Experiencing Architecture

by Steen Eiler Rasmussen

Book Overview

A classic examination of superb design through the centuries.Widely regarded as a classic in the field, Experiencing Architecture explores the history and promise of good design. Generously... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0262680025
• Release Date: March 1964
• Publisher: The MIT Press
• Length: 245 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Save a space in ur bookshelf for this!!

Yes, it's a must-have, yes u read it more than once and yes it is just the book for any architect or designer or anyone interested in the field.. This book introduces you to architecture...it's really enlightening especially to those who think that architecture is putting a couple of bricks together to come up with a building, `cause architecture is more than that, it's more or less like a way of living... So that's why i highly recommend this book to 1st year students or those who are about to pursue a future in architecture.. but still this book is great for seniors and architects in general... the only think n this book that needs adjustment is the display or the presentation...i know it shouldn't matter as long as the book is good...but just as a way to make the books more appealing especially for those who don't like reading all that much... but if you r the kind of person who doesn't mind that u'll enjoy the book all the same.. I really think this book should b taught in any architecture class

Excellent and Accessible Architectural Overview

I am interested in architecture as a hobby, and as a potential career at some point in the future, so the perspective I had when reading this book was that of an informed amateur. I can't praise this little book enough. In its pages are the best explanations and analyses of contrasts, textures, shapes, and colors that I have seen in one single, condensed location. Originally published in Denmark in 1959, and therefore lacking some of the more contemporary and postmodern design trends, this is an invaluable analysis of primarily European design through the mid twentieth century. This book is profusely illustrated with black and white photographs (most of which were taken by Rasmussen himself) and a fair number of drawings, all of which greatly assist the reader with his understanding of the material. Specific buildings mentioned are too numerous to list, but the run the gamut from St. Peter's basilica in Rome, to the haunting and sinister Palazzetto Zuccari (also in Rome), to the ultramodern Johnson Wax Company building in Racine, Wisconsin by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the very modern study in open spaces found in the Copenhagen Police Headquarters (one of my personal favorites.)This would be a useful guide to architects, and is the single best introduction to historical architectural style that I have yet found. Anyone with even a passing interest in architectural design or history would love this book.

A Great Experience

When I was looking for some books to begin to learn about architecture (on a purely amateur level), someone recommended "Experiencing Architecture". I could not be happier with this book. The author consistently uses simple, concrete and engaging examples to illustrate his points. He compares and contrasts; uses buildings, sidewalks, windows, doorways, and steps from all over the world and across the centuries. Given my love of travel and history these references (liberally illustrated throughout the book in black and white photographs and some drawings) brought the book to life and added an additional dimension of enjoyment.The reviews printed on the back cover say it all-"Lively without ever becoming condescending...learned without ever becoming dull" and "...so lucid and clear that every layman and beginner will be able to understand and to enjoy it". I can't recommend the book enough for anyone that has even the slightest interest in learning about architecture.

Excellent overview of good architectural conditions.

Good for beginner architects. Rasmussen made my summer vacation very pleasant with Experiencing Architecture. The introduction of very key elements, such as Corbusier's modular system forces the reader to explore further the many varying conditions of architecture. Worth every penny.

After Lego

Experiencing Architecture was a basic text in my first year of design school; the principles that I learned from it have followed me ever since.Rasmussen takes the visual world apart and taught me to see things in their simplest forms. His commentaries on form, texture, and massing heightened my appreciation for all forms of design; his discussion of color--for one who is colorblind--provided a life-long guidedog.I highly recommend this book to anyone who wanted to pioneer the Lego curriculum at university--