Architectural Detailing: Function Constructability Aesthetics

The industry-standard guide to designing well-performing buildings

Architects understand not only that aesthetics are a vital part of good design, but that great design emerges from a deep understanding of the functionality and constructability of details. Architects guide a project from design idea to buildable reality by working with other building industry professionals and creating a set of details that show how things are put together. Good details provide clear, complete, and correct information to the wide variety of users that need them.

Architectural Detailing systematically describes the principles by which good architectural details are designed. Using patterns that demonstrate best practices and consistent approaches to design detailing, this book teaches why detailing is important, what factors shape detailing issues, and how to detail a building that meets or exceeds performance requirements. Principles are supported by extensive illustrations that demonstrate how to design building details that will not leak water or air, will control the flow of heat and water vapor, will adjust to all kinds of movement, and will be easy to construct.

This fourth edition has been updated to conform to the latest International Building Codes and International Energy Conservation Code requirements and incorporates current knowledge about new material and construction technology, including:

• Expanded patterns for sustainability, high performance architecture, and resilience
• Examples using panelized or modularized prefabricated building assemblies
• Complex case studies demonstrating the detailing design process for energy efficient structures
• Design detailing for maintenance and management of sensitive or weak spots in a building assembly

Architectural Detailing helps you bring a building together with a well detailed design that communicates effectively at all levels of the construction process.