Analysing Architecture

Analysing Architecture offers a unique ‘notebook’ of architectural strategies to present an engaging introduction to elements and concepts in architectural design. Now in its third edition, this best selling book has been revised to include new discussion on how analysis helps design. Beautifully illustrated throughout with the author’s original drawings, new case studies and examples are drawn from across architectural history to illustrate analytical themes and to show how drawing can be used to study architecture.

Simon Unwin clearly identifies the key elements of architecture and conceptual themes apparent in buildings. He describes ideas for use in the active process of design. Breaking down the grammar of architecture into themes and ‘moves’, Unwin exposes its underlying patterns to reveal the organizational strategies that lie beneath the superficial appearances of buildings.

Exploring buildings as results of the interaction of people with the world around them, Analysing Architecture offers a definition of architecture as ‘identification of place’ and provides a greater understanding of architecture as a creative discipline. This book presents a powerful impetus for readers to develop their own capacities for architectural design.