In architectural education the study of materials and the study of design are often treated as separate areas of discourse, when in reality the two are utterly intertwined. The choice of construction materials affects the look and feel of built form, while inspired design sense injects life into a building’s ingredients. This book is aimed at students of architecture and young practising architects. Through its detailed descriptions of glass, concrete, wood, metals and plastics - covering their unique properties, histories and various forms -  the book lays the educational foundation for any aspiring architect. Each section features 10-12 case studies including plans, sections, elevations and details, together with colour photographs illustrating the inspired and widely varied ways in which these materials can be applied. Among the case studies are works by Steven Holl, Shigeru Ban, Rural Studio, Campo Baeza, Arets and many others.

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Victoria Ballard Bell studied architecture and urban planning at the University of Virginia and is now a practising architect.

Patrick Rand is a distinguised professor in the School of Architecture at North Carolina State University's College of Design.