American Building

By James Marston Fitch, William Bobenhausen,

Book cover of American Building: The Environmental Forces That Shape It

Book description

Few books have influenced the field of architecture more than American Building: The Environmental Forces That Shape It. Originally published in 1947, it has emerged as a classic work on the relationships among buildings, their inhabitants, and the environment. Now comes the first major revision in over twenty-five years, bringing…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked American Building as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Fitch is best known as a city planner—not as an architect or engineer. Perhaps it is this perspective that allowed him to prepare a delightful introduction to the various sensory dimensions—the environmental forces—we engage as building users.

These dimensions, which constitute much of our holistic experience with architecture, include air quality, light, sound, and heat. None are truly shown on architectural plans. All affect us for better or worse. This is a great introductory read bereft of equations. 

From Alison's list on environmental schematic design.

Want books like American Building?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like American Building.

Browse books like American Building

Book cover of Thermal Delight in Architecture
Book cover of The Passive Solar Energy Book: A Complete Guide to Passive Solar Home, Greenhouse and Building Design
Book cover of Life Cycle Assessment

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,479

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in architecture, environmentalism, and climate change?

Architecture 83 books
Environmentalism 197 books
Climate Change 222 books