Product Description

This book defines over 5,000 terms relating to architectural design, history, and technology. It is the only dictionary that provides concise, accurate definitions illustrated with finely detailed, hand-rendered drawings, each executed in Mr. Ching's signature style.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #20082 in Books
• Published on: 1996-11-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780471288213
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
A Visual Dictionary of Architecture is a remarkable, on-of-a-kind compendium which uses a combination of textual definitions and hundreds of superb line drawings to illuminate a comprehensive body of essential terms in architecture, including important interrelationships between building components. Grouped by themes, such as history, systems, structures, forms, construction, environmental issues, and behavior, all terms have their visual complement and can be readily accessed in a number of different ways. A Visual Dictionary of Architecture is an authoritative source of information for anyone tracking down an elusive word, and a delight for simple armchair browsing! -- Midwest Book Review

From the Inside Flap
A Visual Dictionary of Architecture Francis D.K. Ching Here is an opportunity to look at architecture through the mind of Francis D. K. Ching, distinguished architect, author, and illustrator. Architects and students alike will delight in this compendium of definitions and accompanying line drawings, each rendered in Mr. Ching’s signature style. In this unique visual dictionary of architectural terms, Mr. Ching abandons the alphabet, instead clustering terms around 68 basic aspects of architectural design, history, and technology. By grouping terms under such broad concepts as design, hardware, history, ornament, and structure, Mr. Ching introduces the reader to individual definitions in the context of related terms, making the relationship between terms readily apparent. Each over-sized page spills over with terms and illustrations that are enriched and supported by every other entry. This conceptual format also allows the reader to work backward from the big picture, easily locating elusive terms under a general topic. Readers seeking a precise term can flip to the index where they will find page references for over 5,000 terms. Doubtless, many will want this handsome volume for the sheer beauty of it. Every page is an invitation to browse. Architects and students alike will treasure this book for its wealth of practical information and its elegant illustrations. Mr. Ching has indeed succeeded in reflecting "the rich, complex, and multidimensional nature of architecture."

From the Back Cover
"The symbolic relationship between graphic and verbal communication is the basis for this visual dictionary of architecture." - Frank Ching

"Frank Ching's technical dexterity has now reached legendary artistic levels... This reference book is a treasure to be valued for the wealth of information it provides. As you read, each page becomes more and more enlightening." - Journal of Interior Design

"Ching's clear definitions and over 3,000 accompanying line drawings make this book a valuable, graphically striking resource." - Interiors

"The premise behind the book is straightforward and logical that designers will immediately ask themselves why they didn't write and illustrate it themselves."" - Contract Design

Customer Reviews

Easy to use and read and understand
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"

Fundamental
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.

Good start for architecture students.
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.