Architecture

Design of buildings, landscapes and other types of structures and spaces.

Resources in this category:

About.com: Architecture
http://architecture.about.com/

An Internet guide to architecture, with feature articles, Website links, and discussion forums. Topics covered include building & remodeling, house plans, careers, Feng Shui, 'green' architecture, preservation, house styles, historic periods, and famous architects, bridges & buildings.

American Landscape and Architectural Design, 1850-1920: a Study Collection from the Harvard Graduate School of Design
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/landscape/

"This collection of approximately 2,800 lantern slides represents an historical view of American buildings and landscapes built during the period 1850-1920. It represents the work of Harvard faculty, such as Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., Bremer W. Pond, and James Sturgis Pray, as well as that of prominent landscape architects throughout the country. The collection offers views of cities, specific buildings, parks, estates and gardens, including a complete history of Boston's Park System. In addition to photographs, views of locations around the country include plans, maps, and models. Hundreds of private estates from all over the United States are represented in the collection through contemporary views of their houses and gardens (including features such as formal gardens, terraces, and arbors )."

Architect of the Capitol
http://www.aoc.gov/

"The Architect of the Capitol is responsible to the United States Congress for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex, which includes the Capitol, the congressional office buildings, the Library of Congress buildings, the Supreme Court building, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the Capitol Power Plant, and other facilities."

Architecture and Interior Design for 20th Century America (1935-1955)
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/gottscho/

"This Gottscho-Schleisner Collection is comprised of over 29,000 images primarily of architectural subjects, including interiors and exteriors of homes, stores, offices, factories, historic buildings, and other structures. Subjects are concentrated chiefly in the northeastern United States, especially the New York City area, and Florida. Included are the homes of notable Americans, such as Raymond Loewy, and of several U.S. presidents, as well as color images of the 1939-40 New York World's Fair. Many of the photographs were commissioned by architects, designers, owners and architectural publications, and document important achievements in American 20th-century architecture and interior design."

Architecture of Ireland
http://www.irish-architecture.com/

This site includes news, events, articles, and postcards relating to Irish architecture. It also features sections on "Buildings of Ireland" and "Architects of Ireland."

Architecture on the Web
http://www.vitruvio.ch/

Highly extensive resource for all things architecture on the Web. Contains information on competitions, historic periods and styles (with images), CAD drawings and models, a list of Pritzker Prize winners, biographies of "the masters", educational resources, and links to significant architectural monuments alphabetically by city. A very good starting point for architectural research.

Architecture Through the Ages
http://library.thinkquest.org/10098/

"This web page discusses the many types of architecture and the many ways they have shaped our lives. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about architecture from the great Maya to the building of cathedrals...In these sections of Architecture Through the Ages, you will learn how certain cultures built their homes, temples, and cities. You may also learn a little about their religion, how they lived every day, and more."

ArchNet
http://archnet.org/lobby.tcl

"ArchNet is an online community for architects, planners, urban designers, landscape architects, and scholars, with a special focus on the Islamic world." Includes an impressive digital library with many images of Islamic architechture.

The Art & Architecture Thesaurus
http://www.getty.edu/research/conducting_research/vocabulari...

"A controlled vocabulary that can be used to improve access to cultural heritage information in the global networked environment. The AAT is a comprehensive vocabulary of nearly 120,000 terms for describing objects, textural materials, images, architecture and material culture from antiquity to the present. Many of the terms refer to objects of significance in the discussion and analysis of cultural history, encompassing the natural and built environments, furnishings and equipment, and artifacts of visual and verbal communication. Although its focus is on the Western world, the AAT's scope extends to other cultures. The AAT provides not only the terminology for objects, but the vocabulary necessary to describe them. This supporting terminology includes the materials and techniques relating to their construction and conservation (such as deacidification), their physical attributes (such as shape and color), terminology associated with their production and study (such as the roles of persons), vocabulary indicating their style or period, and concepts relating to their history, theory, criticism, and purpose." Users can browse the world hierarchically, or use the search function.

Art Nouveau World Wide
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/artnouveau/en/

"The site provides an overview of the Art Nouveau movement. It features a sensitive map showing the centres of the Movement in Europe, plus a list by town and country of centres in Europe and America. These link to ideas, artists or buildings of relevance to Art Nouveau in that area. Also included are lists of artists, architects, designers, FAQ¹s, forthcoming related exhibitions, museums, and other links."

Castles on the Web
http://www.castlesontheweb.com/

Tours, collections, images and information about castles around the world. Offers an "ask us" area where castle-related questions may be submitted. Additional information is included about heraldry, medieval studies, myths and legends, and various other medieval building types.

Cities and Buildings Collection
http://content.lib.washington.edu/cities/

Over 5,000 images taken from architects' original slides and drawings in the public domain. The database is searchable through a Java client, available from the website. Maintained by the architecture department of the University of Washington.

The Construction of the Empire State Building, 1930-1931
http://www.nypl.org/research/chss/spe/art/photo/hinex/empire...

"This is an online exhibition of 26 photographs by Lewis Wickes Hine depicting the Empire State Building under construction between 1930 and 1931. It includes brief biographical information about Hine and facts about the building. The images are from the New York Public Library's Photography Collection."

Craftsman Perspective : A Guide to the History, Aesthetics, and Architecture of the Arts and Crafts Movement
http://www.craftsmanperspective.com/index.html

This site explores the history and architectural features of the Arts and Crafts movement in American Architecture. Regional differences are explored and a comprehensive listing of additional resources and links is provided.

Cyburbia - Planning and Architecture Resource Center
http://www.cyburbia.org/

"Cyburbia (formerly called PAIRC - The Planning and Architecture Internet Resource Center) contains a comprehensive directory of Internet resources relevant to planning, architecture, urbanism and other topics related to the built environment. Cyburbia also contains information about architecture and planning related mailing lists and Usenet newsgroups, and hosts several interactive message areas." This site contains a search function.

The DiCammilo Companion to British & Irish Country Houses
http://www.dicamillocompanion.com/

"The Database of Houses is a continuing effort to list every country house built in Britain and Ireland, standing or demolished.  The Database is updated daily and currently lists over 6,500 houses.  This undertaking will compile as many details as can be found about the houses, families who occupied them, and their estates, in a standardized format."

Digital Archive of American Architecture
http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/fa267/contents.html

Extensive site providing timelines and chronologies of American architecture from the 17th century onward. Includes images of buildings, biographies of architects, lists of exemplary buildings and types, and a visual glossary of styles.

Emporis Buildings
http://www.emporis.com/en/

A database of information on over 34,000 high-rise buildings in more than 2500 cities worldwide. Search first for city, then browse for the buildings that interest you.

English Heritage
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

"English Heritage (EH) is the national body charged with the protection of the historic environment and promoting public understanding of it. Their web site includes a sensitive map providing illustrations and descriptions of all EH properties by region. It also features details of EH's education services, grants, conservation and research activities, and publications."

The Forum Romanum
http://intranet.grundel.nl/thinkquest/

This award winning site was created by three high school students from the Netherlands. It covers information on the Roman Forum as well as interesting facts on Roman history and religion. The site provides biographical information on ancient Roman figures as well as covering aspects of daily life. It also provides users with a short quiz and anecdotal stories." At this web site you find a description of the Roman Forum between 100 BC and 100 AD. The Roman Forum was the centre of ancient Rome. At this web site the Forum is the centre of exploration. It will be the starting point for a great variety of wanderings. Many interesting aspects of Rome and its inhabitants can be met. Descriptions and views of many historic buildings can be found."

Great Buildings Collection
http://www.greatbuildings.com/

"The Great Buildings Collection is a gateway to architecture from around the world and across history. The Great Buildings Online documents hundreds of buildings and leading architects with 3D models, photographic images and architectural drawings, plus commentaries, bibliographies, and web links, for famous designers and structures of all kinds." The site is searchable by building or architect or browsable by building, architect, place, or architectural type.

Green Building Information Council
http://greenbuilding.ca/

"The Green Building Information Council (GBIC) is a Canadian non-profit organisation which disseminates information about energy and environmental issues in the building and architecture sectors. The GBIC web site gathers together a broad range of information from other sources and organisations worldwide. It includes the full text of the Advanced Buildings Newsletter, plus the full text of the 1998 Green Building Challenge '98 conference."

Historic House Architecture
http://www.ragtime.org/arch/

A well-written and easy-to-understand guide to American residential architectural styles of the Late-Victorian through Modern periods. Also includes "architectural police" tips on things to avoid when renovating historic houses.

The Influence of Roman Engineering and Architecture
http://www.arch.mcgill.ca/prof/sijpkes/arch304/winter2001/cs...

An article on the effect Roman engineering (particularly of roads and water) had on its conquests and neighbors.

Islamic & Arabic Arts & Architecture
http://islamicart.com/

"This site explains the historical and cultural significance of Islamic and Arabic artifacts. The main areas covered are architecture, calligraphy, oriental rugs, and coins. The site is searchable and includes FAQs, a bibliography, and links to other sites."

Jamestown Rediscovery
http://www.apva.org/

"Welcome to the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities Jamestown Rediscovery archaeological project Jamestown Rediscovery is investigating the remains of 1607 Jamestown on the APVA property on Jamestown Island, Virginia." Contains an online exhibit of the excavation site with pictures of artifacts found.

Legendary Lighthouses
http://www.pbs.org/legendarylighthouses/

"This site explores the history, legends, lore and workings of lighthouses along American shorelines."

Lighthouse Explorer Database
http://www.lhdigest.com/database/searchdatabase.cfm

"Welcome to the Lighthouse Explorer Database, with information about 1388 lighthouses from all over the world (with more every day!), including photographs, history, directions, and contact information! Use the alphabetical listings at the top of the page, or quickly search."

Lighthouses: A Photographic Journey
http://www.ipl.org/div/light/

Take virtual tours around the world to see photographs of over 450 lighthouses. Includes pictures of lighthouses from the Great Lakes, the Atlantic coast, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, San Fracisco, and more.

Lighting Design Glossary
http://www.schorsch.com/kbase/glossary/

"This glossary combines terms that are used in architectural lighting design and lighting simulation. The interdisciplinary nature of the work of the lighting designer is reflected in terms originating in architecture, radiometry, photometry, colorimetry, metereology, physiology, psychology, mathematics, geometry and computer graphics."

Planning and Building Libraries
http://www.slais.ubc.ca/RESOURCES/architecture/index.htm

This excellent site includes not only considerations and tips for librarians planning their own renovations, expansions, or new buildings, but also provides library standards, hints for barrier-free design, resources for library automation, and a list of famous libraries with links to many images of award-winning designs.

The Skyscraper Museum
http://www.skyscraper.org/

Founded in 1996 by Prof. Carol Willis of Columbia University, the Skyscraper Museum brings together archives, photographs, documents, and exhibitions related to skyscrapers and tall buildings. Also included on the site is a construction timeline of all the world's tallest buildings since 1890.

Sources for Building History: A Guide to Researching Historic Buildings in the British Isles
http://www.building-history.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/

"This extensive web site provides a comprehensive introduction to useful information sources for researching architectural history in the British Isles. It covers small-scale and grand houses; castles; business buildings; public buildings; and buildings of charitable purpose. A large section considers how to research ecclesiastical buildings. There is advice on visiting national and local archives, and details of key reference tools. The web site's author is a consultant on the history of buildings and sites in the UK."

Structurae: International Database and Gallery of Structures
http://www.structurae.de/

"This is a free web site intended to provide information on structures of interest to the civil engineer. While the database may contain works of civil engineering as well as architecture, the focus is on those works designed mainly by engineers or of specific interest in their structural conception. This site provides contemporary as well as historical information."

TempleNet
http://www.templenet.com/

"Templenet is a premier site conceived and published with the objective of showcasing India - The Land of Temples in cyberspace." Comprehensive listing of temples in India. Arranged by region, deity, architectural style, and festivals. Feature articles with full text and images on a particular region or temple theme.

La Torre de Pisa
http://torre.duomo.pisa.it/index_eng.html

"The Tower of Pisa is the bell tower of the Cathedral. Its construction began in the august of 1173 and continued (with two long interruptions) for about two hundred years, in full fidelity to the original project, whose architect is still uncertain." This site provides a history of the tower, short film and photo archives that allows you to "navigate between the orders (as the various floors are termed) of the Tower of Pisa." "One of the great landmarks and architectural icons of the Western world now has an official Internet home. View thousands of images on a floor-by-floor photographic tour, enjoy a 360-degree view from the belfry via Quicktime VR, or read about the history of the tower -- which began in 1173 and was under construction for about two hundred years, during which time it began to incline. Text in English and Italian describes contemporary efforts to safeguard and preserve this remarkable monument."

Urban Parks Online
http://www.pps.org/parks_plazas_squares/

"Arguing that parks are central to the cultural life of cities, this interactive web site aims to encourage the sharing of information, ideas and models, and to act as a forum for discussion about how open spaces can evolve into real resources for their local communities. It includes information on the planning and design processes; finance, partnerships, and management; increasing and diversifying park use; and a bibliography. Detailed case studies provide pointers to the elements which make up a successful urban open space."

Waterworks
http://www.omsi.edu/visit/physics/ww/

"Fountains are fascinating, spilling water in soothing falls or incredible patterns, refreshing for the eyes and nerves. But what's hidden behind all this beauty? WaterWorks, a site devoted to fountains, explains their scientific side. You'll learn everything about the physics and engineering behind fountains, and perform experiments to deepen your knowledge of hydraulics. Having exercised your mind, you can soothe your soul by contemplating several famous fountains. And when body and mind are ready, you may wade in by creating your own fountain. It probably won't match the grace of Rome's Fontana di Trevi, but at least you'll have made one wish come true."

Worlds Intertwined: The Etruscan World
http://www.museum.upenn.edu/new/worlds_intertwined/etruscan/...

Virtual gallery from the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. The Etruscans were a great pre-Roman civilization in Italy, and the museum has a very fine collection of Etruscan artifacts.