Constructing architecture : materials, processes, structures : a handbook

This internationally prizewinning volume now appears in its second, revised and expanded edition. Since the first edition was published in 2005, it has been adopted as a textbook at many universities. Organized into chapters on ''Raw Materials/Building Materials (Modules),'' ''Building Components (Elements),'' ''Building Methods (Structures),'' and ''Buildings (Examples),'' the book now includes a new section on translucent materials and an article on the use of glass. The chapter on ''Building Elements'' now includes a discussion of facades, and the chapter on ''Structures'' has been expanded to cover ''Principles of Space Creation.'' The examples section now includes extensive documentation of current projects whose systematic character is oriented around the production process. Experience with the preceding edition has shown that the book has become an indispensable handbook for reference and reading not only for students and teachers but also for architects. 3764371900......Page 1 CONSTRUCTING ARCHITECTURE......Page 2 Credits......Page 4 Contents......Page 5 Preface......Page 10 MATERIALS – MODULES......Page 16 The importance of the material......Page 17 The pathos of masonry......Page 21 On the metaphysics of exposed concrete......Page 54 Wood: indifferent, synthetic, abstract – plastic......Page 75 Why steel?......Page 111 The “invisible” building material......Page 137 Glass – crystalline, amorphous......Page 145 ELEMENTS......Page 149 Building underground......Page 150 The wall......Page 167 For and against the long window......Page 172 The doubling of the sky......Page 202 Introduction The roof......Page 208 Flights of fancy......Page 222 STRUCTURES......Page 237 An attempt to classify horizontal and vertical space development......Page 238 Sustainability......Page 277 BUILDINGS......Page 288 Structural issues......Page 289 CATALOGUE OF COMPONENTS......Page 393 Preparation of drawings for buildings......Page 394 Plinth, single-leaf masonry......Page 403 Single-leaf masonry, rendered......Page 413 Hinged door, external – wood......Page 423 Hollow clay block floor......Page 428 Pitched roof – warm deck......Page 439 APPENDIX......Page 455 A fundamental reference work and textbook on construction Systematically organised for instructional purposes, this single volume communicates to students and to those setting out on their careers all essential technical and construction basics necessary for the practical realisation of a wide range of designs. This textbook on building demonstrates an integral approach which combines specialised technical knowledge with the lyrical beauty of the illustrated buildings, and background information on cultural and historical aspects. Building is perceived not just as a feat of technology or engineering but the culmination of an artistic, creative act of will which can be more effectively translated into physical entities if the technical principles of construction are mastered. The book is divided into the following chapters: raw materials (modules); building components (elements); building types (structures); buildings (examples) which illustrate the building process of a project