Architectural Thought : The Design Process and and the Expectant Eye

An introduction to architectural thought, this text is a thorough and accessible discussion in search of the principles of the design process. Documenting the non-verbal processes and decisions that architects and designers make is a difficult task, but one that is important when trying to understand the development of architectural design through the ages. Michael Brawne uses his experience as a practicing architect, academic and educator to provide an overview of the subject. By looking at the practices and buildings of architects past and present he incorporates history and philosophy in the search for a theory of design. * Provides a well-rounded look at the development of architectural thought. * Written at a level that is accessible for professionals and students. * Illustrates how the design process has developed from antiquity to the present day. "Documenting the thought process and decisions that architects make is a difficult task, but one that is crucial to an understanding of the development of architectural design through the ages. [This book] addresses the deficiency in theoretical coverage of this process. By looking at the practices and buildings of architects past and present, [the author] incorporates history and philosophy in the search for a theory of design. He explores the critical design stage which is at the core of so much architectural activity, and which so strongly determines our attitudes to continuity and innovation, and ultimately the nature of the buildings that are around us. While providing an overview of the processes of architectural thought, Brawne also extends the discussion beyond architecture into other design fields and suggests that the way architects design has implications over a wide range of endeavors"--Inside flap of front cover Architectural Thought: The design process and the expectant eye 4 Copyright Page 5 Contents 6 Introduction 8 Time 12 Two temples 16 Can we describe how we design? 20 Three monuments 40 Witnesses 64 Thinking & drawing 84 Was it like this? 102 Travel, books & memory 112 The vernacular & style 120 Materials 126 Structure 138 Light 146 Architecture & language 152 Looking at pictures 156 The office & the school 160 Does it matter? 164 Critical innovation 172 Afterword 180 Notes 182 References 184 Michael Brawne. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.