Towards a New Architecture by Le Corbusier
Le Corbusier’s collection of essays essentially relates his perspective on the architecture industry and how mass-production has changed the field. It also includes details about his personal technical and aesthetic theories. The essays address precisely what the title suggests - how Le Corbusier explores each of those subjects concerning modern architecture. Not only will it aid in theory related education, but the author’s illustrations will likely inspire the readers.
101 Things I Learned in Architecture School by Matthew Frederick
The lessons in this book range in theme from drawing, presentation, color theory to designing entire buildings. It encompasses everything an architecture student needs to know. Additionally, experts can refer back to this as a refresher for their work. The author focuses on the basic building blocks of architecture - such as how to draw a line. The lessons in this book can lay the foundation you need to start your journey.
Architecture and Disjunction by Bernard Tschumi
Creative block is not just limited to painters or artists. Architecture experiences similar obstacles as well. In those situations, this is the book you should pick up. At the core of the book are questions - why are certain things the way they are? It is a testament that architecture is not merely floor plans - it is everything from politics to deeper human consciousness.
S, M, L, XL by Rem Koolhaas and Bruce Mau
Before this book was published, architecture books almost exclusively centered on portfolios of theory. However, this book changed the landscape. This book has everything from diary entries to chaotic drawings and construction photos - all in a single book. It proves that architecture is more than sitting down and poring over exhaustive and detailed construction plans - it can be extremely entertaining as well!
Graphic Guide to Frame Construction by Rob Thallon
Similar to how a building needs a strong foundation to be built and refined upon, so do architects - be they, students or practitioners. The primary focus is explaining the ins and outs of framing, how it works, how to detail, how it holds up. With this as a base, your knowledge and understanding of architecture will increase tenfold. It can also give you the space and information you need to unleash your creativity in your designs. It is essential to have extensive knowledge of the rules before you break them, and this book will aid you in that.
