[.ca] Integrated Buildings: The Systems Basis of Architecture (ISBN 0471388270)

Integrated Buildings: The Systems Basis of Architecture:
In this book, the reader is exposed to the integrated building concept through the exposition of theory, and the presentation of individual case studies. The case studies are organized into seven categories: Laboratories, Offices, Airport Terminals, Pavilions, Residential Architecture, High Tech Architecture, and Green Architecture. The author states, "What gravity is to structure...ecology is to Green." Through the case studies, icons of modern architecture, located all over the planet, are examined via an analysis of their systems. Through this vehicle, the reader learns from the masters. Each case study starts with a project description accompanied by a fact sheet. Program is broken down into client, brief, site, and climate. The case studies are enriched with biographical information on the individual architects. The analyses continue with details of intent, critical technical issues, etc., and conclude with a discussion of the success of the different aspects of the project. To quote the author, "this book shows how case studies can be used to understand the integration of building systems and how inquiry into integration contributes to architectural success." A mastery of the concepts in Leonard Bachman's book can arm the architect with valid thought processes to free his/her design intuition from the constraints prevalent in early 21st century construction management. This book serves both as a reminder of ancient regional responses to climate and site, and a preparation for understanding the symbiotic building technologies now being built by world class practitioners.

Insightful and Informative:
Design depends on intuition but intuition itself depends on a base of knowledge. Leonard Bachman contributes handsomely to that base in his new book. His "systems basis of architecture" is clearly described both in theory and practice. His case studies begin with indigenous traditions and then follow their transmissions and adaptations of method in a rich matrix of more recent examples. His approach is at the same time insightful and informative, a powerful combination of great value to students of architecture.

A Must-read for Every Architect:
Architects want to learn from each other and from the great architecture of the world. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible for anyone (even an architect) to observe a completed building and understand all the issues that were considered and how they were ultimately integrated--or it has been, until now. Bachman has prepared an incredibly valuable resource that explains not only the theory and concepts behind integrated design, but illustrates them with thirty-one diverse case studies brimming with photographs, plans, sections, and pertinent data. This is a must-read for every architect and architecture student, yet it also will be of interest to anyone with an appreciation for the built environment.