100 ideas that changed architecture

A respected scholar of modern architecture, Weston (Cardiff Univ.; Key Buildings of the 20th Century, 2nd ed., CH, Oct'10, 48-0680) offers here a highly accessible resource presenting a broad range of architectural ideas. These include the prosaic ("brick" as element, "CAD" as technique), and the theoretical ("Beaux-Arts" as style), as well as more recent socially evolutionary ideals, such as "universal design" and "sustainability." Other ideas, such as "bigness," may be less immediately familiar to casual readers but nonetheless are valuable contributions. Though Weston's book follows a "broad chronological sequence," each individual chapter is capable of standing on its own as a complete learning experience. The 100 ideas are each introduced within a historical context, including etymology; each essay is well supported by several illustrations, ranging from line drawings to color photographs. Within each entry, boldface key terms denote cross-links to other entries. Despite the academic and technical nature of some of the concepts, the author succeeds in "keeping specialist vocabulary to a minimum." Includes a brief glossary. Comparable works are the much heftier Architectura (2008), edited by Miles Lewis; or Leland Roth's Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History, and Meaning (2nd ed., 2007; 1st ed., CH, Jul '93, 30-5996). Summing Up: Essential. Lower-level undergraduates through graduate students; general readers. L. C. Duhon The University of Toledo

This is the first volume of a new series on ideas that have changed different areas of art. Weston (architecture, Cardiff Univ.) has written extensively about 20th-century architecture (e.g., Key Buildings of the Twentieth Century, 2d ed.). Featuring 100 concise essays with illustrations, Weston here covers the basic concepts, movements, and techniques of architecture. Neither theory-heavy nor comprehensive, the volume mentions mostly European buildings. While each essay stands on its own, many refer to others-for example, "Air Conditioning" offers a historical background for the technology, then explains its mixed impact on the design of large edifices. The main illustration is the skyline of Dubai seen from the desert. Verdict Somewhere between specialized dictionary and encyclopedia, this book is too large to be a field guide. Its glossary and quality illustrations make it a useful reference for art and architecture students.-David R. Conn, formerly with Surrey P.L., BC (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.