"101 Things I Learned in Architecture School" by Matthew Frederick

Brian Gongol

One-paragraph review: A fun collection of -- as advertised -- 101 assorted things a person might learn in architecture school. Some are presented as actual advice to those in the practice of architecture, while others are much more general. The hints range from topics on drawing (including the reason why you should always start and finish a line with a double-trace) to scattered quotations on the philosophy of buildings. None of it reaches beyond the grasp of anyone who takes even a passing interest in the built environment: You'll learn some interesting things along the way without ever coming close to being overwhelmed by detail or minutiae.

Verdict: Terrific coffee-table reading on buildings and architecture