Architecture Book Recommendations

Dan Rainer · 2025-10-17T16:07:09-0400

I've always been photographically drawn to architecture and the unique essence of man-made spaces. But I have no formal understanding of architecture and often feel like I'm blindly groping at my chosen subject matter. Are there any good books, either for the photographer or the layperson, that serve as a solid introduction to architecture?

GregY · 2025-10-17T16:31:03-0400

Must reads... Christopher Alexander: The Timeless Way of Building, A Pattern Language, The Oregon Experience...a great trilogy of books.

loccdor · 2025-10-17T16:32:36-0400

Here is a YouTube playlist of hour-long PBS animations based on the books of David Macaulay. Topics include Cathedrals, Pyramids, etc.

I rented these as VHS with my father growing up. They're very enjoyable to watch. His books are also available if you prefer.

Hassasin · 2025-10-17T16:40:30-0400

I'm not sure what you're looking for.

For general history of architecture can't go wrong with several by DK, all with superior illustrations, concise on each part, great overall, like THIS one ..

But then there are other ways of looking at it, like THIS which focus on engineering side of things

Then there is THIS

There are many great books on architecture. I tend to check out DK offerings first on most topics as if the subject proves not as interesting, it remains a good shelf piece to go back to at leisure any time.

Pieter12 · 2025-10-17T16:41:43-0400

Julius Shulman: Architecture and its Photography

Sirius Glass · 2025-10-17T17:41:28-0400

Go to a college or university book store and find the architecture second. Pick one of the introductory books on the history of architecture. My architecture books as so old that they are out of date.

4season · 2025-10-17T17:54:13-0400

Not a book, but rather, a series of excellent videos: Arte Architectures. Some episodes are blocked, but perhaps this one is still viewable.

Architecture Book Recommendations

Dan Rainer

GregY

loccdor

Hassasin

Pieter12

Julius Shulman: Architecture and its Photography​

Sirius Glass

4season

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Privacy & Transparency

Julius Shulman: Architecture and its Photography