Despite Architecture being a very visual “Art” form, we believe an Architect’s concept behind a design has meaning far further than what the eye can see. We believe that the architects and students with the best design concepts are the ones with the most background knowledge. But where does one gain knowledge beyond what one can imagine? Through books, of course!
If you read for fun and entertainment or for education and inspiration, reading produces ideas within your mind and in turn produces ideas out of your mind in the form of a concept or idea.
Here at Successful Archi Student, we strongly believe in self-education, as your teachers can only teach you so much. When you read, you are learning from the experiences of people who have done it all and seen it all before. When you read a 200 page book what you are really doing is uploading the information from the authors brain (of numerous years of experience) into your own and creating your own perspective and knowledge to take action on.
So – we present to you, the motivated student – our top 10 best books for architecture students to assist you on your journey as a student through to professional architect. This top 10 list was assembled from our online library, a compilation of all the books we found were vital for our success.
1:
Best Architecture Books for Students
Julia McMorrough
We own and have read a lot of Architecture specification books, but this one wins for value.
In the Architecture Reference + Specification Book, McMorrough has really simplified the topics discussed.
It contains vital information that’s essential to planning and executing architectural projects of all shapes and sizes, in a format that is small enough to carry anywhere.
It distills the data provided in standard architectural volumes and is an easy-to-use reference for the most indispensable and most requested types of architectural information.
Truly a “must have” for any architecture student to bring to every class and have on hand at any time while studying. This is the first book we recommend for the top 10 best books for architecture students.
2:
Best Architecture Books for Students
George Wilkie
The complete guide to Building Your Own Home. My first year tutorer said that this book is a “must have” and he was completely right.
I’ve referred back to this book hundreds of times and every time take something unique away from it. An architecture student’s essential.
3:
Best Architecture Books for Students
(Floor, Ceiling, Roof, Door, Wall, Stair, Toilet, Window, Facade, Balcony, Corridor, Fireplace, Ramp, Escalator, Elevator
Rem Koolhaas
This book is an essential toolkit to understanding the pieces, parts, and fundamentals of structures around the globe. With 2600 pages, it is not a book you can read in a couple of sittings, but a resource to return to over time.
4:
Best Architecture Books for Students
Napoleon Hill
This book is life changing. It is fundamentally the reason for my motivation and enthusiasm and is not just about “getting rich”, but instead the principles can be applied to experience true success in the form of work, life, happiness and freedom, as well as financial wealth.
I believe this book’s principles should be taught in schools! People who haven’t read this truly are disadvantaging themselves.
This won’t affect your knowledge on architecture directly but is one of the best architecture books for students you can read.
5:
Best Architecture Books for Students
Building Construction Illustrated is the go-to resource for answers to questions about the basic concepts underlying every construction project.
With rich illustrations and detailed discussions of building concepts, this book gives you the knowledge you need to succeed in residential and commercial construction, architecture, and structural engineering.
Includes thousands of annotated drawings as examples. A great resource for students.
Honestly, we could have listed any of Ching’s books here. They are all extremely relevant and important for student success. If you want, you can find the rest of the books he’s written that we’ve found helpful here.
6:
Best Architecture Books for Students
Will Pryce
Want a sophisticated looking coffee table? This book will make you look sophistacted AF!
In all honesty though,
7:
Best Architecture Books for Students
Eric Reinholdt
Many of you might know Eric Reinholdt through his Youtube channel, 30×40 Design Workshop.
Part narrative, part business book; Architect + Entrepreneur is filled with contemporary, relevant,
fresh tips and advice, from a seasoned professional architect building a new business. The guide advocates novel strategies and tools that merge entrepreneurship with the practice of architecture and interior design. Truly one of the best architecture books for students.
8:
Best Architecture Books for Students
Cal Newport
A comprehensive study guide, written by students for college students. It offers practical solutions for mastering the college academic system,
with self-assessment tests to help students analyze their study skills, time management strategies, tips on ace-ing tests and assessments, and techniques for writing essays and papers better and faster.
9:
Best Architecture Books for Students
Pamela Buxton
#1 Best Seller in Arch. Project Planning & Management
The Metric Handbook is the major handbook of planning and design data for architects and architecture students. Covering basic design data for all the major building types it is the ideal starting point for any project.
For each building type, the book gives the basic design requirements and all the principal dimensional data, and succinct guidance on how to use the information and what regulations the designer needs to be aware of. The Metric Handbook is the unique reference for solving everyday planning problems.
10:
Best Architecture Books for Students
Dale Carnegie
Architect’s are salespeople as much as they are designers. It is important that you learn how to deal with people effectively and make a good impression on clients and potential clients (everybody else in the world) if you want to succeed as a student and architect.
Does dealing with people come naturally to you?
It didn’t for me, but this book taught me the essentials for being a good conversationalist, how to make friends with important people, diversify my network and live a happier life.
Truly a great book if you are interested in influencing people in a positive way in order to benefit both you and the other person.
Thanks for reading my post! If you enjoyed “The Top 10 Best Architecture Books For Students and Architects” be sure to use those social links below to share this post and follow us. I hope the books do you as much good as they did me. If you have any comments, queries or suggestions, I encourage you to leave them below.
Click here to check out the Successful Archi Student’s Library where you can find more books.