Best Architecture Book Reviews 2023

Knowledge is priceless and that’s for sure. This means you can’t put a price on a book that offers you important and relevant knowledge in your field. Architecture books come at different prices, which basically depend on how much content is offered in the book and the research that has gone into making it. Lots of color photographs will also drive up the price.

Very cheap architecture books might not provide you with much information, or they could be meant for children. Check out the content of the book before deciding whether it’s worth the price tag or not. That said, we found good architecture books in the price range of $10 to $100, depending on the type, content and format.

Architecture books are industry-specific, although some can be a bit basic or general. The most important feature to look out for is the content, to ensure that it is relevant for what you need. The number of pages, quality of content and professional level it’s meant for are also important. Your budget and what you’re willing to pay for any given book is also a consideration.

Here are the important features to look at in architecture books:

• Good illustrations for better comprehension
• Comprehensiveness and good thought process
• Easy to read with many examples
• Samples arranged from simple to complex designs
• Appropriate font size for you
• Knowledgeable authors
• Content type and professional level or audience
• Number of pages and date of publication

With the right architecture books, you won’t just learn new concepts, but also hone your existing design skills.

There's a lot of things to consider when it comes to choosing an architecture book, but we're here to help you on your way.

Content Type

There is so much that’s involved in architecture. Some books focus on general concepts of architecture, making them ideal for students and beginners in the industry. Architecture books may also focus on architectural styles to detail the different styles available. Other books focus on the history of architecture and architectural styles in different regions, taking you back to when certain architectural styles emerged.

There are also books on modern architecture, which entirely focus on the architectural designs in vogue now, while others are on traditional architecture. If you want content on how to do different things in architecture, such as making sketches, shading, designing, and more, you’ll also be in for a treat as such books are widely available. Others will teach you how to do graphics and much more. The choice of the book depends on the kind of information you want.

Audience

Not all books are meant for the professionals in the industry. Some are meant for children and others are for students or beginners. The content of the book determines what audience it is best suited for. For instance, a book with basic drawings and simple words would be suitable for children, while a book explaining complex issues in architecture, or linking architecture with society, would be suitable for seasoned architects.

Some architecture books are also specific to certain regions. For instance, a book focusing on US architecture could be best for someone who works, or wants to work, as an architect in the US.

Author

Not all writers are made equal and not everyone can write. Architecture writers should be people who have been in the industry for some time and understand what architecture is. There are many renowned writers who have published over three dozen books on architecture. The choice of the writer might be down to preference, but some are more recommendable than others. This is generally due to the experience they have in the industry and how well they can communicate with their audience.

Pages

The number of pages is also an important consideration when choosing an architecture book. It might give you an idea of the scope of the content. A book with a smaller number of pages might be shallow and not expound on the subject as much as you would want it to. On the other hand, some large books might contain irrelevant information when you need a quick reference. The choice, again, depends on the scope of information you require.

Publish Date

Architecture is a dynamic industry and there are changes occurring all the time. The first publishing date gives you an idea of the kind of architecture the book could have focused on. There are, however, some topics that are timeless, hence their publishing dates might not be a deciding factor. For instance, two books on history written now and ten years ago might have mostly the same content. If you need to keep up with modern architectural information, it’s important to get more recent books.

Architecture books usually come with illustrations so you can easily read and comprehend their content. If the book is a “how to” book, it will have clear instructions supported by illustrations and drawings. Visuals are also important to help you understand architectural concepts. The font used in the book and the clarity of the pictures also make it easier to read. A good book is also relevant and meets your intended use.