A Visual Dictionary of Architecture

The classic, bestselling reference on architecture now revised and expanded!

An essential one-volume reference of architectural topics using Francis D.K. Ching's signature presentation. It is the only dictionary that provides concise, accurate definitions illustrated with finely detailed, hand-rendered drawings. From Arch to Wood, every concept, technology, material and detail important to architects and designers are presented in Ching's unique style.

• Combining text and drawing, each term is given a minimum double-page spread on large format trim size, so that the term can be comprehensively explored, graphically showing relations between concepts and sub-terms
• A comprehensive index permits the reader to locate any important word in the text.
• This long-awaited revision brings the latest concepts and technology of 21st century architecture, design and construction to this classic reference work

It is sure to be by the side of and used by any serious architect or designer, students of architecture, interior designers, and those in construction.

Preface vii

Architecture 1

Arch 4

Beam 7

Brick 10

Building 13

Cable Structure 20

Ceiling 22

Ceramic 24

Church 27

Color 30

Column 32

Computer Graphics 34

Concrete 40

Construction 46

Design 52

Dome 62

Door 64

Drawing 68

Electricity 76

Elevator 82

Fastening 84

Fireplace 89

Fire Safety 90

Floor 94

Force 98

Fortification 100

Foundation 102

Frame 106

Geometry 110

Glass 114

Hardware 116

Heat 119

History 129

House 140

Joinery 144

Light 146

Load 157

Masonry 163

Material 169

Measure 174

Membrane 176

Metal 177

Moisture Protection 184

Order 187

Ornament 190

Paint 195

Plaster 196

Plastic 200

Plate 202

Plumbing 204

Reinforced Concrete 210

Roof 216

Room 224

Shell 227

Sitework 229

Soil 232

Sound 234

Stair 239

Stone 242

Structure 244

Survey 253

Sustainability 255

Temple 266

Theater 274

Truss 277

Vault 280

Vision 282

Wall 284

Window 289

Wood 294

Index 303

"It is the only dictionary that provides concise, accurate definitions illustrated with finely detailed, hand-rendered drawings." (Ad-Hoc-News, 22 November 2011)

Francis D.K. Ching is Professor Emeritus of Architecture at the University of Washington. He is the author or coauthor of numerous architecture and design books, including Architectural Graphics; Architecture: Form, Space, and Order; A Global History of Architecture; Interior Design Illustrated; and Building Construction Illustrated, all from Wiley.

Presented in Francis D.K. Ching's signature style, this long-awaited Second Edition of A Visual Dictionary of Architecture is a remarkable, one-of-a-kind compendium that combines textual definitions and hundreds of superb line drawings to illuminate a comprehensive body of essential terms in architecture, including important interrelationships between building components. Grouped by themes, such as history, systems, structures, forms, construction, environmental issues, and behavior, all terms have their visual complement and can be readily accessed in a number of different ways.

Whether you're an architect, interior designer, construction practitioner, or simply interested in the field of architecture, A Visual Dictionary of Architecture, Second Edition provides an authoritative source of information for tracking down an elusive word—and a delight for simple armchair browsing.