Architecture: Elements, Materials, Form

By way of more than 2,000 years of architectural history, this richly illustrated book defines and shows all the major components of the art--from theory, plans, and models to structural elements such as columns, arches, and domes, to materials and decorative elements. With beautiful color photographs on virtually every page, and precise captions that point directly to important aspects of each photo, this book provides an easy-to-use visual grammar of the nearly infinite variety with which the elements of architecture have been used in buildings across the ages and around the world--from Western Europe and Greece to the Americas, the Middle East, China, Japan, India, and Africa. Each entry includes a definition, illustrated examples, and detailed analysis and explanation, all presented in the context of architecture's historical evolution. Architecture frequently juxtaposes famous and lesser-known buildings from widely different times and places, providing delightful surprises for the expert as well as a fresh, informative, and pleasurable introduction for general readers and students.

Author: Francesca Prina
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 04/26/2009
Pages: 384
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.70lbs
Size: 7.80h x 5.20w x 1.30d
ISBN: 9780691141503

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 06/01/2009 pg. 98
Library Journal 07/15/2009 pg. 96
Choice 11/01/2009

About the Author
Francesca Prina is an independent art historian who specializes in the history of architecture. Her books include One Thousand Years of World Architecture (Thames & Hudson).