Description

Hugh Pearman deftly guides us through the compelling stories of fifty-five buildings that explain our world, from antiquity to the present day

About Architecture is an engaging introduction to architecture, exploring the ways in which we construct our built environment, and why. Hugh Pearman guides us through the architecture that shapes our lives-from how our towns and cities are organized, to where we live, learn and work, and how we get around, interact with others, and relax. Organized by type-from civic spaces, to homes, offices, and museums-the clear and straightforward structure demystifies the many styles and functions of architecture. Pearman explores how architecture responds to our changing lifestyles and how some buildings evolve or find new uses. He demonstrates that while there is endless variety within each building type, the essence of architecture-the way buildings serve their users-remains surprisingly constant.

Through fifty-five fascinating international examples, from antiquity to the present day, About Architecture reveals the intriguing stories of the buildings that explain our world.

Publisher Review

"Hugh Pearman's keen eye and encyclopaedic knowledge combine to make a book with universal appeal-as fascinating for a lay audience, as for those who study or practice architecture. It is a lightning tour of history-a sheer delight!"-Norman Foster "Told through a hand-picked selection of some of the world's most unique and innovative buildings, this is a pacey and elucidative insight into just how formative architecture is to society. Sitting at the intersection of art and science, the history of buildings is really the history of people, and Hugh Pearman deftly brings that history to life."-Maria Balshaw "A wonderfully riveting book that illuminates the work of some of the world's most audacious architects."-Cornelia Parker "About Architecture is an insightful book that provides a deeper understanding of the canons that have informed and shaped the world as we know it."-David Adjaye