HSE Publishing House

The book aims to teach the reader to understand architecture primarily as an art form. Its seven chapters, which — in accordance with the ancient tradition of architectural treatises — are called ‘books’, talk about the main constructive solutions, show that the architect’s creative will is aimed not only at the walls and the ceilings but also at the space between them, and explain how ideas about the structure of the outer world and the labyrinths of inner worlds are reflected in architecture. Finally, this publication will help get acquainted with the key stages in the history of world architecture and will elucidate which style follows which and why. An important part of the present edition is its illustrative component. The book contains over 380 illustrations: photographs, engravings, sketches, including masterpieces by Michelangelo, Le Corbusier, Alexey Shchusev, Konstantin Melnikov and other prominent architects.
The publication is intended for a wide range of readers interested in architecture and art history.