Overview

About Architecture is an engaging introduction to architecture, exploring the ways in which we construct our built environment, and why. Hugh Pearman guides us through the architecture that shapes our lives—from how our towns and cities are organized, to where we live, learn and work, and how we get around, interact with others, and relax. Organized by type—from civic spaces, to homes, offices, and museums—the clear and straightforward structure demystifies the many styles and functions of architecture. Pearman explores how architecture responds to our changing lifestyles and how some buildings evolve or find new uses. He demonstrates that while there is endless variety within each building type, the essence of architecture—the way buildings serve their users—remains surprisingly constant.   Through 55 fascinating international examples, from antiquity to the present day, About Architecture reveals the intriguing stories of the buildings that explain our world.

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9780300263442

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Reviews

“For those wanting a foundation course in architecture, [Pearman’s] book is perfect, and sure to stimulate extensive further study of an art form that embraces us wherever we go.”—Simon Heffer, The Telegraph “A treasury of possibilities. . . . We come away with the sense that everything ought to—and can—be designed well, even the most ordinary of buildings.”—Sheehan Quirke, The Critic “Structured in such a way that it is easily accessible for readers, it is expertly researched throughout but intentionally non-academic, despite being published by Yale, making it a perfect introduction to architecture.” —Dominic Bradbury, House & Garden ​“Hugh Pearman’s keen eye and encyclopaedic knowledge combine to make a book with universal appeal—as fascinating for a lay audience, as for those who study or practice architecture. It is a lightning tour of history—a sheer delight!”—Norman Foster ​​“Told through a hand-picked selection of some of the world’s most unique and innovative buildings, this is a pacey and elucidative insight into just how formative architecture is to society. Sitting at the intersection of art and science, the history of buildings is really the history of people, and Hugh Pearman deftly brings that history to life.”—Maria Balshaw ​​​“A wonderfully riveting book that illuminates the work of some of the world’s most audacious architects.”—Cornelia Parker ​​​​“About Architecture is an insightful book that provides a deeper understanding of the canons that have informed and shaped the world as we know it.”—David Adjaye

Hugh Pearman's keen eye and encyclopaedic knowledge combine to make a book with universal appeal - as fascinating for a lay audience, as for those who study or practice architecture. It is a lightning tour of history - a sheer delight! -Norman Foster Told through a hand-picked selection of some of the world's most unique and innovative buildings, this is a pacey and elucidative insight into just how formative architecture is to society. Sitting at the intersection of art and science, the history of buildings is really the history of people, and Hugh Pearman deftly brings that history to life. -Maria Balshaw A wonderfully riveting book that illuminates the work of some of the world's most audacious architects. -Cornelia Parker About Architecture is an insightful book that provides a deeper understanding of the canons that have informed and shaped the world as we know it. -David Adjaye

Hugh Pearman's keen eye and encyclopaedic knowledge combine to make a book with universal appeal-as fascinating for a lay audience, as for those who study or practice architecture. It is a lightning tour of history-a sheer delight! -Norman Foster Told through a hand-picked selection of some of the world's most unique and innovative buildings, this is a pacey and elucidative insight into just how formative architecture is to society. Sitting at the intersection of art and science, the history of buildings is really the history of people, and Hugh Pearman deftly brings that history to life. -Maria Balshaw A wonderfully riveting book that illuminates the work of some of the world's most audacious architects. -Cornelia Parker About Architecture is an insightful book that provides a deeper understanding of the canons that have informed and shaped the world as we know it. -David Adjaye

​“Hugh Pearman’s keen eye and encyclopaedic knowledge combine to make a book with universal appeal—as fascinating for a lay audience, as for those who study or practice architecture. It is a lightning tour of history—a sheer delight!”—Norman Foster ​​“Told through a hand-picked selection of some of the world’s most unique and innovative buildings, this is a pacey and elucidative insight into just how formative architecture is to society. Sitting at the intersection of art and science, the history of buildings is really the history of people, and Hugh Pearman deftly brings that history to life.”—Maria Balshaw ​​​“A wonderfully riveting book that illuminates the work of some of the world’s most audacious architects.”—Cornelia Parker ​​​​“About Architecture is an insightful book that provides a deeper understanding of the canons that have informed and shaped the world as we know it.”—David Adjaye

Author Information

Hugh Pearman is a writer, architecture critic, and editor. Previously architecture and design critic of The Sunday Times and editor of the RIBA Journal, he also contributes to many other media including RA Magazine, Architectural Record, and the BBC.

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