4 Resources for Learning Architecture!
Updated: Aug 5, 2021
Having the best resources at your disposal is crucial when learning about architecture. Today I will suggest some resources that I found the most useful in my learning journey, and hopefully it will help you as much as it helped me!
Videos
If you are more of a visual learner like I am, videos are a great resource to expand your knowledge of architecture. Videos are especially useful when I do not feel like focusing for long periods of time, I normally just put on some sort of documentary while I do other tasks, like sketching.
There are many different forms of this visual medium, and I am here to suggest some for you!
YouTube:
Of course, the world's number 1 video-sharing platform is a great place to find helpful architecture videos. There are many different channels that I watch on a daily basis, and also some free documentaries that helped me as well.
Channels:
This channel really got me into architecture. This channel is great for giving you a much closer look at how a real architect in the field operates. Some of his videos to get you started are "How this award-winning Architect designs homes" and "A Day in the Life of an Architect: Construction Site Visit".
This channel gives you a glimpse of a Masters student in architecture, and many tips and tutorials on how to enhance your architectural drawings and illustrations. Some of her videos to get you started are "How to Develop Innovative Architectural Concepts" and "5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Architecture School"
Documentaries:
These are great for learning about architecture history, famous architects, and get inspiration from the best.
This documentary is an hour long and can be found on both Netflix and YouTube. Bjarke Ingels is one of the most innovative architects of our time, and you can certainly learn and be inspired by his work.
2. Series of I.M. Pei Documentaries
I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary about the Chinese architect I.M Pei. This documentary takes you through his most influential and famous buildings, and his design process and inspiration for those buildings.
Ted Talks:
Ted Talks are also great when learning about architecture. Some to get you started are "The genius behind some of the world's most famous buildings by Renzo Piano" and "Why great architecture should tell a story".
Books
Books are a great resource as well, I first learned about architecture theory and concepts from "Thinking Architecture" by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor.
Architecture | Form, Space, & Order by Francis Ching
This book is a classic introduction to the basic vocabulary of architectural design. It really helped get introduced the basics of architecture, and provide a solid foundation to build off of.
2. Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture by Robert Venturi
This book is statement of architecture beyond modernism, with historical and modern examples. Venturi's trademark phrase "Less is a bore" was first written in this book. I loved this book, and really expanded my knowledge on architecture theory.
3. Why Architecture Matters by Paul Goldberger
One of the first architecture books I have ever read, and one of the best. Golberger discusses how architecture feels to us, and why that is. It shows how architecture affects us emotionally, and how that impacts us in life. This book really gave me a sense of what architecture really is, every architecture fanatic should give this a read.
Websites
Websites are a great place to learn. I mostly use websites to gain inspiration for my own work, admiring the works of famous architects, and innovative new designs.
ArchDaily is a WeBlog covering architecture news, projects, and many other things. I go to their website every single day, seeing what is new in the world of architecture, and gain inspiration. I think one of the best things aspiring architects can do is learn from the professionals, just exposing yourself to as much work as you can.
Apart from celebrity houses, Architectural Digest showcases the world's most beautiful buildings, from penthouses to farmhouses. Although I find their showcase of celebrity houses a bit much, it is still a great source of inspiration.
3. Dezeen
Dezeen is another great source of inspiration, they showcase not only the most influential buildings, but also design and technology as well. Sometimes, the best ideas do not come from architecture, but from other areas of design.
And finally... a Sketchbook
Draw, draw, and draw. A lot can be learned from books, videos, and websites, but I feel like I learn the most when I put pencil to paper and start creating myself. The best thing you can do is take what you learned, and apply it yourself. Practice as much as you can, it can only benefit your journey to becoming an architect. One of the most important skills for architects is to be able to express their ideas visually, and drawing every single day will definitely help to improve that.
If you have any other resources or suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!