Experiencing Architecture

When I was looking for some books to begin to learn about architecture (on a purely amateur level), someone recommended "Experiencing Architecture". I could not be happier with this book. The author consistently uses simple, concrete and engaging examples to illustrate his points. He compares and contrasts; uses buildings, sidewalks, windows, doorways, and steps from all over the world and across the centuries. Given my love of travel and history these references (liberally illustrated throughout the book in black and white photographs and some drawings) brought the book to life and added an additional dimension of enjoyment.
The reviews printed on the back cover say it all-"Lively without ever becoming condescending...learned without ever becoming dull" and "...so lucid and clear that every layman and beginner will be able to understand and to enjoy it". I can't recommend the book enough for anyone that has even the slightest interest in learning about architecture.

I am interested in architecture as a hobby, and as a potential career at some point in the future, so the perspective I had when reading this book was that of an informed amateur. I can't praise this little book enough. In its pages are the best explanations and analyses of contrasts, textures, shapes, and colors that I have seen in one single, condensed location.
Originally published in Denmark in 1959, and therefore lacking some of the more contemporary and postmodern design trends, this is an invaluable analysis of primarily European design through the mid twentieth century. This book is profusely illustrated with black and white photographs (most of which were taken by Rasmussen himself) and a fair number of drawings, all of which greatly assist the reader with his understanding of the material.
Specific buildings mentioned are too numerous to list, but the run the gamut from St. Peter's basilica in Rome, to the haunting and sinister Palazzetto Zuccari (also in Rome), to the ultramodern Johnson Wax Company building in Racine, Wisconsin by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the very modern study in open spaces found in the Copenhagen Police Headquarters (one of my personal favorites.)
This would be a useful guide to architects, and is the single best introduction to historical architectural style that I have yet found. Anyone with even a passing interest in architectural design or history would love this book.

Good for beginner architects. Rasmussen made my summer vacation very pleasant with Experiencing Architecture. The introduction of very key elements, such as Corbusier's modular system forces the reader to explore further the many varying conditions of architecture. Worth every penny.

Good for beginner architects. Rasmussen made my summer vacation very pleasant with Experiencing Architecture. The introduction of very key elements, such as Corbusier's modular system forces the reader to explore further the many varying conditions of architecture. Worth every penny.

Good for beginner architects. Rasmussen made my summer vacation very pleasant with Experiencing Architecture. The introduction of very key elements, such as Corbusier's modular system forces the reader to explore further the many varying conditions of architecture. Worth every penny.

In this tightly packed and perfectly illustrated book, Rasmussen manages to convey the elements that make architecture significant to people, governments, cultures, and even to historic god-believers (and why). If someone asked me to recommend one book to read about architecture, this would be it. A classic, indeed.

This lovely book inspired my passion as a sophomore in architecture school. Now as a retired architect after over 40 years of practice, I return to it with great pleasure.

Great book for the layperson looking towards a deeper (but not academic) understanding of architecture.
The organization/progression of the book is impeccable, and inspires you to read quickly.

I read a chapter or two of this book in college and I am pleased to have it back in my possession. In the introduction, Rasmussen writes, "I have endeavored to write the present volume in such a way that even an interested teenager might understand it" and he has satisfied this ambition.

The writing is lighthearted and funny- think a PBS special- and there are lots of b/w pictures to amuse.

I also recommend John Berger's "Ways of Seeing" for a similar layperson's approach to viewing art.

Yes, it's a must-have, yes u read it more than once and yes it is just the book for any architect or designer or anyone interested in the field..

This book introduces you to architecture...it's really enlightening especially to those who think that architecture is putting a couple of bricks together to come up with a building, `cause architecture is more than that, it's more or less like a way of living...

So that's why i highly recommend this book to 1st year students or those who are about to pursue a future in architecture..

but still this book is great for seniors and architects in general...

the only think n this book that needs adjustment is the display or the presentation...i know it shouldn't matter as long as the book is good...but just as a way to make the books more appealing especially for those who don't like reading all that much... but if you r the kind of person who doesn't mind that u'll enjoy the book all the same.. I really think this book should b taught in any architecture class