Architecture: From Commission to Construction consists of 25 projects, but it doesn’t deal with them in standard way like you can see on architectural websites and magazines.
In this book it is covered from initial sketches to final stage – construction of the object. It follows all stages of building cycle: preparation, design, pre-construction, construction and use.
Selected projects are international and of different types – residential, hotels, museums, office, sport… Also, projects are diverse in scale and architects are well known and less known. All that means that book presents building process of various projects, so each one has unique story. In every case, there are text part and images part (with explanations). Just below title (project name), there are some quick facts about the project (location; use; client; site, interior and total build area; period of design and construction; and budget).
Text usually starts with some brief information about project and architect/architecture firm. After that are described architect’s methodology and concept, and process of design and construction. Various aspects are considered, like relationship between architect and client, lighting design, hired architects, problems during construction… This part occupies 2 pages, along with a picture of the finished building. Images part spreads on the next 6 pages. There you can see drawings (site plan, floor plans, sections, elevations), characteristic details, sketches, renderings, models, photos of object during the construction, and so on. Every image has its explanation at the bottom of the page (like footnote). It doesn’t only tell you what you see on the image, but it also explains design process and architect’s methodology, like:
Initial sketches and models help to develop a design. After that, it is turned into 3D computer models and CAD drawings.
Modelling is an important part of the design process. All models are fabricated in-house and develop in complexity as the project progresses.
Architecture: From Commission to Construction certainly belongs to the category of must-have architecture books, that can be very useful especially to architecture students, but also to professional architects.
Here you can see example of an analyzed project (in this case residential building):
© Laurence King Publishing Ltd
© Laurence King Publishing Ltd
© Laurence King Publishing Ltd
© Laurence King Publishing Ltd
