This second edition of the book Introduction to Architectural Technology provides an accessible introduction for architecture students to all aspects of architectural technology: structural physics, structural elements and forms, heating, lighting, environmental control, and computer modelling. It will also help students to integrate their design thinking with appropriate structural and environmental solutions.

The book Introduction to Architectural Technology explains the relationships between physical phenomena, materials, building elements and structural types using simple classification systems and real world examples. In addition, it explores current computer techniques for assisting students to predict the structural and environmental behaviour of buildings. The book also uses historical precedents to explain how the success of a technology is directly related to its cultural context. This second edition includes new sections on environmental design, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and two new case studies.

This second edition of the book Introduction to Architectural Technology provides an accessible introduction for architecture students to all aspects of architectural technology: structural physics, structural elements and forms, heating, lighting, environmental control, and computer modelling. It will also help students to integrate their design thinking with appropriate structural and environmental solutions.

The book Introduction to Architectural Technology explains the relationships between physical phenomena, materials, building elements and structural types using simple classification systems and real world examples. In addition, it explores current computer techniques for assisting students to predict the structural and environmental behaviour of buildings. The book also uses historical precedents to explain how the success of a technology is directly related to its cultural context. This second edition includes new sections on environmental design, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and two new case studies.


Written by two experienced teachers, this book is invaluable for those contemplating the study of architecture and for those already embarked on a course. Will McLean and Pete Silver both teach at The School of Architecture and the Built Environment (SABE) at The University of Westminster, London. They are contributing authors to Fabrication – The Designer’s Guide (2006).