Building Ideas: An Introduction to Architectural Theory

Rating:
Summary: a must read for new students in architecture
Review: I think "architectural theory" is the most interesting and important subject to me as an architectural student. It is also a very difficult subject, i always have the feeling that i have to learn more. There are a lot of names to remember, sometimes background knowledges( usually of history, philosophy, or maybe fine arts) are needed to understand certain points that great theorists made. One feel quite lost in this sea of words, don't know how and where to start learning more about this treasure.

With this book you don't have to have too much prior knowledge in other related fields i mentioned above to make sense of the author's point. It helps you to have more insight into how architectural theory comes about in practice. This book clarified a lot of things that I wasn't too sure about after reading "big books" by famous theorists ( They are often difficult for an average student like me to understand.) Written in plain english, this book is easy to read. It would have saved me a lot of time if I had a chance to read it when I was in first year. I recommend it to all students embarking their architectural studies.

The extensive reference list in the appendix was a big bonus.

Rating:
Summary: a must read for new students in architecture
Review: I think "architectural theory" is the most interesting and important subject to me as an architectural student. It is also a very difficult subject, i always have the feeling that i have to learn more. There are a lot of names to remember, sometimes background knowledges( usually of history, philosophy, or maybe fine arts) are needed to understand certain points that great theorists made. One feel quite lost in this sea of words, don't know how and where to start learning more about this treasure.

With this book you don't have to have too much prior knowledge in other related fields i mentioned above to make sense of the author's point. It helps you to have more insight into how architectural theory comes about in practice. This book clarified a lot of things that I wasn't too sure about after reading "big books" by famous theorists ( They are often difficult for an average student like me to understand.) Written in plain english, this book is easy to read. It would have saved me a lot of time if I had a chance to read it when I was in first year. I recommend it to all students embarking their architectural studies.

The extensive reference list in the appendix was a big bonus.