Looking to build a better knowledge base!

[NDay]

Hi,
This is the first time ive posted, I am just starting my first year as an Architectural technology student at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK.

I have been reading through alot of the previous discussions and am worried that my basic knowledge of architecture is not what it should be (movements, theorys, environmental strategies etc.). I was wondering if anyone had any good ideas for some background reading that would set me off on the right foot!?

Cheers

[dgt]

NDay,
Start off by reading about the masters; Le Corbu, Mies, and Wright. Then move into the likes of Kahn, and Gaudi. This is not that much. There are many compilations which include almost all of these architects, and give you insight into comparisons.
Next, read all the magazines you can get your hands on (Arch Record, El Croiquis, etc.). Then you will be ready for more of the modern 'heavy' stuff like S,M,L,XL by OMA and Paralax by Steven Holl. Also, check out the Pamphlet Architecture series. They are cheap, you can find them on Amazon, and most (NOT ALL) are a great source for modern theory.

Most importantly: Form your own opinions about all of this stuff. Do not be afraid to change your mind either.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
dgt

[dgt]

One more thing!

This is only a small sample. Go to the book store and pick up something interesting. Compilations are your friend early on. If you like a particular architect in a compilation, find a book of work on just that designer.

Regards,
dgt

[NDay]

Brill, will definately look into those suggestions!

Thanks for the help!

Nick

[lewiseca]

hello Nick,
reading your post i remembered exactly what i was thinking when i was about to go into first year. especially when they send you out a big fat reading list....
but don't worry about it at all, i'm about to hit third year in edinburgh and i still know very little. you pick it up gradually. first week(s) are always a debaucherous alcohol fuelled haze, so fear not and enjoy yourself... plently of time to stress later!

Lewis

PS- should mention, what the chap above said is very wise and a good idea obviously, but don't get worried about it.

[wonotusix]

well thanks for the advice ppl looks like a good idea
but i really wish you would give me an alternative idea you see the place where i stay... architectural books are pretty rare. only place we can get them is Delhi and that's another country. so you see we are really stuckup here and this forum is the only place to update ourself

regards
1026

[Kevin]

These forums ... and esp. the links at the foot of the page... were created to help you!

In my mind, for beginners the single best book to date for groking architecture is "Experiencing Architecture" by Steen Eiler Rasmussen. It isn't big and flashy but it is dead on and beautiful in its expression. Linked at our books page: http://www.ArchitectureWeek.com/books.html

Third year and up, time to follow your heart! And try to make sense of it along the way... And there are suggestions for that too at that same page.

[maxmoy]

Get yourself "The History of Architecture" by Spiro Kostof. This is an excellent book. It is unbelievable all the information, data that these books (because there are several volumes) contain. But most important, it has a lot of interpretation.

Now, if you want to understant architecture I think, you musn't organize the info in your mind chronologically or by regions. Do it by THEMES. As you read, be in the lookout for what architecture signifies, that is, the different MEANINGS of architecture. Basically, WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE?
What was architecture in the past?

Then, look out for the different interpretations of MASS and INTERIORS. You will find that some cultures like the egyptians considered architecture a about MASS, and space was that "space" left in between masses. There is a theory by Sigfreid Giddeon (you don't have to buy his book though) about how up until the romans, architecture is about the exteriors. During Rome, it was about the interiors up until modernism. Then, during the last century, architects tried to make a balance between both and play with the meaning of "inside" and "outside". Simple Dialectic: Thesis, Antishesis, Synthesis.

Also be on the lookout for structures. I don't mean how they work, but the visual implications of them. Some architecture is based on showing where and how the balances of forces are acting. Others try to eliminate all kind of trace of structure, such as Islamic architecture. Picture the inside of a mosque... there is nothing that can suggest how that building is standing. It is "weightless". Less "massive"? Start relating topics.

Then also be on the lookout for the role of ARCHITECTS. There role in society, their status varies a lot. You may find different interpretations of the extent of the responsabilities of architects, and will hopefully end up with one of your own.

Personally, I ddn't read the "classics" before reading more contemporary issues. But thats just me. You may wanna do it chronologically.... The first book I bought for myself was MUTATIONS by Rem Koolhaas and other people, then S,M,L,XL, Space of Encounter by Daniel Libeskind, and then a huge book on Soviet Architecture.

I say, build a library (if you want to) on those topics that interst you. That way, you will force yourself to relate different topics/issues, thus make you smarter and understand stuff from your own perspective.

[drc_brazil]

I think you should start with the history of arts, architecture and city planning, mainly to understand the "evolution" of architecture and it's relation to arts and other fields, the theories and different points of view...try to read Argan, benevolo, banhan, gombrich.. and start searching about the great masters, as one have said...that will be nice to start with!
good luck!

[NDay]

Thanks for all your replies, has given me a real good idea of where to start! If anyone else has any other suggestions please post them as i can see that people have different views on this!

cheers to everyone that has taken the time to reply!

[NDay]

Thanks for all your replies, has given me a real good idea of where to start! If anyone else has any other suggestions please post them as i can see that people have different views on this!

cheers to everyone that has taken the time to reply!