Introduction to architecture / Francis D.K. Ching, James F. Eckler.

Includes index.

Introduction: object, space, building, city -- The beginnings of architecture: early history--from ancient times to the Renaissance -- A concise history: architecture from the Renaissance to the contemporary -- Fundamentals of architecture: form -- Fundamentals of architecture: space -- Fundamentals of architecture: order -- Elements of architecture: types, systems, and components that inform design -- The design process: tools and techniques for generating ideas -- Materials of architecture: their qualities, characteristics, and behaviors -- Methods of construction -- Building structure: resisting the forces that act against buildings -- Building systems -- Architectural practice and communication -- Allied disciplines: interior design -- Allied disciplines: urbanism.

"This major new collection introduces architecture to the beginning student or anyone who wants to learn about the built environment" Provided by publisher.