A Field Guide to American Architecture

by Carole Rifkind

A Field Guide to Contemporary American Architecture presents the most thorough and comprehensive view yet published of American architecture from the 1940s to the present. Jargon-free and easy to read, it is an indispensable guide to understanding the evolution of today's architecture in its cultural context. From postwar housing to recent shopping center fancies, leading urbanist Carole Rifkind takes us on an illustrated tour through half a century of design. In words and pictures, she demonstrates the interplay between form and function, and how the uses of space, mass, materials, and ornament have evolved to produce the structures that surround us today. Filled with more than 400 photographs and line drawings, and covering the works of more than 200 architects, A Field Guide to Contemporary American Architecture is an essential reference for both the casual browser and the serious scholar.

Genres: Architecture, Reference, Nonfiction, History, Art

334 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1980

Reviews

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great find at the library book sale. Carole Rifkind produces an enjoyable overview of American buildings, and I appreciated that it spans from residential to ecclesiastical to commercial.

[Mike Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

After learning about this book fro a fellow Goodreads Architecture fan (Thanks Holly!), I picked up a copy and it quickly became a favorite of mine. In simple and explanatory language, it explains the history and distinguishing features of architectural styles (Colonial, Gothic, Victorian, etc). Different than most books of this ilk which use photographs of their examples, it does this mostly with a huge amount of line drawings of the buildings, which makes it much easier to pick out the small details that distinguish one style from another (or a later "Revival"). Also it covers church and Civic/Commercial buildings, which aren't often covered in the same book. A must have for any house-watchers, Architecture enthusiasts, and people who want to learn the language of architecture that exists all around them.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is well organized, with good drawings and black and white photos modestly reproduced. A similar book more specific to houses is The Houses We Live In: An Identification Guide to the History and Style of American Domestic Architecture.

[Thora Hrafnsdottir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in 1980, it covers American architectural styles through 1940. An informative book with excellent illustrations and black-and-white photographs.

I enjoyed reading it and suggest looking up at least the occasional building online, for color photos, etc., of the buildings.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Field guide means just that - get out into historic areas and learn about the architecture, with this book in hand.

[Allen Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

My interest in architectural features and design lead me to this book to develop a vocabulary of different styles and how to spot and describe them. It was my daughter that used the book in her work who recommended it to me. It is very comprehensive in styles and rich is line drawings of actual structures around the country. Even some of the buildings in the coastal town of Pescadero show up here.

Style periods are broken up chronologically and fine line drawings of real buildings help the reader grasp the infinite details. Great for that next trip to McDonalds to teach your 7 yr. old about the NeoClassical movement.

[Martha Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

History and art in one book. Perfect.