Expand your knowledge of the world around us.Look up. Look around. Theres architecture everywhere, from the homes in which we live to the buildings where we work, the historical sites we visit on vacation to the shopping malls we frequent on a daily basis. But what exactly is architecture and what differentiates it from mere buildings? How does it impact our lives? In this engaging, original work, architects Max Jacobson, one of the authors of the landmark design bookA Pattern Language, and Shelley Brock explore these and many other questions as they present a compelling case for the importance of architecture in our day-to-day lives.

A beautiful, coffee table bookan elegant conversation piecean educational resource for the entire family.One peek inside this glorious book, filled with 150 illustrations, and youll agree that architecture is not just for architects!Invitation to Architecturebegins with a discussion of the many ways architecture influences our lives from our activities as young children to our everyday interests and interactions as adults. The book delves into the great buildings of the world and also explores the whole range of architectural works from indigenous structures to contemporary buildings.

Strength, usefulness, and beautythese are the three pillars on whichInvitation to Architectureis built.Theres an exploration of the role of durability, utility, and beauty in architecture. These three concepts (originally coined by Vitruvius during the Roman empire asFirmitas, Utilitas, andVenustas) remain at the heart of what architecture strives for and they are as relevant today as they were over 2,000 years ago. Strength, usefulness, and beautythe benefits you will derive from this captivating resource.