Great Books for Architects, Urbanists & Engineers
By TH!NK by IBI
Date
December 21, 2016
In need of a last minute gift idea for the urbanist in your life? Or maybe a good read of your own for the holidays? Whether you’re looking for books on architecture, landscape architecture, engineering or urbanism, TH!NK by IBI has you compiled the meta-list for you! In the architectural realm, the Deutsches Architekturmuseum (DAM) held its 8th annual DAM Architectural Book Award selection. This year, 10 winners were selected for recognition by the world’s only architecture-specific book prize. Ranging from African modernism to cross-sections of 62 20th century buildings, the list fulfills many wish lists. If that’s not enough, prominent British architecture critic Rowan Moore selected 10 books of his own as the top books of 2016. With a focus on architecture in war and post-war zones as well as concrete and brutalism, the list includes numerous books for those interested in the important contemporary issues of the field. On the urban planning and design front, Planetizen curated a well rounded list that includes a colouring book as well books on tactical urbanism, the economics of hosting the Olympics, the crash of the creative class and a host of other issues. Interestingly, no annual best book lists were produced for landscape architects or civil engineers. However, we tracked down an all time top 10 list for our landscape architecture friends and two valuable lists for those craving some civil engineering literature. To round out these impressive lists, we submit Street Fight by Janette Sadik-Khan. In this inspiring read, New York City’s for Department of Transportation Commissioner details the trials (but mainly tribulations) of transforming New York City into a place for people. With no shortage of reading material for the holidays, we’re sure you’ll survive that snowstorm or beachfront getaway. But for all the professionals – a New Year’s challenge. In 2017, perhaps it’s time to read a book from one of the other city-making fields? You (and our cities) will be better for it!
