A Visual Dictionary of Architecture [Paperback]

"Ching's clear definitions and over 3,000 accompanying line drawings make this book a valuable, graphically striking resource." -- Interiors

"Frank Ching's technical dexterity has now reached legendary artistic levels... This reference book is a treasure to be valued for the wealth of information it provides. As you read, each page becomes more and more enlightening." -- Journal of Interior Design

"The premise behind the book is straightforward and logical that designers will immediately ask themselves why they didn't write and illustrate it themselves." -- Contract Design

This book defines over 5,000 terms relating to architectural design, history, and technology. It is the only dictionary that provides concise, accurate definitions illustrated with finely detailed, hand-rendered drawings, each executed in Mr. Ching's signature style.

A Visual Dictionary of Architecture Francis D.K. Ching Here is an opportunity to look at architecture through the mind of Francis D. K. Ching, distinguished architect, author, and illustrator. Architects and students alike will delight in this compendium of definitions and accompanying line drawings, each rendered in Mr. Ching’s signature style. In this unique visual dictionary of architectural terms, Mr. Ching abandons the alphabet, instead clustering terms around 68 basic aspects of architectural design, history, and technology. By grouping terms under such broad concepts as design, hardware, history, ornament, and structure, Mr. Ching introduces the reader to individual definitions in the context of related terms, making the relationship between terms readily apparent. Each over-sized page spills over with terms and illustrations that are enriched and supported by every other entry. This conceptual format also allows the reader to work backward from the big picture, easily locating elusive terms under a general topic. Readers seeking a precise term can flip to the index where they will find page references for over 5,000 terms. Doubtless, many will want this handsome volume for the sheer beauty of it. Every page is an invitation to browse. Architects and students alike will treasure this book for its wealth of practical information and its elegant illustrations. Mr. Ching has indeed succeeded in reflecting "the rich, complex, and multidimensional nature of architecture." --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

"The symbolic relationship between graphic and verbal communication is the basis for this visual dictionary of architecture." - Frank Ching

"Frank Ching's technical dexterity has now reached legendary artistic levels... This reference book is a treasure to be valued for the wealth of information it provides. As you read, each page becomes more and more enlightening." - Journal of Interior Design

"Ching's clear definitions and over 3,000 accompanying line drawings make this book a valuable, graphically striking resource." - Interiors

"The premise behind the book is straightforward and logical that designers will immediately ask themselves why they didn't write and illustrate it themselves."" - Contract Design

One picture is worth a thousand words

Just as a single image can be worth a thousand words, a single word can conjure up in the mind's eye a thousand images. Regardless of the power of a solitary word or image, however, each communicates meaning more effectively when brought together into a single presentation. The symbiotic relationship between graphic and verbal communication is the basis for this visual dictionary of architecture.

Instead of an alphabetical listing of entries as found in most dictionaries, the information is clustered around basic aspects of architecture as outlined in the table of contents. Within each section, words are placed in a visual context which further explains, clarifies, and completes their meaning.

The reader may use this dictionary in a number of ways. If one knows the exact term and wants to find out its meaning, then one can look it up in the index. Looking up one term will always present related terms arranged around one or more illustrations.

If one does not know the precise term, then one can look up the general subject either in the table of contents or the index. One can then refer to the appropriate section browse the illustrations, and scan for the terms. While browsing, if one encounters an entry or a word used in a definition that is unfamiliar, one can look it up in the index.

Included are fundamental terms relating to architectural design, history, and technology. Since architecture is a visual art, most of the entries naturally lend themselves to graphic representation. Some are more abstract but are included to help clarify related terms or to complete the treatment of a subject. Others are inserted simply because they are of historical interest.

This is a book for the curious to browse as well as a desktop reference for the student of architecture. The compilation of words and definitions is not intended to be exhaustive. Rather, the selection is designed to be comprehensive enough to reflect the rich, complex and multidimensional nature of architecture.