Rice's Language of Buildings by Matthew Rice

Following this is the 'Vocabulary.' This will be a chronological reference section covering, period by period, the windows, doors and doorcases, columns, chimneys, arches, balustrades and pediments that make up the built environment. It will also cover the Orders of Architecture-Doric, Tuscan, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite-so that the vital basics of Classicism are covered. This will enable the reader to better make use of what is to follow.

The Language of Buildings starts with an explanation of the basic 'Grammar' of buildings: elevation, plan, roof, gable and eave. Ungainly and inept descriptions will be a thing of the past and, fluent in the world of volutes, hood moulds, lobed architraves and bucrania, you will be able to leave a cathedral or country house with as much to talk about as a film or play. There will be no more references to that curly bit on top of the thing with the square protrusions. With it in your hand, buildings will break down beguilingly into their component parts, ready for inspection and discussion. The same is the case with Architecture: an inability to describe the component parts of a building leaves one tongue-tied and unable to begin to discuss what is or is not exciting, dull or peculiar about it.' The Language of Buildings will explain the language of architecture. Its aim is to enable the reader to recognize, understand and date any British building.Īs Matthew Rice says, 'Once you can speak any language, conversation can begin, but without it communications can only be brief and brutish. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Language of Buildings by Matthew New 9781408893784 Fast Free Shipping. The Language of Buildings covers the grammar and vocabulary of British buildings, explaining the evolution of styles from Norman castles to Norman Foster. A beautifully packaged, idiosyncratic introduction to British building styles, by the acclaimed illustrator and architectural enthusiast Matthew Rice.

Rice's Language of Buildings by Matthew Rice