BOOK REVIEWS
Book: Precedents in Architecture (1st & 2nd Edition)
From: tierny
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent! Disregard the sour grapes below
Pertaining to another snide review... The point of masterworks is that they allow and reward reinterpretation and new readings over time. Rediscovery and renewal are why the buildings remain important. This book offers diagrammatic re-readings which may or may not jibe with the architects professed goals, but that's its value. When interrogating classic buildings, there are absolutely valid reasons at a certain point to say "Let's now disregard the architects intentions for the time being." Turning to any architects extremely manipulative, apocryphal histories is fraught with it's own perils, because their job requires them to wear so many hats; huckster, self-promoter, personal historian, authority, white-liar... etc. "Truth" - whatever that is - becomes the casualty.
This book is a godsend towards thinking about points of departure (!) for your own work, not towards getting down to the generative origins of canonical works. Do we really need another book consisting only of official stories already heavily documented elsewhere? This book is thankfully nothing of the sort, and that's why it is invaluable as a REFERENCE BOOK.
Book: Precedents in Architecture: Analytic Diagrams, Formative Ideas, and Partis (3rd Edition)
From: Roberta
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for architectural analyses and comparisons.
I am an interior design student. I got this book when I received an assignment to analyze several case study buildings and draw diagrams ala this book. I probably would not have been able to do the assignment without it (eg, looking over a classmate's shoulder).
This book presents methods for analyzing and diagramming architectural schemas. It develops a notation language for this purpose. I found that I learned a lot by using it- how to study buildings in new ways, and how to classify and compare buildings that I may never have thought about.
Now that I have it, I will use it as a reference, and I probably will always analyze buildings that I'm looking at or thinking about, with these methods. I think it's a useful book that should be in your library if you are studying architecture.
from: Ryan D. Hayward
Amazing Find!
This book is certainly a great find for any students out there in design school whom need a good starting base. Historical Preservation is often overlooked as a proper precedent. Few teachers reason with those whom say old buildings have more character than the modern buildings. It is often hard to find a good example to back that statement up, but, fear not and look no further, this book is the solution. It breaks down many world famous structure designs for analysis in the design thinking. Well recommended for those with a historic background, just starting some sort of design education!
From: Dominique
Great Book!
This book is great for any interior design or architect looking for famous buildings and how they are diagrammed! Also great inspiration for those looking for assistance on how to diagram the "big picture" for concepts!
From: M Doolan
The book is invaluable in how architect's treat the circulation and traffic flow of their buildings. The condition of the book is everything the seller promised.
From: Daniel
Perfect delivery!
On time and in perfect condition. It’s very interesting the way diagrams show the geometric compositions of some of the most famous buildings.
Precedents in Architecture: Analytic Diagrams, Formative Ideas, and Partis (4th Edition)
From: Andrew M.
A must need for any architect's collection.
This is definitely an informative little book that is chalked full of great design inspiration and understanding of how certain architects developed conceptual notions as well as how to represent (in drawing fashion) an idea.
Glad this is in my library.
From: Timothy
Needed this for a college course. It does a good job of showing different types of commonly used diagram styles and how they can be used in the design process. It's more of a history book than a methodology
From: Ellen lombardi
To the point. Great examples of interior design dissected
From: Amazon_777
Very helpful!
It is a great example on how to make building analysis for precedents. Loved. It is one of my favourites.
From: Simone Coni
a fantastic book that should be part of every designer's private library. Simple, straightforward text, intuitive and clear drawings and diagrams, a great tool for professionals and students
Words in Action: Seeing the Meaning of Words
From: SJ
Great Book!