Architectural Detailing: Function, Constructibility, Aesthetics

by Edward Allen, Patrick Rand

The industry-standard guide to designing well-performing buildings Architectural Detailing  systematically describes the principles by which good architectural details are designed. Principles are explained in brief, and backed by extensive illustrations that show you how to design details that will not leak water or air, will control the flow of heat and water vapor, will adjust to all kinds of movement, and will be easy to construct. This new third edition has been updated to conform to International Building Code 2012, and incorporates current knowledge about new material and construction technology. Sustainable design issues are integrated where relevant, and the discussion includes reviews of recent built works that extract underlying principles that can be the basis for new patterns or the alteration and addition to existing patterns. Regulatory topics are primarily focused on the US, but touch on other jurisdictions and geographic settings to give you a well-rounded perspective of the art and science of architectural detailing. In guiding a design from idea to reality, architects design a set of details that show how a structure will be put together. Good details are correct, complete, and provide accurate information to a wide variety of users. By demonstrating the use of detail patterns, this book teaches you how to design a building that will perform as well as you intend. Architects understand that aesthetics are only a small fraction of good design, and that stability and functionality require a deep understanding of how things come together. Architectural Detailing helps you bring it all together with a well fleshed-out design that communicates accurately at all levels of the construction process.

Genres: Architecture, Reference, Education, Interior Design, Nonfiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1992

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

This is Edward^Allen, where ^=space.

Edward Allen has taught for more than thirty years at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, and the University of Oregon. He is the bestselling author of Fundamentals of Building Construction, Fifth Edition.

Reviews

[Derenik Baghramian · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can't mark this kind of books that you have finished them.
If you are an architect you have to check this book regularly.

Well illustrated and described architectural details with pros and cons of a variety of solutions.
Highly recommending.

[Sula · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it follows American regulations, this is an excellent book regardless of your location, as it doesn't just show you the details, it explains the thinking behind them. It is like someone explaining the thinking behind a physics formula, rather than just plugging in data with no understanding of how it works. It breaks down details into patterns - for example patterns for controlling water - which can then be assembled into a larger whole. I also appreciate the consideration of the builders themselves and the ergonomics of assembling and maintaining the detail in real life. Although I still feel daunted by detailing I have learnt more from this book about the technical side of architecture than from any of my tech modules!

[Mark Einselen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another useful reference book. Great for students and practicing professionals alike.