The Fundamentals of Architecture

This is an excellent introduction to architecture, covering both the historical and theoretical underpinning of the subject as well as the technical aspects of practicing architecture. The first couple of chapters provide an initial introduction to architecture, including an interesting section focussing on the development from `The Ancient World' through to `Modernism'. Other examples of topics included are materials, construction and sustainability. The final chapter, `Realisation' is a particularly useful guide to the various stages of the professional design process including helpful explanations of the roles of surveyors, engineers and contractors in relation to the Architect. The book is also really well designed and the text is supported by images and diagrams of projects throughout. This would be a perfect book for anyone interested in or already studying architecture.