Architectural Detailing: Function, Constructibility, Aesthetics [Hardcover]

Edward Allen (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471547921 | ISBN-13: 978-0471547921 | Publication Date: December 1992 | Edition: 1

Describes systematically and in readily usable form the principles by which good architectural details are designed. The principles are laid out in 83 brief but profusely illustrated ``detail patterns''. The first section examines each of the patterns and illustrates several instances of its use. The latter part demonstrates the execution of these patterns in the design of key details for three different buildings types. Extensively illustrated.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Allen and Rand keep their attention on what adds up to make a great space while including sustainability and the International Building code to this edition. Their concise patterns control water and air leakage, control heat and sound flow, accommodate movement, provide structural support, allow for mechanical and electrical services, maintain health and safety, consider the life cycle of the building, and ensure construction through ease of assembly, efficient use of construction resources, and judicious use of aesthetically satisfying but forgiving details." (Book News, February 2008) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

Describes systematically and in readily usable form the principles by which good architectural details are designed. The principles are laid out in 83 brief but profusely illustrated ``detail patterns''. The first section examines each of the patterns and illustrates several instances of its use. The latter part demonstrates the execution of these patterns in the design of key details for three different buildings types. Extensively illustrated.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (December 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471547921
• ISBN-13: 978-0471547921
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #593,979 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Concise and to the point!, November 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Architectural Detailing: Function, Constructibility, Aesthetics (Hardcover)

This book is the recipe to designing architectural details. The book is divided into many small but concise sections each dealing with different aspects e.g, controlling water leakage, accommodating movements, providing structural support, forgiving details, etc. In each of these sections various solutions and stategies to deal with these aspects are shown with simple easy to understand diagrams accompanied by a brief explanation. A chapter at the end is dedicated to developing and designing the architectural details through choosing and combining solutions disscussed in the sections with illustrated examples.

This book is the essence to "designing" or merely to "understanding" architectural details. The structure and simplicity of this book makes it almost like a dictionary of architectural details. This book is suitable for students, practicing architects, and those who are interested in the detailing of architecture. Note: in my opinion this book is of a reference nature and not recommended for leisure reading.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and indispensible, January 15, 2003

By 

Barge "barryyatt" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Architectural Detailing: Function, Constructibility, Aesthetics (Hardcover)

This book is the thinking person's "Graphic Standards" (no slight to that book intended). But in this case, instead of handing you details, it teaches you how to design your own details. It is not only a one-of-a-kind approach but incredibly well-done, well organized, and beautifully illustrated as well. It is a guide to knowing why details should be designed in particular ways. It explains, in depth, what to think about when designing at the level of the detail. And the three case studies in the back of the book are worth their weight in gold. This book truly makes the point that detailing is part of the process of design. Get it, and keep it.

11 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Nice but nothing new, November 20, 2001

By 

misterbeets "misterbeets" (Safe Harbor, MD USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Architectural Detailing: Function, Constructibility, Aesthetics (Hardcover)

As much as I like the author's "Building Construction", this book is not recommended. It is based on the premise that many construction details share common principles: shed water by using sloping surfaces, for instance. After a few such groupings are described, it turns into a tips and tricks collection, e.g., do rough work before finish work. It's not a comprehensive reference by any means. On the contrary, it's shamefully padded with many nearly blank pages. Enjoyable reading, nice drawings, just not nearly enough material to justify the price.