For one- or two-semester courses in Construction Methods and Materials and Design in Architecture.

Promoting comprehensive understanding in general and complex concepts in construction

Exceptionally well-received and one of the most acclaimed university-level books on construction, Building Construction, Principles, Materials and Systems is a comprehensive and fully illustrated introduction to construction methods and materials. It’s informed by a core philosophy that sufficient grounding in the principles and science of construction is the best way to equip today’s designers and constructors to respond successfully to rapid changes in the built environment. By ensuring students are well-versed in the science and technology of materials and systems, the text aims to better prepare architects, engineers, and constructors to produce a resilient and sustainable built environment—a need that will grow with increasing urbanization across the globe. 

The science of building construction and design is evolving more quickly than ever before. The Third Edition of this outstanding text builds on the previous versions. It incorporates the latest updates available, features over one thousand new end-of-chapter problems, and now addresses common errors related to the topic. The organization of the text fosters a definitive understanding of general concepts before moving on to more complex concepts. Emphasizing a visual approach to learning, it includes original illustrations.