Analysing Architecture [Paperback]

Simon Unwin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415489288 | ISBN-13: 978-0415489287 | Publication Date: February 7, 2009 | Edition: 3

Clear and accessible, Analysing Architecture opens a fresh way to understanding architecture. It offers a unique ‘notebook’ of architectural strategies to present an engaging introduction to elements and concepts in architectural design. Beautifully illustrated throughout with the author’s original drawings, examples are drawn from across the world and many periods of architectural history (from prehistoric times to the recent past) to illustrate analytical themes and to show how drawing can be used to study architecture. Since its first edition appeared in 1997, Analysing Architecture has established itself internationally as one of the key texts in architectural education.

This third edition includes a new section discussing the ways analyzing examples cultivates a capacity for design. Original chapters have been expanded, new case studies added, and the format rearranged for additional clarity. The bibliography of recommended supplementary reading has also been extended.

In Analysing Architecture, Simon Unwin clearly identifies the key elements of architecture and conceptual themes apparent in buildings and relevant to other works of architecture such as gardens and cities. He describes ideas for use in the active process of design. Breaking down the grammar of architecture into themes and ‘moves’, Unwin exposes its underlying patterns to reveal the organizational strategies that lie beneath the superficial appearances of buildings.

Exploring buildings as results of the interaction of people with the world around them, Analysing Architecture offers a definition of architecture as ‘identification of place’ and provides a greater understanding of architecture as a creative discipline. This book presents a powerful impetus for readers to develop their own capacities for architectural design. It will also be of use to all those with an interest in the human occupation of and involvement with space – anthropologists, archaeologists, film-makers, installation artists, planners, urban designers, politicians.

A companion website will be available at www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415489287. 

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Excellent in every way - a core book along with An Architectural Notebook by him"–Terry Robson, Teaching Fellow in Architecture at the University of Bath, UK

"Probably the best introductory book on architecture"–Andrew Higgott, Lecturer in Architecture at the University of East London, UK

"I think this is an excellent book and I will continue to recommend it to my students."–Donald Hanlon, Professor at the Department of Architecture, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, US

About the Author

Simon Unwin was born in Yorkshire in 1952, but grew up in Wales. He studied in Chelsea School of Art, London, and then the Welsh School of Architecture in Cardiff, where he went on to do his PhD and become a senior lecturer. He has also lived in Australia, and taught architecture in the USA, Scandinavia, the Middle East and the Far East. He is currently Professor at the University of Dundee.

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 3 edition (February 7, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415489288
• ISBN-13: 978-0415489287
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,138 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Simon Unwin was born in Yorkshire in 1952, but grew up in Wales. He studied in Chelsea School of Art, London, and then the Welsh School of Architecture in Cardiff, where he went on to do his PhD and become a senior lecturer. He has also lived in Australia, and taught architecture in the USA, Scandinavia, the Middle East and the Far East. He is currently Professor at the University of Dundee.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful Reference, March 18, 2006

By 

Diane78 "Diane, an architect" (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Unwin Student Pack: Analysing Architecture (Paperback)

In clear, precise diagrams and thoughtful text, author Simon Unwin offers an engaging methodology for the study of architecture and aesthetic systems. Time-tested buildings from classical temples to traditional Japanese homes and early modernist masterpieces, are explored in this wide ranging, but focused study. Unwin demonstrates that while architectural styles change over time, the underlying principles that organize quality designs remain remarkably consistent.

This book is a must for all architectural students interested in acquiring the visual skills needed to understand a wide variety of design methodologies. My only criticism is that proportion and scale were not given enough attention, but there are many other books that cover this important topic separately.

Intelligently considered, and clearly presented, `Analysing Architecture' is a refreshing counterpoint to the sort of pretentious, self-serving rubbish that Eisenman, Libeskind, Hadid, et al try to pass off as design.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An informative book on the fundamentals of architecture, February 1, 2000

By 

Ron (North York, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Analysing Architecture (Hardcover)

This book establishes a systematic method in analyzing architecture. It explains how architectural elements are combined together to form designs that could relate an appropriate sense of 'place' specific to the programme as well as the environment surrounding it. The book is well illustrated with diagrams and examples. An extremely useful introductory guide for those who want to learn more about the basics of architecture.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction., November 9, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Unwin Student Pack: Analysing Architecture (Paperback)

Beginning with the root definition of architecture as its "conceptual organization, its intellectual structures"., the author makes clear its function as "identification of place", goes on to identify the basic elements and concepts, examines the use of natural features of the landscape, analyzes primitive place types, geometry in architecture, space and structure, and other key concepts.
From the campsites of primitive man to the sophisticated structures of the late twentieth century, architecture as an essential function of human activity is explained clearly, and illustrated with the author's own excellent drawings. Highly recommended as a well-organized and readable introduction.

(The "score" rating is an unfortunately ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score" books.)