If you don't know your Baroque from your Rococo, or the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco, or where Modernism ends and Postmodernism begins, then don't fear, you're not alone. Understanding Architecture will reveal all.

From the ancient world to the present day, from medieval Cambodian temples to Paris metro stations, from American shotgun shacks to colonial villas, fascist grandeur to the latest ecologically friendly structures, the book expertly guides the reader through the world's different architectural styles.

Arranged chronologically, over two spreads a major building is used to illustrate a particular style - King's College Chapel, Cambridge for Perpendicular Gothic, the Palace of Versailles for Baroque, the Chrysler Building for Art Deco. Each entry is illustrated with both general view photographs and close-ups, accompanied by accessible text explaining the major features of the style. Each chapter also offers a general cultural background to the major architectural movements, putting them into historical context.

Illustrated with more than 200 outstanding photographs of remarkable buildings, Understanding Architectureis an excellent, accessible introduction to the history of architecture.

Illustrated introductory guide to the key architectural styles from ancient times to the present day

About the Author
Lindsay studied at Cape Town University in South Africa, and after graduation she joined an architectural practice in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She subsequently moved to a firm based in London, UK. Her work has taken her around Europe and South Asia designing buildings for large clients. Lindsay currently lives and works on the Isle of Wight where she runs her own architectural practice, Mattinson Associates Ltd.


Book Information
ISBN 9781782747482
Author Lindsay Mattinson
Format Hardback
Page Count 224
Imprint Amber Books Ltd
Publisher Amber Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 1374g