Defines and illustrates architectural terms relating to building style, structural components, and architectural ornaments.

American Homes is the classic work of American house architecture. From the Dutch colonial, to the New England Salt Box, to the 1950s prefab, this unrivaled reference and useful guide to 103 building styles pays homage to our country's housing heritage. American Homes opens the window onto the rich landscape of all the places we call home. Award-winning architect Lester Walker examines hundreds of styles of homes—more than any other survey of American domestic architecture—and helps us understand the history of each style, why it developed as it did, and the practical and historical reasons behind its shape, size, material, ornament, and plan. Hundreds of sequenced drawings illustrate the evolution of our most beloved housing styles, like the colonial English Cottage, which grows before our eyes from a simple square of posts and beams to a fully constructed home with hand-split cedar clapboards and an intricately thatched roof. There's also the Italianate, whose roof displays its intricate carved brackets and is topped with a cupola that serves to filter light to the interior of the home. Annotated floor plans offer insight into the structure of these homes, and with it, a good measure of inspiration. No wrought-iron railing, white stucco wall, or gingerbread gable goes neglected. Every idiosyncratic detail and decoration of each of these uniquely American designs is delicately drawn. American Homes is the perfect reference for enthusiasts of architecture, history, and American studies. It is also the ideal inspiration for anyone who lives in or dreams of living in a classic American home.

This massive compendium contains over 2,000 line drawings, and clear, concise definitions for over 5,000 important terms relating to the architectural achievements of a great variety of world cultures, ancient to modern.

A beautifully illustrated history of 120 royal palaces, significant stately homes and gardens, with 500 pictures.

Sourcebook of inspiration for architects, designers, others. 1880 line drawings on 70 plates. Bibliography. Captions.

Behind the iconic images of Australian homesteads, beach houses and the billowing sails of the Sydney Opera House lies a rich and enthralling history of how Australians have responded to natural and urban environments, and in turn shaped Australian culture and society. The Encyclopedia of Australian Architecture is the first major work of reference to be published on Australian architecture. This magnificent book documents and analyses Australian architecture and architects from indigenous beginnings to colonial, modern and contemporary eras. With over 1000 entries from 200 contributors, and 500 photographs and drawings, The Encyclopedia of Australian Architecture provides an unparalleled compendium of architectural knowledge. It is essential reading for all who care about the built environment.