Design Tavern

I would like to share with you a review of my newest, favourite-est architecture book –

101 Things I Learned in Architecture School

By Matthew Frederick

Frederick is an architect and urban designer from Massachusetts, and has taught at a number of colleges and universities, 101 Things is a collection of design ideas, philosophies and tips that he has put together to aid students in making sense of design and architecture as a whole.

The author’s note begins as follows..

“The architecture curriculum is a perplexing and unruly best, involving long hours, dense texts, and frequently obtuse instruction. If the lessons of architecture are fascinating (and the are), they are also fraught with so many exceptions and caveats the students can easily wonder if there is anything concrete (pun intended?) to lean about architecture at all.”

Frederick concludes, “This book aims to firm up the foundation of the architecture studio by providing rallying points upon which the design process may thrive.”

Frederick’s book was recommended to me by one of my tutors; it provides for students (and established professionals as he pointed out) the building blocks for architecture studio, providing students with fundamentals such as ‘how to draw a line’ to more complex theories of space, composition and design thinking.

The best thing about 101 Things I learned in architecture is the format; the pages are numbered, 1 to 101, and each providing a quick studio lesson, tip, quote, or just something to ponder, each accompanied by an explanatory drawing.

Not only does the book provide great tips and primer to studio, it also serves as a technical and intellectual guide that can be visited again and again during the design process. Often shedding a little more light on the vast world of architectural philosophy each time. Reminders to design in section, or a handy guide on architectural lettering. Every page in this little gem provides a little bit of knowledge certainly worth retaining.

I’d would also think that the 101 things is not to be limited to just architects, but would be of use to anyone design oriented.

Here’s a sample..

1. ‘How to draw a line’

8. ‘Architecture is the thoughtful making of space.’ (Louis Kahn)

12. Design an architectural space to accommodate a specific program, experience, or intent.

17. ‘The more specific a design idea is, the greater its appeal is likely to be.’

18. Any design decision should be justified in at least two ways.’

22. ‘How to make architectural hand-lettering.’

34. ‘Frame a view, don’t merely exhibit it.’

50. ‘Windows look dark in the daytime.’

59. ‘Traditional buildings have thick exterior walls. Modern buildings have thin walls.’

72. ‘Design with models!’

96. ‘Summer people are 22 inches wide. Winter people are 24 inches wide.’

100. ‘Give it a name’

101. Architects are late bloomers.’

‘101 Things de-mythologizes the jargon that obscures the real meanings of what is taught in design schools. Anyone interested in design will learn much for this terrific book.’

- President of Boston Architectural College, Theodore C. Landsmark.

Even the size, the chip board cover and price (less than 10 US on amazon from memory!) are appealing, and leaves you no excuse!