Books recommended for a future Architecture student?

Question

I'm in my senior high-school year,and I want to study Architecture next year.Can anyone tell me some good books to buy about Architecture?I'm not looking for specific or technical stuff that will be studied during the career.I'm looking for something more general,like a presentation of the career,it's future,elements,etc.....even novels,if they are related to this.

Answer 1

The Devil In The White City by Eric Larson is a great fiction book that takes place during the Chicago's World Fair of 1893. As for the non fiction works... I guess it depends on your area of interest. I recommend going to your local library and browsing books on the collections of various architects. That will give you an idea of what is out there. You should also browse copies of Architectural Digest magazine. It is pretty comprehensive. I am also including links for several books on careers.

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

I graduated from with a B.Arch in 2004 - currently I am taking my licensing exam. I would recommend that you subscribe to Architectural Record. It's the official magazine of the AIA, and it will show you what is deemed to be cutting edge in the business today. The hot designs in your college design studios will be emulating from this magazine. Contains a lot of great pictures - don't try reading it unless you're having trouble sleeping. Don't get too caught up with classical and early historic styles - they have little application in modern practice. Architectural Digest is primarilly an interior design magazine.

Answer 3

I agree with the other person's answer that you should read The Fountainhead. It's about making radical innovations in design, and how people resist it at first. It would embolden a future architect, not to mention an architecture student.

Answer 4

I think the best architecture novel is The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. It is long, but compelling.