Books are not necessarily sources of study of theories, rules, formulas, and patterns. When it comes to architecture, we shall not forget the important component of creativity. This discipline is, on top of everything else, a form of expression and a branch of art, reason why architects need more than only hard knowledge; they require inspiration. This is why, to continue with the creative process and to see projects with fresh eyes and mind, turning to literature is worthy.
These books detach from ordinary textbooks and boast the most inspiring side of architecture.
The Future of Architecture in 100 Buildings, by Marc Kushner
We constantly expect architecture to break new paradigms, to offer an innovative vision of how living is, and surprise users and spectators through designs and functionalities that have never been seen before. The 100 buildings listed in this book, published by TED and created by the founder of Architizer.com, are redefining the architectural path and setting the pace for what is expected to come.
Architecture: A World History, by Daniel Borden, Jerzy Elzanowski, Joni Taylor y Stephanie Tuerk
In a very friendly size, this book gathers 600 illustrations that visually tell, as does architecture, each of the movements that have marked this discipline throughout history. Images are joined by timelines that take readers by the hand across the evolution of architecture, as well as short summaries stating what each movement contributed, bios of the greatest creative minds behind them, and segments describing the masterpieces from each era.
The ten books of architecture, by Marco Luzio Vitruvio
If there is a figure in history who has set a before and after for the conceptualization of a space, that is Roman architect and engineer Marcus Vitruvius Pollio. Also, he is the author of the most influential treaty in the history of architecture – from the 1st century BC. Hundreds of buildings around the world were constructed through the instructions captured in his Ten Books on Architecture. Among the scholars who were true to his principles are Bramante and Michelangelo, just to mention two.
World Architecture: The Masterworks, by Will Pryce
There are buildings that demand you to look at them twice so you can truly appreciate the masterwork they are. The beauty in architectural pieces reflected in this book is unique and the style of each depicted project is very different. Through 350 images, these pages capture from European Gothic-style cathedrals to antique Hindu temples, and even Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum, which reflects Gehry’s unique vision.
Architecture in Wood: A World History, by Will Pryce
Wood has been one of the greatly used materials in the history of architecture. In the beginning, this raw material was used because of the easiness to find and work it. Lately, there has been voting regarding its recurrent use, thanks to the increasing trend for more sustainable construction. Whatever the reason, wood has other great feature: it is truly beautiful. The constructions that can be seen in this book, organized geographically, make the reader think again about nature’s role in the spaces we inhabit and how it can influence the mood of those who coexist with it.
Architecture Now! by Philip Jodidio
This book collection, published by TASCHEN gathers the most relevant architectural pieces of the moment in different volumes. Through this selection of constructions, it seeks to inspire people to create more impressive buildings that make history. In addition to exterior construction, it considers interior design. Equally, the catalog has broadened to create categories like hotels, sustainable constructions, and houses. Architecture Now! is the best-selling series of architecture books from the publishing house. Volume 10 of this series features over 70 projects.
