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Metaphoric Architecture: Transforming Ideas into 3D Form
Metaphoric Architecture focuses on a fundamental but often challenging part of the beginning design phases – how to take an abstract idea and transform it into a three-dimensional object, space or building.
Through media experimentation, analysis of innovative case studies and hands-on exercises, Abrams guides the reader through the early stages of design, which include site and precedent analysis, among other initial approaches. The visual arts, music, and film are then examined in turn in relation to architecture. Chapters demonstrate how abstract ideas, paintings, film, and music can be utilized in the spatial design process and transformed into habitable spaces. 22 exercises increasing in complexity strengthen students’ abilities and promote the use of digital and manual representation in a back and forth move. With 444 illustrations, this book demystifies the process of designing 3D form and space in a highly visual way.
It will be the ideal studio companion for beginning students of both architecture and interior design, with a wide range of architectural lessons that include abstraction, design fundamentals, concept development, building design, case-study analysis, and site-to-building relationships.
Through media experimentation, analysis of innovative case studies and hands-on exercises, Abrams guides the reader through the early stages of design, which include site and precedent analysis, among other initial approaches. The visual arts, music, and film are then examined in turn in relation to architecture. Chapters demonstrate how abstract ideas, paintings, film, and music can be utilized in the spatial design process and transformed into habitable spaces. 22 exercises increasing in complexity strengthen students’ abilities and promote the use of digital and manual representation in a back and forth move. With 444 illustrations, this book demystifies the process of designing 3D form and space in a highly visual way.
It will be the ideal studio companion for beginning students of both architecture and interior design, with a wide range of architectural lessons that include abstraction, design fundamentals, concept development, building design, case-study analysis, and site-to-building relationships.
328 pages, Paperback
Published July 14, 2025
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July 30, 2025
probably best book i’ve ever read in my entire life, especially the pages about a certain students around figures 2.9 about creating a 3d object from piet mondrians painting! truly inspiring work by said student idk where he gets it
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