The Short Story of Architecture: A Pocket Guide to Key Styles, Buildings, Elements & Materials

by Susie Hodge

The Short Story of Architecture is a pocket book guide to key styles, buildings, elements and materials – a new and innovative guide to the subject of architecture that explores 50 key buildings, from the Great Pyramids to high–tech, sustainable skyscrapers.

Accessible and concise, the book links the 50 key works to the most important architectural materials, elements and styles, giving readers all the tools they need to understand and appreciate the built world.

"A brilliant little book […] Those with an interest in architecture but who find the language and jargon of the genre intimidating and often impenetrable are sure to find Hodge's simple accessible style enjoyable and refreshing" – Self Build & Design

"I enjoyed this book. There is no fluff here, nothing extra. It's just a great overview of some great buildings, architectural styles and materials. The photographs are beautiful and the writing crisp and clear. I recommend this book for anyone who wants an introduction to architecture and some insights in the buildings around us or that predate us." – Goodreads reviewer

"I am an architect and most certainly enjoyed this book. (…) [T]he chapters Elements and Materials are a nice take on architectural history and will offer valuable information for non professionals! I see this book as an encyclopaedia to get basic information on various topics. But the very short chapters are really just a starting point. The images are very helpful throughout and the layout is clean and helps the reader navigate the book. You are looking for a Short Story of Architecture? That is exactly what you get, in the best possible way." – Goodreads reviewer

Other books in 'The Short Story of…' series include The Short Story of Art, The Short Story of Photography, The Short Story of Film and The Short Story of Modern Art.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Architecture, Art History, History

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2019

Reviews

[Julia Borazo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️


As an architecture student I can say that this book is definitely a short introduction to everything else we have within the architecture universe.
A light reading, perfect for those who are interested in learning more about constructions, terms, styles and a little bit of world history.

[Misty Garden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ця книжка — скарб, якщо потрібно познайомитися з архітектурою, або підгледіти щось для натхнення чи подарувати щось цікаве й естетичне. Мені сподобалось наскільки зручно розміщена інформація, приємно вразив словник наприкінці книжки.

Архітектура те, чим я жила певний період свого життя, тому це видання для мене особливе — книжка, котру хочеться зберігати на столі та черпати з неї натхнення

Це прекрасне ілюстроване видання, котре хочеться розглядати, гортати та пізнавати нове. Для мене тут лаконічно та зрозуміло показана не тільки архітектура, але й дотичні до неї теми.

С’юзі Годж розповіла про:

🖋️50 ключових об’єктів архутектури
72-73 сторінки присвячені Золотим воротам, що знаходяться в Києві
🖋️Стислі та інформативні описи основних архітектурних стилів з прикладами
🖋️Матеріали для будівництва зі світлинами та описом де їх використовують
🖋️Елементи архітектурних споруд — одна з найцікавіших для мене частин, адже в ній показані неймовірної краси світлини

[Ricardo Torres Ibarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Básico y necesario ! Después de este libro entiendes más la historia de los lugares que visitas, aprecias la belleza de las diferentes ciudades y puedes disfrutar de una buena taza de café ☕️ mientras ves el rascacielos en el que estás o la catedral gótica que está frente al restaurante en el que estás desayunando.

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

This is a nice quick study guide on various architecture styles from ancient (Pyramids of Egypt) to Modern (High-Tech). The book breaks down into four sections: Styles (e.g., byzantine, Moorish, Art Nouveau); Elements (e.g., Wall, Balcony, Arcade, Dome, Gable); Materials (e.g., Plastic, Bamboo, Steel, Titanium), and the largest section is a selection of notable buildings (e.g, Chartres Cathedral, FallingWater, Habitat 67, Pantheon). Interestingly enough, the order of appearance is: 1) Styles, 2) Buildings, 3) Elements, 4) Materials. I would have put the buildings last since they are made up of the other 3 sections.

Each one of the sections has an introduction in the front of the book as well as a really nice set of images on how the book is set up for each building. The design is consistent throughout and you can easily find e.g., a building or style and find out more about it easily and quickly.

The four areas are presented chronologically. Cross references are found at the bottom of every page to help establish connections with other sections. Feature boxes discuss developments and backgrounds of the architects, buildings, materials, or styles. Each page has an example photograph with interesting information about that building/feature and why it was chosen to represent that entry. E.g., The Red House (home of William Morris) was the chosen image/building to describe Arts and Crafts. Toda-ji temple in Nara Japan was pictured for Wood construction buildings. Helsinki Central Railway Station was chosen for the page on Walls due to its unique exterior.

Since this is a pocket guide, everything is nicely presented in a 2 column format with break-out sections and then similar items and their page numbers listed at the bottom. Each page has a large main title, key information such as architectures, other key works, year, architecture, location and sometimes additional images as needed. A few entries such as Versailles and Villa Savoye come with full page photos as well as detail photos. Each entry comes with several nicely condensed paragraphs of information.

As a quick reference to help increase your knowledge of architecture, this is perfect. Small, digestible, and very easy to use. It's something you can enjoy on a train or plane trip or at home. I found I wanted to use a computer to look up more info on these buildings and so preferred to read it by my computer. In all, beautifully presented, well-thought out, and exactly what it purports to be - a great pocket reference on architecture. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Dmitry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Книга серійної авторки книг-списків (у творчому доробку якої є книги «100 шедеврів живопису», «100 речей, які треба знати про мистецтво», «Історичні місця» та навіть «Як малювати динозаврів», загальним числом 245 книг), цього разу присвячена видатним архітектурним стилям та спорудам. Це свого роду книга-чекліст, у якій досвідчений турист може ставити плюсики навпроти відвіданих лендмарків.

Щоб стати трошки більшим, ніж чек-ліст, книзі потрібно було б додати ілюстрацій (зараз одна будівля = 1 фотографія), і зробити її трохи більшого формату, але це, напевно, і не входило до мети ні автора, ні видавця. Але в цілому - фотографії красиві, мінімальна інформація про кожен об'єкт дана, обкладинка тверда, папір крейдований, причепитися нема до чого. Дізнався з криги, що те, що я все життя вважав за стиль ар-деко насправді - модернізм, а центр Помпіду з нескінченних труб - це насправді стиль хайтек.

P.S. На окрему історію заслуговують пригоди Собору Василя Блаженного, який є у всіх редакціях цієї книги, крім двох. Перша з них, очевидно, українська, де його зі зрозумілих причин замінили – правда на швидкоруч - на Золоті Ворота 1998 року (настільки на швидкоруч, що забули написати підзаголовок і там тепер красується, власне, напис «ПІДЗАГОЛОВОК»). А ось друга редакція, в якій він відсутній - несподівано, російська. Там, очевидно, визнали вибір собору Василія Блаженного надто банальним і замінили його на церкву в Кіжах.

[April Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This pocket guide does exactly what it promises by providing a very concise introduction to the styles, buildings, elements, and materials that have influenced architecture throughout history. Beginning with the Ancient Egyptian style (and later looking at the Great Pyramid, wall, and stone to complete the buildings, elements, and materials of the Ancient Egyptian style) and ending with the Deconstructivist style, you'll get a one-page overview of each style before encountering the Buildings section of the book. After which, there's a section full of Elements, followed by Materials.

This isn't meant for people who have a very firm grasp on architecture already. Instead, its purpose is to help educate those who know little to nothing about architecture and want to change that. Of course, the one page per entry style means that you'll only get an introduction to the topic, but it should tell you enough to let you determine if you wish to study architecture in greater detail.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Cristiano · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am an architect and most certainly enjoyed this book. But being a professional, I am not sure I am part of the targeted audience. The book has an interesting structure and is devided into four encyclopedic parts: 1) Styles, 2) Buildings, 3) Elements and 4) Materials. Especially the chapters Elements and Materials are a nice take on architectural history and will offer valuable information for none professionals!

I see this book as an encyclopedia to get basic information on verious topics. But the very short chapters are really just a starting point. The images are very helpful thorughout and the layout is clean and helps the reader navigate the book.

You are looking for a Short Story of Architecture? That is exactly what you get, in the best possible way.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a review copy.

[matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Short Story of Architecture is a beautiful read, taking you from the Ancient Egyptian to the rather more modern Deconstructionism. The layout is sleek bordering on minimal, and the images are crisp. The text is composed of four sections: Styles; Buildings; Elements; and Materials. I found this to be a useful division as ‘Styles’ provides the grounding and framework, ‘Buildings’ then creates a recognisable visual which ‘Elements’ and ‘Materials’ can further explore.

I particularly loved the use of cross-referencing at the foot of each page, it allowed me to explore the book based on my personal whims rather than just reading it from cover to cover.

I would recommend this text to those who are new to the subject of architecture, or who would like a small reference book to take on their travels.

*I received a free copy of this via NetGalley for review*

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short read

I enjoyed this book. There is no fluff here, nothing extra. It’s just a great overview of some great buildings, architectural styles and materials. The photographs are beautiful and the writing crisp and clear. I recommend this book for anyone who wants an introduction to architecture and some insights in the buildings around us or that predate us.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.

[Max Miko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Покупал эту книгу, чтобы лучше понимать окружающую меня архитектуру в родной стране и заграницей. Но к сожалению не совсем оправдала мои ожидания. Это больше похоже на книгу буклет с очень кратким описанием стиля. Ссылки на здания и материалы не совсем удобн��. Эта книга скорее о развлекательном чтении, чем о образовании. Но ставлю четыре звезды за приятную обложку, оформление и хоть сколько-нибудь базовое понимание стилей. Но очевидно, что нужно купить ещ�� что-нибудь по этой теме.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, though not fascinating. Susie Hodge covers key trends, buildings, design elements, and materials, but there's a surfeit of technical details, name-dropping, and repetition, with a limited array of fun facts or surprises. Hodge also describes a number of interesting-sounding buildings without any accompanying photos. More images please!

[Kate Wallis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic reference point to explore new and familiar architectural styles in a beautifully presented and digestible way. Something I’ve gone back to a few times as a reference and has really encouraged me to learn and research further. Makes me sound very intelligent when watching Grand Designs!!

[Valeriia Sobchuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 / 5

Точніше було б назвати цю книгу «Дуже коротка історія архітектури».

Але якщо ваша ціль це базово ознайомитись з цією темою в гарно ілюстрованому виданні, то ця книга підійде ідеально.

Мене напевно найбільше потішила частина про елементи архітектурних споруд.

Бо в стилях мені було трохи замало інформації, ну і деякі приклади архітектурних стилів я не зовсім оцінила.

[Axel Flodin vacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is to me a glossary over concepts in the field of architecture. The presentation is great and I could definitely find myself having a copy of it in my library if I would find the book in a thrift store.

[Tommy Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, i had no idea, the Architecture can be so interesting. I had zero knowledge from topic. This is really good book for greenie, like me.

Also, my future trips, i look at the buildings in totally different way.

[Luciana Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A veces habla de cosas que no muestra en imágenes, del interior por ejemplo, o menciona obras que tampoco muestra y si la querés ver la tenés que buscar en google. Más allá de eso está bastante completo, abarca muchas cosas y la información es cierta.

[David Danielson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a gift from my brother. I found the parts around the types of architecture and the different buildings very interesting. Especially the additional buildings that were listed were cool. The materials stuff was not as interesting

[Heather Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Short Story of Architecture is a easy short study of some Architecture. It has some good information and pictures.

[Ubiraven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Очень базово о стилях, элементах и материалах. Для человека из другой области (меня) пойдёт для начала. Оформление отличное

[Ahmet Yağlıcı · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story without Sinan :/

[WiseB · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to building architecture history, including styles, elements, materials and famous representative buildings. Serves its purpose.

[Kartik J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information regarding some of the most iconic buildings in the world. Definitely recommend reading this book if you are looking to dive into architecture's evolution and materials.

[Illia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It doesn’t look like a story but more like a timeline with really succinct describing of all the facts.

[Lauryn Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn’t include the Beaux Arts style 😔

[GONZA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Styles, buildings and materials are used in this book as keywords to describe architecture as a journey that from the past leads us to the present and maybe even helps us to look at the future that awaits us. If you are not familiar with the subject, this is a perfect book to begin with.

Stili, palazzi e materiali, vengono usati in questo libro come parole chiave per descrivere l'architettura come un viaggio che dal passato ci porta al presente e magari ci aiuta anche a gettare uno sguardo sull'eventuale futuro che ci aspetta. Se siete poco ferrati sull'argomento, questo é un libro perfetto per cominciare.

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!

[Marika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Najchętniej dałabym 3.5 - bo brakuje ocenie 4, ale 3 może jest trochę surowa. To naprawdę "krótkie" wprowadzenie do architektury. Dużo suchych faktów, mniej ciekawostek, które pozwoliłyby zapamiętać i odróżnić jeden styl od drugiego. Pewne kwestie powtarzają się w książce po kilka razy i to marnowanie miejsca, znacznie obniżające odbiór.