101 Things I Learned in Architecture School

I purchased this as my first architecture book and it was a great decision. While reading 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School I was surprised by how many details have to be considered in designing a structure. Matthew Frederick does a wonderful job of using clear and simple language easy for anyone to understand but yet still rich in knowledge. The book includes many helpful pieces of information ranging from designing structures to inspirational quotes. One of my favorite quotes in the book is “Architecture is the thoughtful making of space” (by Louis Khan) because it makes me think about architecture as an abstract concept rather than physical pieces. Within the design tips, there are straightforward do’s and don’ts, such as always emphasize the start and end of a line. Furthermore, Frederick also includes more interpretive tips like “The most effective, most creative problem solvers engage in a process of metathinking, or ‘thinking about the thinking.”’ I feel it would be even more helpful if there were some tips for his tips. Frederick writes down the goal that one should try to achieve but doesn’t necessarily mention the steps to get there. For instance, he states that “a good building reveals different things about itself when viewed from different distances,” providing no additional information. However, this could be done intentionally as a strategy to get the reader to think more because there are various ways to solve a problem in architecture. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in or curious about architecture.

I am enjoying this window into the training and process of an architect, and excited that many of these concepts apply to the practice of landscape architecture as well (I am a 20+ year landscape architect). I consider this book to be a fun gift idea for architects and landscape architects, students through seasoned professionals.

I have a BA and MA in art but always felt like I was a missing something...the structure that grounded the imagination. I enjoy building/remodeling and, because of my ability to conceptually understand how forms work together, my husband always said I was an Egyptian architect in a past life and probably worked on the pyramids. This little fun-to-hold book is the answer to my prayers. It puts in words concepts I already subconsciously understood, but didn't realize were architectural in origin; like #34 "Frame a view, don't merely exhibit it" (as a designer, work to carefully shape, size, and place windows such that they are specific to the views and experiences they address). This is my new favorite book - bought the first copy in San Francisco at the DeYoung Museum gift shop - liked it so much I bought three more as gifts. As a professional event planner - I've already applied some of the 101 tips to the design of my tented installations. No need to spend years in architecture school to learn the theories of architecture - this is a great source of easy-to-understand information as well as a great value...and, the physical design of the book is like holding a little piece of sculpture. This may be the smallest most important book you ever buy.

I am not an architect, but I am a painter, and I found this book fascinating and quite relevant to what I do. The 101 things are each given a page and an accompanying illustration. The book is about design, and just as much about the mental process of developing design. The cultivation of the habits of mind described here are essential to any one's design process. I noted that the author explains that in architecture school a project that demonstrates a superior process would and should get a better grade than a project that may have come to a better design solution, but without having manifested a good process. Architecture school is about acquiring tools and learning a process. Great little book. I will probably look into others in this series.

The quintessential coffee table book that if I had read it before, perhaps I could've saved myself the cost of a college education. (just kidding) The book offers a stylish review of the core concepts of spacial perception, visual communication and the stuff architects are made of. I love to read it as a refresher and to reminiscence to those beloved college days.

This is a delightful little book (speaking of the hardbound version), pocket-sized and bound as much as a work of art, itself, as it is a practical guide. It's full of sage advice, presented in a no-nonsense straightforward manner, e.g.: How to draw lines that don't look wimpy; How to create dynamic compositions that encourage the eye to wander; How to use geometric shapes; etc. It juxtaposes contradictory advice from Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe and Robert Venturi (respectively, "Less is more" and "Less is a bore") to illustrate that both are true and wisdom lies in the middle. The book is a delight to read, hard to put down, and organized as a more-than-handy reference.In this case, it is definitely worth paying the postage charge to receive the hardbound edition, as it is lovingly bound with a library spine, stiff cover boards chosen for their materials, and laid out with generous whitespace that doesn't make the printed content disappear into the gutter. It's a pleasure to read and to hold in your hands.

I leafed through this book. It looks like it will be helpful for my granddaughter.

Bought this as a gift for my 11 year old granddaughter. It comes shrink wrapped and I want to leave it for her to open. I reviewed the pages on Amazon that were available and thought the book might be something she would find interesting. I look for books with diverse fields of STEM careers. She breezes through Lego constructions, even those for 18+. She's never been interested in coloring books but draws free hand. And her craft creations are fascinating when she explains her thought processes. I think this book will add new avenues for her imagination.