Presented in Francis D.K. Ching's signature style, this long-awaited Second Edition of A Visual Dictionary of Architecture is a remarkable, one-of-a-kind compendium that combines textual definitions and hundreds of superb line drawings to illuminate a comprehensive body of essential terms in architecture, including important interrelationships between building components. Grouped by themes, such as history, systems, structures, forms, construction, environmental issues, and behavior, all terms have their visual complement and can be readily accessed in a number of different ways. Whether you're an architect, interior designer, construction practitioner, or simply interested in the field of architecture, A Visual Dictionary of Architecture, Second Edition provides an authoritative source of information for tracking down an elusive word--and a delight for simple armchair browsing.