Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History, and Meaning 3e

Offers an introduction to the elements and historical styles of architectural design thoroughly illustrated with photos and plan drawings of many of the world s greatest buildings This illustrated survey of Western architecture explains the structure function history and meaning of architecture This best selling illustrated survey of Western architecture is now fully revised throughout explaining the structure function history and meaning of architecture in a way that is both accessible and engaging The long awaited second edition includes new coverage on Postmodernism and its relationship to the Modernist era a reorganization of Mesopotamian and Prehistoric architecture based on thematic lines of development an expanded chapter on Medieval architecture including developments from the end of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance and an expanded art program that includes over 500 images in black and white and color Understanding Architecture continues to be the only text in the field to examine architecture as a cultural phenomenon as well as an artistic and technological achievement with its straightforward two part structure 1 The Elements of Architecture and 2 The History and Meaning of Architecture Comprehensive clearly written affordable and accessible Understanding Architecture is a classic survey of Western architecture This bestselling illustrated survey of Western architecture is now fully revised throughout explaining the structure function history and meaning of architecture in a way that is both accessible and engaging The long awaited third edition includes increased global coverage with new mini chapters on Africa Japan China India and Islamic Architecture a new chapter covering the future of architecture in the twenty first century updated coverage of sustainability and green architecture and its impact on design an update to the historical survey and over fifty images in full color Understanding Architectu