have evolved. Pattern language offers a unique perspective of architecture. The book does not help you in designing, instead, it covers the basics that an architect must know before even starting to design.
‘Yes is More’ by Bjarke Ingels follows a comic book theme. The book presents revolutionary ideas and concepts used by Bjarke Ingles to break the monotony of designs. Architects often produce basic and simple box designs, but they can make them more interesting. Bjarke Ingles through his book connects the past to the present and paves the way for futuristic designs. This book can help fresh architects channel their ideas to create efficient designs.
For Frequent Readers:
‘The Eyes of the Skin’ by Juhani Pallasmaa insists architects understand and feel architecture through touch, sound and even smell. In this ever-growing digital world, where architects create all their designs on electronic devices, this book is a breath of fresh air. The book takes you back in time and encourages you to explore the world around you. This book will not just improve you as an architect but also as a person.
‘The Fountainhead’ by Ayn Rand. Every architect must be familiar with this book, but no matter when you read it, this book is always a treat. A fictional novel with an Architect in the lead role is always relatable for everyone in this profession. The story of The Fountainhead is said to be loosely based on the life of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The Fountainhead is a blend of emotions, practicality, and architecture. The book may not represent or educate about how architects design, but it is surely a book displaying how architects can be in real life.
Spotlight Architects:
‘Laurie Baker- Life, Works, and Writings’ by Gautam Bhatia. Laurie Baker and his style of architecture must be the most relevant in today’s time. With the growing need for sustainable and resilient architecture, this book documents the thought process and vernacular designs of Laurie Baker. The book stands as proof that the ideology with which Baker used to design and construct his buildings will turn out to be accurate in the future. Laurie Baker was one of the most underrated architects of his time, but his lessons have managed to prove everyone wrong.
‘Balkrishna Doshi, Writings on Architecture & Identity’ is a compilation of writings and sketches of B.V. Doshi. He stands as the greatest Indian Architect, winning various laurels and honours for his works. Doshi completely changed the outlook of India and Indian Architects for the world. With notable contributions to sustainable and user-friendly architecture, B.V. Doshi has to be the spotlight architect of 2024. After the loss of Doshi, the upcoming architects need to know and read about the versatility of Doshi and his works.
Inspirational Books:
‘Architecture’s Odd Couple’ by Hugh Howard is a comparison of works by two of the most influential architects of the 1900s, Phillip Johnson and Frank Lloyd Wright. Both architects had extremely different approaches towards design and architecture, yet they managed to create some beautiful buildings in the same period. The book is an inspiration for architects to stick to their ideologies and design in a way they feel is correct. None of the architects in the book were wrong, they just stand as an example of how subjective this profession can be.
‘Why Architecture Matters’ by Paul Goldberger gives a different perspective of architecture to the readers. We always have so many questions and criticism for the spaces around us. This book inspires architects to look at the spaces differently, blending them with proportions, materials and scale. The book answers a significant question, which also happens to be the title. Anyone reconsidering their decision to continue with the profession must read this book for a better understanding of who architects are and what they can be.
References:
- 50 best architecture books- https://www.arch2o.com/50-architecture-books-make-best-architect/
- Top 15 interesting must-read books for architects- https://thedesigngesture.com/must-read-books-for-architects/
- The 126 best architecture books- https://www.archdaily.com/901525/116-best-architecture-books-for-architects-and-students
