A Visual Dictionary of Architecture - Softcover

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One picture is worth a thousand words

Just as a single image can be worth a thousand words, a single word can conjure up in the mind's eye a thousand images. Regardless of the power of a solitary word or image, however, each communicates meaning more effectively when brought together into a single presentation. The symbiotic relationship between graphic and verbal communication is the basis for this visual dictionary of architecture.

Instead of an alphabetical listing of entries as found in most dictionaries, the information is clustered around basic aspects of architecture as outlined in the table of contents. Within each section, words are placed in a visual context which further explains, clarifies, and completes their meaning.

The reader may use this dictionary in a number of ways. If one knows the exact term and wants to find out its meaning, then one can look it up in the index. Looking up one term will always present related terms arranged around one or more illustrations.

If one does not know the precise term, then one can look up the general subject either in the table of contents or the index. One can then refer to the appropriate section browse the illustrations, and scan for the terms. While browsing, if one encounters an entry or a word used in a definition that is unfamiliar, one can look it up in the index.

Included are fundamental terms relating to architectural design, history, and technology. Since architecture is a visual art, most of the entries naturally lend themselves to graphic representation. Some are more abstract but are included to help clarify related terms or to complete the treatment of a subject. Others are inserted simply because they are of historical interest.

This is a book for the curious to browse as well as a desktop reference for the student of architecture. The compilation of words and definitions is not intended to be exhaustive. Rather, the selection is designed to be comprehensive enough to reflect the rich, complex and multidimensional nature of architecture.