Exercises in Architecture: Learning to Think as an Architect - Tapa dura

'Having assured many students that there are no quick fix injections or architectural jabs available, I have previously extolled the benefits to be derived from a prolonged course of general architectural physiotherapy. From now on I will be more than happy to specifically prescribe Exercises in Architecture.'

Simon Hacker, Lecturer in Architecture at Newcastle University, UK

'By way of a series of written observations, Simon Unwin demonstrates some of the most basic lessons of architecture. With his elegantly drawn examples paired with simple notebook exercises for the reader, Unwin creates a text that interweaves reading, looking, thinking, and making into a series of self-discoveries. This book will challenge both beginning designers and accomplished professionals alike.'

Peter Wong, Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, USA

"Simon Unwin has written the perfect book for all those who have often wondered how architects design. Clear, informative exercises take you through everyday basic design problems architects face when conceiving and developing a building. Exercises in Architecture is a must-have textbook for any university that offers an Understanding Architecture course, for high schools that have design-focused programs, and for any person generally interested in understanding the architectural design process."

Charles P. Graves, Associate Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at Kent State University, USA

'Exercises in Architecture is an extraordinarily accessible text that takes on a great many sophisticated topics fundamental to architectural understanding. The clarity of Unwin’s writing and his superbly crafted drawings will be refreshing and inspiring to both students and faculty. I especially appreciate the attention placed on the process of developing one’s ability to "do" architecture, and the real necessity of using a sketchbook in this process.'

Matthew T. Brehm, Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Idaho, USA

Architecture is a doing word. You can learn a great deal about the workings of architecture through analysing examples but a fuller understanding of its powers and potential comes through practice, by trying to do it...

This book offers student architects a series of exercises that will develop their capacity for doing architecture. Exercises in Architecture builds on and supplements the methodology for architectural analysis presented in the author’s previous book Analysing Architecture (third edition, Routledge, 2009) and demonstrated in his Twenty Buildings Every Architect Should Understand (Routledge, 2010). The three books taken together deal with the three aspects of learning: description, analysis of examples, and practice.