Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8922 in Books
• Published on: 2008-07-03
• Original language: German
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 555 pages

Customer Reviews

More than the sum of it's parts
"For me, designing and constructing are the same thing" - Andrea Deplazes.
Andea Deplazes is Professor for Architecture & Construction at the ETH Zurich, and an internationally regarded Architect.
Not just another construction manual covering the usual technical and architectural issues, this book is more than the sum of its parts. Its weight alone hints at its substance.
The tradition of fine craftsmanship is evident in Swiss Architecture, and the themes of assembly and construction is clear throughout the book. Unlike other 'construction manuals' this also includes and highlights the consequence of intellectual positions and historic continuity.
Divided into five main sections: Materials, Elements, Structures, Selected Buildings, and Components: Each section contains essays on theory, technical issues, reference, and drawings. All the essays are well written, concise, and read like interesting lectures.
There is a good balance of conceptual sketches, photographs, and technical drawings. The black and white photographs are a little on the small side, however, the written language more than compensates.
The Ten case studies illustrate projects of design and constructional rigor, and provide a good link between education and practice.
Constructing Architecture is compulsory reading for all architecture students, and will prove a good reference for experienced professionals. At this price this book is very good value for money (508 pages).
Highly recommended.

Book for ALL Architecture Students
This book based purely on its weight alone, justifies its RRP, like the first reviewer mentioned.
Of all the books I have had and discarded whilst an Architecture Student - this IS the biggie. If only I had access to or had heard of this book in my first year!
Top 3 Books for Architecture Students are; this one, Data Metric Handbook and one featuring many works/ drawings by your favourite architect.

Constructing Architecture takes you through the history, concepts, design process and backs it all up with many pics.


Oh and I nearly forget - a field of details at 1:10/ 1:20 scale - from roofs, walls, doors, windows, floor-wall junctions, down to ground floor/ basement detailing.
4* because its in b/w - but I'm being picky.