101 Things I Learned in Architecture School
Review
“101 Things de-mythologizes the jargon that obscures the real meanings of what is taught in design schools. Designers too often write in obtuse terms that make relatively simple concepts difficult to comprehend. But understanding how we perceive, experience, and interpret the spaces we inhabit should not make us feel dumb, or left out. This readable and graphically clear book is a great introduction to design terms, principles, and concepts. Anyone interested in design will l [Read More...]
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I don’t remember ever having a textbook for design studio – undoubtedly because this book hadn’t been published yet. If it had, I would have had a wonderful little book that breaks down five years worth of architectural wisdom into 101 pages. I recommend reading it (about a ten minute read) before and a couple of times during the design process to refocus yourself. If nothing else, it should be required reading for first year students because it will teach you to speak architect. ‘Parti’ ‘Figure/Ground’ ‘Positive Space’ ‘Negative Space’ and all the other jargon architects tend to use are all defined here.
The book contains advice on both the technical and the intellectual. Hints for everything from lettering to post modern theory share page space with reminders as varied as ‘design in section’ to ‘if you can’t explain your design in terms your grandmother understands, you don’t understand your own design.’
Nearly everything in the book is a hit. Even the cover is made from chip board. If you’re a poor architecture student, scrape together some coffee money and get a copy. If you’re already an architect, get a copy and remember a time before design problems were strip malls and warehouses.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun
Fun
little book. I got it as a present and love it! A handy little book to look back on when stuck on a design project.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nice nostalgia from architecture school that I couldn’t have written myself.
The book is really nice and concisely covers all the core concepts that are pounded into your head at school.
4.0 out of 5 stars
architect fun
This was purchased sort of like a smaller version of architect learning, like a quick user guide. My granson is interested in this field and he is enjoying the boooks.
Thanks
I am an architecture student, and with every project in studio, this book is a reference to keep my mind in check. This book should be in every architecture students hands. Simple as that, if your an architecture student this $12 that the book costs is the best $12 you will ever spend.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Funny for all
This is funny and totally agreeable for all people who’ve attended architecture school. But even if you didn’t, you’ll understand our pain.
One of those fantastic books that makes you feel smarter for reading it. The 101 little rules or principles that the author distills from his time as an architect are undoubtedly of use to an architect, but are also mind-openers for any curious and design- or art- inclined person.
Each principle is stated in a sentence or two, with an accompanying illustration. Some are specific little rules (the pointlessness of spitting a room with a single step; people are wider in the Winter); some are perspective shaping (about negative space; about meandering ways of getting to somewhere often beating direct ways). The illustrations are elegant and compliment each principle perfectly. You’ll find yourself idling over each, as the lessons behind the lessons sink in.
If you have any asthetic inclinations but find yourself dealing too much with words, open this beautiful little book and feel those old synapses firing up.
Great gift too.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Short and Sweet
I am not an architect, but interested in design and in the appreciation of architecture. I had hoped to find in this book a repository of design wisdom that I could use in…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Is It This Easy to Teach?
Conseeding to the fact that I am an architecture freak, and find myself reading on architecture all the time.
4.0 out of 5 stars
a little pricey gem…
This book is a nugget of information, the aspects of this career most professors in architecture and design school overlook or fail to inform you.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reminded me of what I liked about Architecture
I have been in the technical realm of the architectural profession so long that it has been a while since I contemplated the other aspects of the profession.
4.0 out of 5 stars
101 Things I Learned in Architure School
I bought this as a gift for someone. I flipped through the book before I wrapped it, and wish I had ordered one for myself. It is a very small book – about 4″ X 6″.
1.0 out of 5 stars
DON’T BUY THIS BOOK>
While he may seem like he knows whats up from this book this guy is a jerk. He doesn’t practice what he preaches.