Integrate Architecture -- System Elements of Architecture

Author: (American) Bachman, L.R. (Author), Liang Duolin (Translator)
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Features: Practical and instructive, providing an in-depth analysis of architectural system integration. Integrative Architecture—System Elements of Architecture explores the process of architectural integration through systematic research, bridging the gap between design intent and technical requirements of construction. The book employs analytical methods to elucidate the value, advantages, and applications of system integration, guiding architects in selecting technical systems during various stages of engineering projects, such as planning, design development, and refinement. Iconic buildings like Eero Saarinen’s John Deere Headquarters, Renzo Piano’s Kansai International Airport, Glenn Murcutt’s Magne House, and Richard Rogers’ Lloyd’s Building in London are organized into seven categories: laboratories, offices, large venues, green buildings, high-tech architecture, airports, and residential buildings. The book further introduces integrative methods, including an overview of integration, system elements of architecture, and the potential for integrating various building systems. The Pacific Air Museum by Robson Neilson is used as a key case study to demonstrate how to identify the process of integration within a building. With 300 illustrations and photographs, the book serves as a valuable reference for architecture and civil engineering students, as well as architects, engineers, and other professionals in the construction industry.
This book systematically elaborates on design methods in architecture. From a technical perspective, the author objectively analyzes the components of building systems and comprehensively discusses the significance of "integration" in modern architectural design. Part of the book introduces integrative methods, divided into four chapters. Chapter 1 outlines the principles and overview of the integration topic. Chapter 2 describes "system thinking" since the Crystal Palace. Chapter 3 explores different models of integrative activities and reviews the potential for integrating building systems. Chapter 4 proposes an analytical model and an extended case study to trace the traces of integration in any architectural work. The second part is a case study, providing numerous recognized and significant architectural works in chronological order by type. These cases demonstrate how technical systems and integrative thinking coordinate and evolve together. The reasoning presented in the book is clear and accessible, supported by extensive and concrete arguments, making it both highly practical and scientifically rigorous. This sets the book apart and provides significant guidance in clarifying design thinking and direction. The book can serve as a design reference for architects and as a teaching resource for university and college students.