analysing architecture the universal language of place making

Had he only been a little more specific many misconceptions about his work – as being not entirely clear and somehow mysterious- might have never eventuated. For instance he uses drawings that understate the use of the root two rectangle (Figure V) in the first geometric method suggested to calculate the heights of vaults and uses the numbers of the tetraktys – without mentioning it - to “calculate” and provide an example of “harmonic” proportion.

He tells us what to do, but never fully explains in detail how he gets to the recommended methods. But this book will help.There seem to be many understated assumptions in Palladio’s Four Books on Architecture. It can be a difficult discipline to get to grips with nothing in school quite prepares anyone for the particular demands of an architecture course. Architecture is complex, subtle, frustrating… but ultimately extremely rewarding. Works of architecture are instruments for managing, orchestrating, modifying our relationship with the world around us. The ‘Introduction' has been completely rewritten and the format of the whole book has been adjusted to allow for the inclusion of more and better illustrative examples. Material from the 'Case Studies' in previous editions has been redistributed amongst earlier chapters. Four new chapters have been added to the section dealing with Themes in Spatial Organisation, on ‘Axis’, ‘Grid’, ‘Datum Place’ and ‘Hidden’. Notably, the chapter on ‘How Analysis Can Help Design’ has been redeveloped to clearly explain this crucially important aspect of study to a beginner readership. In this new edition, Analysing Architecture has been revised and expanded.

With copious illustrations from his own notebooks, the author dissects examples from around the world and all periods of history to explain the underlying strategies in architectural design and show how drawing may be used as a medium for analysis. Aimed primarily at those studying architecture, it offers a clear and accessible insight into the workings of this rich and fascinating subject. Now in its fifth edition, Analysing Architecture has become internationally established as the best introduction to architecture.

Analysing architecture the universal language of place making