The Architectural Pattern Book: A Tool for Building Great Neighborhoods [Paperback]

Urban Design Associates (Author), Urban Design Associates (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0393731340 | ISBN-13: 978-0393731347 | Publication Date: August 23, 2004 | Edition: (2004)

This manual documents the revival of the traditional architectural pattern book as a means of implementing urban design.

From the firm that produced The Urban Design Handbook comes a practical guide to developing and using pattern books-a tradition stretching back to Vitruvius and Palladio, and the source of many beautiful houses-to design neighborhoods today. It describes techniques and working methods for contemporary development and construction processes.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An admirable and urgently needed work . . .  UDA demonstrates that it is remarkably possible, even in our muddled age of the the 'more or less traditional image,' to build on historic precedents without any kitsch, irony or rebellions against the rules. (Eve M. Kahn - Period Homes )

The beauty of the system is that it is based on existing excellence not style, and typological selection is helped by a broad consensus on what is proven to work. (Ben Bolgar - RIBA Journal )

From UDA's work, the important rebirth of pattern books used by new urbanists has evolved and come to fruition.  Today UDA is one of the premier creators of pattern books for traditional developments….this is one of the rare cases in which a book produced by a committee has turned out graceful and engaging, not to mention useful. (Philip Langdon - New Urban News )

About the Author

Urban Design Associates is a Pittsburgh-based national practice that creatively engages citizens to revitalize city neighborhoods, transform public housing, bring new life to downtowns and waterfronts, and build new traditional towns.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; (2004) edition (August 23, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393731340
• ISBN-13: 978-0393731347
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #178,002 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just a house, design a whole neighborhood, September 16, 2004

By 

John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Architectural Pattern Book: A Tool for Building Great Neighborhoods (Paperback)

Most of us like architectural books because we think, or possibly just dream of building our own ULTIMATE house. Here, however, is a book not on building a house, but on building an entire neighborhood.

It starts with a bit of history, the pattern books written in roman times. It brings them up to date with a survey of several American neighborhoods dating from turn of the century times. And finally it goes on to show what the authors have done as they designed blocks, sub-divisions and the like. It is intended to show what can be done to replace the common cookie cutter houses common in recent developments. It is a fascinating book that leads to thinking.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Architectural Pattern Book: A Tool for Building Great Neighborhoods, December 23, 2008

By 

D. Henebry - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Architectural Pattern Book: A Tool for Building Great Neighborhoods (Paperback)

This was a needed reference and excellent compilation of information on architectural patterns in varying urban contexts. I highly recommend it to "TRUE ARCHITECTS"