Building Structures Illustrated: Patterns, Systems, and Design

Francis DK Ching brings his trademark presentation to the structural design studio with Building Structures Illustrated: Patterns, Systems, and Design, a major new work co-authored by Barry Onouye and Douglas Zuberbuhler.

Taking a new approach to strucural design, Ching and his co-authors show how structural systems of a building, as an integrated assembly of elements with pattern, proportions and scale, are related to the essential aspects of architectural design: formal and spatial composition, program fit, coordination with other building systems such as enclosure and mechanical systems, code compliance, etc. No other work by Francis DK Ching brings together so many aspects of architectural design as an integrated reference. Designers, builders, and students alike will gain a new understanding of structural principles and planning, without the need for mathematics. Using Ching's trademark presentation, Building Structures Illustrated: Patterns, Systems, and Design is illustrated throughout with line drawings to present the essential presence of structural systems in buildings, but also helps the reader make informed decisions for architectural design.