The classic, bestselling reference on architecture now revisedand expanded!An essential one-volume reference of architectural topics usingFrancis D.K. Ching's signature presentation. It is the onlydictionary that provides concise, accurate definitions illustratedwith finely detailed, hand-rendered drawings. From Arch to Wood,every concept, technology, material and detail important toarchitects and designers are presented in Ching's unique style.* Combining text and drawing, each term is given a minimumdouble-page spread on large format trim size, so that the term canbe comprehensively explored, graphically showing relations betweenconcepts and sub-terms* A comprehensive index permits the reader to locate anyimportant word in the text.* This long-awaited revision brings the latest concepts andtechnology of 21st century architecture, design and construction tothis classic reference workIt is sure to be by the side of and used by any seriousarchitect or designer, students of architecture, interiordesigners, and those in construction.

Preface viiArchitecture 1Arch 4Beam 7Brick 10Building 13Cable Structure 20Ceiling 22Ceramic 24Church 27Color 30Column 32Computer Graphics 34Concrete 40Construction 46Design 52Dome 62Door 64Drawing 68Electricity 76Elevator 82Fastening 84Fireplace 89Fire Safety 90Floor 94Force 98Fortification 100Foundation 102Frame 106Geometry 110Glass 114Hardware 116Heat 119History 129House 140Joinery 144Light 146Load 157Masonry 163Material 169Measure 174Membrane 176Metal 177Moisture Protection 184Order 187Ornament 190Paint 195Plaster 196Plastic 200Plate 202Plumbing 204Reinforced Concrete 210Roof 216Room 224Shell 227Sitework 229Soil 232Sound 234Stair 239Stone 242Structure 244Survey 253Sustainability 255Temple 266Theater 274Truss 277Vault 280Vision 282Wall 284Window 289Wood 294Index 303