Architects' Handbook, The

Description: 'The Architects' Handbook' provides a comprehensive range of visual and technical information covering the great majority of building types likely to be encountered by architects, designers, building surveyors and others involved in the construction industry. It is organised by building type and concentrates very much on practical examples. Including over 300 case studies, the Handbook is organised by building type and concentrates very much on practical examples. It includes: a brief introduction to the key design considerations for each building type; numerous plans, sections and elevations for the building examples; references to key technical standards and design guidance; and, a comprehensive bibliography for most building types. The book also includes sections on designing for accessibility, drawing practice, and metric and imperial conversion tables. Review: 'All too often, architects attempt to redesign the wheel. Why struggle to sort out the complexity of a modern building when you can learn from the great masters. If the best architects in the world have visited the problems before, the chances are they have something to teach us. This book, with its detailed information about ground breaking buildings, should change the way we assimilate practical technical information' Maxwell Hutchinson Table of Contents: Preface. Acknowledgements. Contributors. Airports. Business Parks. Cinemas. Community Centres. Crematoria. Education: Schools. Education: Universities and Colleges. Education: Art, Design and Media Studios. Farm Buildings. Fire Stations. Halls of Residence and Hostels. Health Service Buildings. Hospices. Hotels. Housing and Residential Buildings. Industrial Buildings. Laboratories. Landscape Works. Law Courts. Libraries and Learning Resource Centres. Museums and Art Galleries. Office. Pubs. Religious Buildings. Restaurants and Catering Facilities. Shops and Retail. Sports Facilities. Theatres and Art Centres. Vehicle Facilities. Youth Hostels. Zoos ad Aquariums. Design for Accessibility. Drawing Practice and Presentation. Bibliography and References. Conversion of Units. Index. Author Biography: Quentin Pickard, BA, RIBA, MiMgt, studied architecture at Newcastle University and Thames Polytechnic and qualified in 1976. After working for Haringey Council he established a practice in 1978 with a colleague, specializing in ecclesiastical and conservation projects. He has been the Inspecting Architect for several churches in north and central London. He is currently working for the Methodist Church Property Office. Quentin comes from a publishing family and has contributed both artwork and the written word to several books. He has been chair of the Aqua Group since 1989 and has been closely involved with several recent editions of three of the Group's books (Pre-Contract Practice, Contract Administration, and Tenders and Contracts for Building, all published by Blackwell Publishing). He is the RIBA Conservation Advisor and has commented on numerous consultation documents and has taken part in several radio interviews. He set up the RIBA London Region Conservation Group, and he has helped to establish the national Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation. Quentin teaches on the Architectural Association Professional Practice Part 3 course, on the subject of building contracts. For several years he led building conservation teaching at South Bank University, as well as lecturing in architectural history, design and drawing practice. He has also lectured at several other universities and colleges, mainly in London. He has always believed strongly in the need for greater co-operation within the construction industry, and he was chair of the Junior Liaison Organisation in 1984. He is a member of ICOMOS and a freeman of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects.