Customer Reviews

A Visual Dictionary of Architecture

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Somewhere near the very beginning of my lecturing career, I showed a slide onscreen and was trying to point out a unique feature of a home. Gesturing toward the screen I said, "that thingie over the window..."

I was mortified. What a dreadful mistake for a "professional" lecturer to make!! Since I planned to give many more lectures, I came home and bought this book from Amazon.

When the parcel arrived, I quickly opened it and was delighted to find the easy-to-read drawings. Ching makes the most complex architectural graphics easy to see and understand. Using this book, I gave myself a crash course on "basic architectural terms" and since then, I've given 200 lectures and never used the word "THINGIE" again!!

Rose
author, California's Kit Homes
and "The Houses That Sears Built"

As with most of Francis D.K. Ching's publications, this is a fundamental resource to the student of architecture, as well as the practicing professional. The practice of architecture is intrinscially tied to the ability of the Architect to communicate complex ideas to a myriad of persons. To be succesful at this communication, one needs to be conversant in both the written/spoken language of architecture as well as the illustrative language of drawing. The Visual Dictionary exemplifies this concept. Organized around 68 essential concepts of design and construction - concisely written and beautifully illustrated - Francis Ching brings forth clarity in communication rarely experienced in the world of design and construction. I use this book in teaching, in practice, in reference, and in simple enjoyment. Again, a fundamental resource for the reference shelf - although it rarely sits on the shelf.

I believe this is a nice book to start architecture studies with. To know the definitions of words that relate to architecture is a great help in studying the subject. Memorizing all of these words would surely help you out understand any talk about architecture.

I find Ching to be an artful genius. The sketches ideas and text in this book all conform in such a way to inspire and train the eye. He gives so much information on each page. You must look, read and study each page several times before you realize all they convey. Truly remarkable and architecturally-speaking, to-the-point in this age of "abstract", "didactic" architectonic psychobabble. Cheers to you Francis D.K. Ching

This book was recommended to me by an architect for reviewing possible material on architecture license examinations. Graphically it's an excellent book. Bigger type letters would make it easier to read. Other than that, it's a great buy!

a comprehensive collection of elements and discriptions for whatever peice of idea that has been thought of, a must have for those who really want to understand the details of the profession. Very well organized chapters, and i liked specially the coverage of nearlly all the styles old and new with nearly all the elements included in each style. Photoes are generously included but they could use some color to make them more appealing. it is nice i think if it was available on CD.

As with other materials by Francis D.K.Ching, the illustrations are not only clear and precise but aesthetically pleasing. It is a pleasure to read through the material for a comprehensive understanding of architectural concepts, presented in an historical perspective which clarifies the how and why of modern day building technology. The Visual Dictionary of Architecture
is an invaluable reference for the student and architectural practicioner as well.

If your a hobbyist architect like me you will find hundreds of tidbits of info on all aspects of building construction, and architecture in this book, all illustrated in superb pencil drawings.

Every serious student of architecture and consumate professional in the architectural field should have and read this book. I keep going back to it over and over. It works quite well as a dictionary of terms and most importantly as a source of great inspiration. Ching is perhaps the best architectural artist of our time. The pencil graphics and representations found throughout the text are amazing. The book energizes my imagination each time I open it. Simply astounding! A work of art!

Every serious student of ARCHITECTURE as well as your consumate professionals in the architecture field should buy and read this book. I continue to read it over and over. I go back to it often not only to find definitions but to be inspired. Ching is perhaps thee best architectural artist of our era. His delicate sketches and diagrams unlock all the crevices of your imagination. Simply astounding-GENIUS!