How Buildings Work – The Natural Order of Architecture by Edward Allen (Oxford University Press 1980) explains the metabolism of architecture.
Edward Allen in this book explains, for everyone from the student of architectural design to the intending purchaser or occupier of any building (be it beach hut or office block), in clear, untechnical language and by ingenious pictures, what buildings do and how they do it. He sets out seventeen expectations we have of buildings – from a fresh-water supply and the disposal of waste to the control of fire – and devotes a chapter to the details of each function, with the essential information on every common structural form, heating system, cooling, system, plumbing, roof material, wall construction, and much more besides; and he demonstrates the interrelationships of one speciality with the many other specialized parts of a building, all without resorting to mathematical exercises. No other book is as concerned with the basic practicalities of building and as untrammelled with architectural ideology or theory.
– Edward Allen, How Buildings Work – The Natural Order of Architecture (Oxford University Press, 1980), excerpt from the book description
The text is in English. The book is profusely illustrated with detailed line drawings by David Swoboda.
Our copy in stock is in nice condition. The pages are clean, no markings except for the previous owner’s signature on the first flyleaf. The binding is fine. The dust jacket has a couple of small tears and shows some traces of edge wear, shelf wear and use. The flaps are folded. There is an old price sticker on the back cover.
