The field of architecture is not restricted to just 5 years of classroom teaching. There are several other ways to gain more information on architectural history, architectural styles or designs. The Internet is the most popular source for learning these days but I personally believe that there is no better source of knowledge than (good old) books.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ ARCHITECTURAL BOOKS:
Reading is the very important part of learning and A book is the most authentic and genuine source of information available, where a professional or an educated scholar expresses all his hard work, learning and experiences. The content available in a book is cent percent true, leaving almost no margin for error. The architectural books can be called ‘expression of an architect’s years of experience.’ And truly it is. These books usually consist of architectural, structural and conceptual drawings along with a text box explaining the details of the same.
HOW WE SHOULD READ THESE KIND OF BOOKS TO LEARN MORE EFECTIVELY:
Step One
You must identify your topic of interest and once you are sure about the topic, search for the books. Select the book with the most relevant content. You can always ask others for suggestions on good reads.
Step Two
Now once you select the book it is very important to read a book in sequential order. Do not start reading random pages of the books. You should follow a systematic reading pattern to get maximum information.
Step Three
Mind sketch up is the most important part of architectural books. You must carefully analyze all the picture, sketches and diagrams to understand the concept, design, and details. Carefully read the text relevant to the illustrations for better understanding while reading.
Step Four
Taking notes is the most important part of reading an academic book. You must take crisp and concise notes of the important or relevant topics or you can simply highlight it in the book using a highlighter. This part will you most to learn better.
FIVE BEST SELLING ARCHITECTURAL BOOKS THAT YOU SHOULD READ:
01
A Pattern Language, Town, Budlings & Construction (1977)
by Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa, Murry Silverstein.
One of the best-selling books in architecture, urban design & community livability. Originally written in 1970s
The book uses words to describe patterns, supported by drawings, photographs,
and charts. It describes exact methods for constructing practical, safe, and attractive designs at every scale, from entire regions, through cities, neighborhoods, gardens, buildings, rooms, built-in furniture, and fixtures down to the level of doorknobs. The patterns are regarded by the authors not as infallible, but as hypotheses.
02
Experiencing Architecture (1964)
by Steen Eiler Rasmussen
Widely regarded as a classic in the field, this book explores the history and promise of good design. Generously illustrated with historical examples of designing excellenceranging from tea cups to the villas of Palladio and the fish-feeding project of Beijing's Winter Palace Rasmussen's accessible guide invites us to appreciate architecture not only as a profession, but as an art that shapes everyday experience.
03
Complexity and Contradiction of Architecture (1977) by Robert Venturi
This remarkable book has become an essential document of architectural literature and it has been translated in 16 languages. A "gentle manifesto for a no straightforward architecture," Venturi’s Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture expresses in the most compelling and original terms the postmodern rebellion against the purism of modernism.
04
The Eyes of The Skin: Architecture & Senses (1996) by Juhani Plasma
First published in 1990 has become a classic book of Architectural theory. It will made you ask very fundamental questions like why, when there are five senses but one sense is “sight” is become so predominant in architectural culture and design? Juhani Pallasmaa argues that the suppression of the other four sensory realms has led to the overall impoverishment of our built environment, often diminishing the emphasis on the spatial experience of a building and architecture’s ability to inspire, engage and be wholly life enhancing.
05
Hot to Cold: An Odysseys of Architectural Adaption (2015) by Bjarke Ingels
This book is one of the top selling books this current generation offers insight not only to one of the world's most creative practices, but into how to design for a changing climate from Arabian hot dessert to Scandinavian cold - a message we'd all be wise to pay attention .