Table of Contents

List of Illustrations -- Preface -- Introduction -- Part I -- The Elements of Architecture -- 1 Architecture: The Art of Shaping of Space -- 2 “Commoditie”: Building Functions -- 3 “Firmeness”: Structure, or How Does the Building Stand Up? -- 4 “Delight”: Seeing Architecture -- 5 Architecture and Sound -- 6 Architecture: Part of the Natural Environment -- 7 The Architect: From High Priest to Profession -- 8 Architecture, Memory, and Economics -- Part II -- The History and Meaning of Architecture -- 9 The Beginnings of Architecture: From Caves to Cities -- 10 The Architecture of Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt -- 11 Greek Architecture -- 12 Roman Architecture -- 13 Early Christian and Byzantine Architecture -- 14 Medieval Architecture -- 15 Renaissance Architecture -- 16 Baroque and Rococo Architecture -- 17 The Origins of Modernism: Architecture in the Age of Enlightenment, 1720–1790 -- 18 The Roots of Modernism: The Nineteenth Century -- 19 Versions of Modern Architecture, 1914–1970 -- 20 The Expansion of Modernism: From the Twentieth Century into the Twenty-First -- 21 Into the Twenty-First Century -- Suggested Readings -- Notes -- Glossary -- Index.

About the Author

Leland M. Roth is Marion Dean Ross Professor of Architectural History Emeritus at the University of Oregon at Eugene. Dr. Roth is the author of American Architecture: A History (Westview Press), McKim, Mead & White, and other works. Amanda C. Roth Clarkreceived her Doctor of Philosophy from The University of Alabama, completing her doctoral work on the topic of contemporary artists' books. She holds Master and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Oregon in the fields of Western architectural history and Asian art. She is the daughter of Leland M. Roth.

Reviews

"Superbly illustrated throughout... It remains the only text to discuss architecture as a cultural phenomenon, making this a top recommendation... Understanding Architecture is the ideal textbook for classroom curriculums and a very strongly recommended addition to both community and academic Architectural Studies reference collections." --The Midwest Book Review Praise for Previous Editions: "I enthusiastically recommend this 2nd edition, which includes a comprehensive new chapter on such contemporary architectural trends as postmodern traditionalism, neoexpressionism, deconstruction, critical regionalism, and sustainable architecture. Understanding Architecture is a versatile main text that works well for both general humanities courses and more advanced classes in architectural history." --Dr. David Seamon, Professor of Architecture, Kansas State University "Powerful and Moving." --Judith Cushman-Hammer, Appalachian State University