Thinking About Architecture: An Introduction to Architectural Theory by Colin Davies

by Colin Davies

In order to understand architecture in all its cultural complexity it is necessary to grasp certain basic concepts such as representation, form, and space. The aim of this book is to provide designers, teachers, students, and interested laypersons with a set of ideas that will enrich their conversation, their writing, and above all their thinking about architecture. Written in a conversational style, it introduces difficult concepts gradually, step by step. Architectural theorists and philosophers are mentioned in passing and their works are listed in the bibliography, but they are not the subject of the book. Architecture, rather than philosophy, is at the centre of the picture. The aim is to enable the reader to understand architecture in all its aspects, rather than to learn the names of particular theorists. The book is divided into eight chapters, each covering a particular aspect of architecture. Thinking about Architecture will be an invaluable standard introduction to architectural theory for architecture students, practising architects and interested general readers.

Genres: Architecture, Theory, Art

Paperback

First published October 17, 2011

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I selected this book as a bonus read to accompany my assigned reads for my first architecture course back in 2011. It starts off rather slow, but gains momentum and soon you'll not want to put it down. I thought the book was pretty well written and great for anyone wanting to learn the fundamentals of architecture and thinking in such terms. I was certainly able to grasp certain basic concepts to the more advanced ideas about architectural design. Furthermore, the book helped me improve my architectural vernacular and writing.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really useful introduction to architectural theory. Struck a good balance between accessibility and rigor; the concepts were explained clearly enough for me as an interested layperson, but still felt like a serious and reasonably thorough treatment of the material. And the prose is totally fluid and readable, which is a trait that textbooks can sorely lack at times. I chose this book to get a working overview of architectural theory before diving into any particular texts, and I'm happy with the choice.

[Sanyam Bahga · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly informative book that discusses a wide range on topics within the domain of architecture. This book provides plentiful insights into diverse aspects of architecture. A reading of this book would definitely lend maturity to one's ability to think and write about architecture.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been wanting to read a good book about architecture and architectural theory for a while, but never found the right book -- you can see my previous attempts here in my Goodreads collection. Finally, THIS is the book I was looking for. It's written for university students, contains a good amount of theory, intellectual history, and critique, and it's written brilliantly (seriously, Colin Davies writes the "textbook" genre fabulously well). It's full of colour photos, and contains just enough of the author's own opinions to make it seem human. He spends a good deal of time contrasting what contemporary theory is supposed to suggest vs what the built environment actually looks like, which makes it seem nicely grounded.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this book constitutes one of my first forays into architectural theory, I think it does an excellent job providing a simplistic yet inspiring scope through which to look at the architectural design process and meaning. Through this scope, we are able to see the fundamental implications of both modern and classical architecture as they relate to our evolutionary and physiological needs, as well as our predisposition toward objects concepts which stir the intellect and imagination. I also love the contextualization of many of the great modern-day architects as they relate and react to architectural principles of the past.