Architecture: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions Book 72)

While this guide doesn't offer much space to discuss such a broad topic, what is presented provides ideas for further reading. Little description is given for terms such as Baroque, Gothic, Rococo, Classicism, etc., which is a shame, but this book does cover such "classic" works of architecture such as Falling Water, the Pantheon, the Parthenon, and others, and each is used to illustrate a point about architecture. The author spends quite a bit more time on what buildings mean, and how that meaning changes depending on the time period, culture, and individual perspective.Overall, I would recommend this book to someone looking for a very basic understanding of architecture, but if you are looking for something more detailed, I'd suggest looking elsewhere.

Indeed a very short introduction but what it lacks in length it makes up for in concentrated doses of knowledge. As some who is completely unschooled in the architectural domain, I found this book very satisfying. Thanks to this book, I believe I will pursue other books on the subject. At the end of the book, there is a nice `further reading' section with blurbs of other book related to buildings and architecture.

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There is nothing wrong with introducing architecture from a sociological and cultural perspective, rather than the conventional approach of timelines, styles and schools. It's just that Ballantyne is not very good at it. Thus we have rambling, incoherent musings on what it means to be 'at home'. "Architecture is gesture made with buildings", the author assures us. Maybe so, but I would have appreciated a description of what those gestures were and how they evolved over time. Who built what, when, how and why? Instead we get constant reminders that it is all a matter of interpretation and perspective. An introduction to this subject should be a concrete foundation on which to build further knowledge. Ballantyne amuses himself with conceptual sandcastles and smiles knowingly as they get washed away by each new wave of speculation. Presenting architecture in a broad cultural context is a commendable aim, but to do it you need to have a firm grasp of that context. Informing the reader that philosophy is an 'idea' that was developed in Athens and 'Tragedy is farce in close-up' simply will not do. This is undergraduate essay stuff.Let it be said that the 25 annotated illustrations are excellent. Each is of a famous building, accompanied by informative text. More of that kind of thing and less of the foggy narrative in which they are embedded, and this could have been a much better book.

I had high hopes for this book. While the author meant well, the book is very poorly written, and its message unclear. It seemed as though the author did not have a firm grasp of the subject. "A Very Short Introduction" was hardly an introduction at all. The book took major detours into advanced (advanced for me) subject matter that I wondered if the author himself understood. I'm probably more confused now about architecture than I was before reading the book. I did not complete the book. I got half way through it and simply could not endure any more. Unfortunately for me, I did not heed some of the bad reviews for this book. I will not be so careless next time. Fortunately, there are far better books available.

good intro. good condition

This is a good starting point for anyone with even a passing appreciation for architecture. In this fast read, Andrew Ballantyne tackles the subject in an interesting way. He addresses the social and psychological effects that architecture has on different "cultures", whether that culture is an entire ethnic group or three people with common beliefs. There is some technical and structural discussion, of course, but it is not the focus of this book.There is an emphasis on classical architecture and its various reinterpretations throughout Western history, including the Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical periods. Ballantyne also spends a some time discussing modern theory and belief, and through that the nonconformist architecture of the 20th century.There are 25 images with information boxes, and I found that these were great at reinforcing the different sample "canons" that Ballantyne referred to throughout the text.This is a good start if you're interested in the social and cultural aspects and interpretations of architecture, but possibly not so much in the technical aspects. This book serves as a great foundation for the subject of architectural studies, which is exactly its intended purpose.

"Style" comes from the Greek word for column, as the author explains in the book. Which is just one of many fascinating facts contained inside this look at the the most expensive of fashion statements. It especially focuses on Western European architecture from about the Rennaissance on, when architecture as a profession began, although Classical and Gothic are covered because they are, after all, the models for all that followed. But it's no textbook chronology of well-known buildings.Instead it's an essay on society and its buildings, by someone knowledgeable enough to be able to toss in a new fact about all the familiar names. (Although his claim that the extra glass in the Reitveldt Schroder house required an industrial boiler that cost as much the house itself is a little hard to believe.)The writing is witty, full of good stories, and avoids the cliches often found in these books. Even manages references to recent movies, like Fight Club (the character's excessive brand consciousness) and Amelie (showcases the venerable Art Nouveau subway stations).

Although arranged in only 3 rather long chapters, this book really captures the fact that architecture is not shy to draw upon history and traditions, while leaving room for personal expression and of course for the interpretation of others. However, it took a completely western approach, and a glimpse into Eastern Europe, South America, the Far East and the rest of the world would be appreciated.

A brilliant very short introduction to architecture with some great recommendations for further reading.

Within the scope of a 100 page book, the author tries to define continuity and uniqueness. It kind of falls short, needing at least 300 more pages to get to the point and actually recognize and define characteristics of 'Architecture'. Perhaps the topic is not suited for this format.

Excellant and informative, a very easy read for amateurs like me!

all good