Edward Allen takes us through the functions of a building without going into traditional architectural theory. This book is more concerned with the needs that buildings must fulfill, and how we can fulfull them. He discusses water, waste, heat, ventilation, lighting, accoustics, energy, structure, and more, first by explaining each particular concept, and then by examining how problems can be solved with the knowledge of those concepts.

While this isn't a book on theory, neither is it a wholly practical book. That is, it won't equip you with the skills to go and build a house. But it will open your eyes to the various elements of buildings and building construction and you may think "Aha!" the next time you look at a building and observe a strange structural or design detail. You don't have to be an architecture freak to enjoy the book either. You just need to be curious.

14 of 14 found the following review helpful:


Great Introduction for the Novice  Aug 04, 2005 By Marco Antonio Abarca
I approach this book as someone who likes to walk around old neighborhoods and look at houses. I have collected architectural field guides for years and I can identify most building styles. However, I had little idea how buildings worked.

This book was enjoyable because the writing style was simple and straight to the point. One does not need a technical background to get a lot out of the book. Edward Allen's skillful line illustrations also add a great deal. If I could not understand the technical description, the simple illustration helped me with the underlying principle.

To give you an example of why this book is helpful to a non-specialist. I have heard of septic systems my entire life. However, I had no idea how they worked. With the help of very clear illustrations and straight forward writing, this mystery has been solved. This book is a great introduction to all those interested in architecture. Highly recommended.

12 of 13 found the following review helpful:


This is an excellent primer on architecture for anyone.  Dec 29, 1997 By Mike van Lammeren (mvanlamz@rocketship.com)
Edward Allen clearly, thoroughly, and succinctly explains the basics of architecture to the average reader. He covers not only the materials and methods of construction, but introduces the theory, history, and philosophy of architecture. The reader's mind is filled with knowledge in short order, and is left delighted. Edward Allen is a rare gem of a teacher--someone who honestly understands a topic and can convey that knowledge. There are so many badly written, stuffy, elitist, and meaningless tomes on architecture, that this book stands almost alone. If you had to read only one book on architecture your whole life, then this is it. If you had to read two, then include "How Buildings Learn" by Stewart Brand.

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:


Summarizes in Simple, Graphic Fashion what a Building Does  Jun 09, 2001 By Donald W Randall
A practical overview of the natural order of architecture. Explains what building do (i.e. Effects of outdoor environment, human environment and the concept of shelter). Explains how a building works (i.e. Various practical functions, providing water, removing wastes, thermal comfort, HVAC, acoustics, form, structural support, fire control, building expansion, etc.).

This book sticks to the basics of what a building is all about. This is not a book about design princples and concepts (old or modern); the book stresses the practical nature of building construction/design and the interface with human beings and the environment.

Excellent book for students, architecture professors, practicing architects, builders and people just wanting to know more about the principles of architecture.

6 of 6 found the following review helpful:


Jack of all and master of none  Nov 01, 2008 By Anupam Jain
I bought this book in the hope that it will be talking about Heating/Cooling, Lighting/Acoustics in some detail and touch upon other topics as well. The book however was disappointing because it covered too many topics without getting into significant depth for any of them. After reading the book, one can only be satisfied enough as after reading a magazine or sketchbook on the mechanics of architecture.

Another point of contention is that the material presented is rather dated and the contemporary reader would want to know more about some of the issues that are becoming increasingly relevant for architecture today, like sustainability and resource consumption/climate change. Even the issues presented here have seen a lot more development and upgrades than are introduced to the reader.

This review however should not discourage people who are interested in the practice of architecture and want to know more about the discipline. The sketches and diagrams are beautiful and the book would be a great resource for readers in high school who would like to know more about architecture before taking it up as a career choice. It would also be beneficial to students in the first semester in undergraduate architectural education who need to be introduced to the various aspects involved in putting together a building. But not beyond. There are other, so much better books out there for gaining knowledge about things in a contemporary setting. A highly recommended book is: Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Sustainable Design Methods for Architects. Apart from that, the bible of course is:Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings, 10th Edition. This one can get really technical at times though.

So, consider your own expertise level and how much you want to know about buildings before ordering this one!

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