Books that are a must-read for every designer
In the design world, there is always a constant desire for self-development. So is there a better way than reading a good book or two?
Let's not waste more time and reveal the list to find the best books to inspire and motivate you.
The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton
This book, published by Pantheon Books in 2006, discusses the importance of beauty. De Botton got inspired by Stendhal’s quote, "beauty is the promise of happiness," studying human surroundings, as well as the needs and desires of human beings, manifest their ideas in architecture.
Architects' Data, also simply known as the Neufert
This is a reference book for spatial requirements in site planning, building and design. Its 39 German editions and translations into 17 languages have sold over 500,000 copies since its first publication in 1936 by Ernst Neufert. Rudolf Herz translated the first English translation from the original German, which was released in 1970.
Innovation in Structural Art Stanford Anderson by Eladio Dieste
In this book, the first comprehensive analysis of his work to be published in English, both the beauty and technical innovation of his projects, are examined in detail. Dieste’s three essays convey his thoughts on art, culture, and technology. With Dieste's death in 2000, this book serves as a tribute and a definitive reference to his extraordinary work and its brilliant union of architecture and engineering.
The Language of Architecture: 26 Principles every Architect should know by Andrea Simitch, Val Warke
To learn the foundations of architecture, you must first master the language of essential building blocks: their definitions, functions, and applications. The Language of Architecture teaches students and professional architects the fundamental aspects of architectural design.
The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair
The interesting history of seventy-five unique tints, dyes, and hues are told in The Secret Lives of Color. These surprising stories run like a bright thread throughout history, from blonde to ginger, the brown that changed the way battles were fought to the white that protected against the plague, Picasso's blue period to the charcoal on the cave walls at Lascaux, acid yellow to kelly green, and from scarlet women to imperial purple.
Architecture’s Odd Couple: Frank Lloyd Wright and Philip Johnson by Hugh Howard
The writer masterfully traces the historical threads linking the two men in Architecture's Odd Couple, giving readers a unique perspective on the age they so enlivened with their ideas. This book presents an arresting portrait of modern architecture's odd couple and how they shaped the American landscape by shaping each other.
A Visual Dictionary of Architecture by Francis D K Ching
Francis D.K. Ching's unique presentation is used in this crucial one-volume reference of architectural themes. It's the only dictionary with exquisitely detailed, hand-rendered illustrations to accompany brief, precise words. From Arch to Wood, Ching's distinctive style is used to portray every concept, technique, material, and detail crucial to architects and designers.
The Art Of Earth Architecture: Past, Present, Future by Jean Dethier
The 512-page book, published by Princeton Architectural Press, delves into our material world and studies astonishing structures from around the world that demonstrate a wide-ranging uses and sustainability aspect of raw-earth construction material. It examines the ecological relevance of the material by focusing on raw-earth masterpieces from throughout the world.
Theory and Design in the First Machine Age by Reyner Banham
This book was first published in 1960 and since then has become essential reading in many courses on the history of modern architecture. It is widely recognized as one of the classic publications on the modern movement. It has influenced a generation of students and critics interested in the evolution of attitudes, topics, and forms among artists and architects working predominantly in Europe.
Detail in Contemporary Architecture Series by Virginia McLeod
Detail in Contemporary Glass Building examines the relevance of details in modern glass architecture from both a technical and aesthetic standpoint. This book shows 50 of the most recent and important glass projects for residential, public, and commercial buildings, featuring the work of prominent architects from across the world. Color pictures, site plans, sections and elevations, as well as various building details, are all included in each project.
