The title of this book didn't inspire too much in the way of interest when I was asked to review it some 14 months ago (I've been busy). Everyone knows that the architect should be mindful of how the design will work; and every engineer should be mindful that in supporting the building that the design concept should not be compromised. Don't they? I doubt any reader of Building Engineer will be naive enough to believe the above statement. Through a very interesting review of building form and construction over time, this book manages to show how aesthetics and engineering principles have been merged to create buildings of both historic and modern notoriety. The authors convey the lessons that can be learnt not only from nature, but also primitive humans - whose need for shelter was a direct result of their environment -and to the Master Builders of the past, who through trial and error and intuitive innovation were able to create structures that centuries later still mesmerise many people. The authors are keen to show the advances in design from both architectural and engineering perspectives, following scientific discoveries and material advances, but also that nature and primitive building methods still form the fundamental basis of modern conceptual design.
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