How to judge architecture: a popular guide to the appreciation of buildings

Designed for anyone who has ever stared at a cathedral or skyscraper and wondered what makes it work, this guide walks listeners through the basic language of architecture. The author, a seasoned architect and educator, breaks down the elements of style, proportion, and material in clear, everyday language, offering simple questions you can ask yourself as you stand before a building. Richly illustrated with historic photographs and sketches, each chapter shows how the same principles appear in stone temples, medieval churches, and modern façades.

The book moves chronologically, beginning with the simple orders of early Greece and progressing through Roman engineering, medieval vaulting, Renaissance symmetry, and the eclectic experiments of the nineteenth century. Along the way it points out tell‑tale details—columns, arches, cornices—that reveal a structure’s cultural background and design intentions. By the end of the first half, listeners will have a practical toolkit for judging whether a building delights the eye or simply fills space.