Architectural Geometry

How to order the book

You can order the book online from the publisher via its website BI Press or by contacting Nancy Salamon at BI Press:

email: nancy.salamon@bentley.com
phone: (001) 800 225 2613
fax: (001) 610 458 2876

Alternatively you can use this order form to order the book from BI Press.

You can also order the book from Amazon.com.

European customers can order the book online via the Austrian Bookstore www.lmz.at. Here you can find a [video] that may help you ordering the book.

About the Book

H. Pottmann, A. Asperl, M. Hofer and A. Kilian: Architectural Geometry. Bentley Institute Press (2007), 724 pages, 2200 figures in color, ISBN 978-1-934493-04-5.

Geometry lies at the core of the architectural design process. It is omnipresent, from the initial form-finding stages to the actual construction. Modern constructive geometry provides a variety of tools for the efficient design, analysis, and manufacture of complex shapes. This results in new challenges for architecture. However, the architectural application also poses new problems to geometry. Architectural geometry is therefore an entire research area, currently emerging at the border between applied geometry and architecture.

This book has been written as a textbook for students of architecture or industrial design. It comprises material at all levels, from the basics of geometric modeling to the cutting edge of research. During the architectural journey through geometry, topics typically reserved for a mathematically well-trained audience are addressed in an easily understandable way. These include central concepts on freeform curves and surfaces, differential geometry, kinematic geometry, mesh processing, digital reconstruction, and optimization of shapes.

This book is also intended as a geometry consultant for architects, construction engineers, and industrial designers and as a source of inspiration for scientists interested in applications of geometry processing in architecture and art.

Content

Creating a Digital 3D Model
Projections
Polyhedra and Polyhedral Surfaces
Boolean Operations
Planar Transformations
Spatial Transformations
Curves and Surfaces
Freeform Curves
Traditional Surface Classes
Offsets
Freeform Surfaces
Motions, Sweeping, and Shape Evolution
Deformations
Visualization and Analysis of Shapes
Developable Surfaces and Unfoldings
Digital Prototyping and Fabrication
Geometry for Digital Reconstruction
Shape Optimization Problems
Discrete Freeform Structures

Reviews

Mark Pauly, Applied Geometry Group, ETH Zürich The Eurographics Association and Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 2008: "[...] This book is a visual gem. Not less than 2200 illustrations and photographs provide visual explanations of geometric concepts, illustrate the application of the discussed topics in classical or contemporary architecture, and stimulate the reader's imagination. A truly delightful read, 'Architectural Geometry' is predestined to become the bible of the recently emerging field of architectural geometry."
[Pdf].

Dörte Welti, Swiss Magazine: "We're not all architects. But what [...] have compiled is a 700-page work that will hold industrial designers, graphic artists and fashion designers in equal thrill all over the world. This fascinating study of the intrinsic geometries of some of the biggest buildings of our times is a must for the specialist and a delight for the casual reader."

"Natürlich ist nicht jeder von uns Architekt. Aber was [...] da auf 700 Seiten zusammengetragen haben, wird auch Designer aus Industrie, ja sogar Mode staunen lassen und Grafiker aus aller Welt finanzieren. Die minutiöse Aufarbeitung geometrischer Zusammenhänge einiger der gigantischsten Bauwerke unserer Zeit - für Fachleute ein Muss, für Laien ein spannendes Coffee-Table Book!"
[Pdf].

Miles Ritter, Princeton University School of Architecture: "'Architectural Geometry' is a superior, comprehensive survey of geometric modeling for architecture filled with stunning illustrations of unparalleled precision and clarity. The authors are at the forefront of research into advanced modeling technologies and the underlying geometrical principles upon which they are based, and it thus contains, particularly in the later chapters, advanced topics such as shape optimization, PQ meshes, and surface development that are at the cutting edge of the discipline. For those involved in the construction and refinement of geometrical pipelines for architectural modeling and production, I expect it will become the standard reference. 'Architectural Geometry' is not just the best text of its kind, it is unique."

Gary Hack, University of Pennsylvania School of Design: "The new book 'Architectural Geometry' is perfect for students and teachers of architecture, practicing architects, and other professionals seeking an in-depth understanding of geometric principles and their integral relationship to the world of design. Its content is fundamental and will be not only relevant but essential for many years to come. I've asked that copies be added to the PennDesign library and firmly believe this singular work belongs in the library of every high school, college, and university offering architecture and engineering design as part of its curriculum, as well as in the offices of architectural and design organizations around the globe."

Andre Brown, Liverpool University: "This book is a carefully considered, well-structured, balanced, and informative book on constructive geometry and its application to design for the built environment in a contemporary setting. It mixes theoretical ideas, how-to advice, and real-world examples, and will appeal to a wide range of potential users, from students to educators and practitioners."

Manfred Husty, Innsbruck University: A review in German published in the IBDG 2/2007, Jahrgang 25, University of Innsbruck [Pdf].

Errata

A list of errata for the first edition (2007) of the book.