中文简介：

这是一本引人入胜的建筑学介绍，探讨了人类建造建筑环境的方式和原因。休·皮尔曼（Hugh Pearman）带领我们了解塑造我们生活的建筑——从城镇的组织方式，到生活、学习、工作的场所，以及出行、与他人互动和放松的方式。本书按类型编排，从市政空间到住宅、办公室和博物馆，清晰明了的结构揭示了建筑的多种风格和功能。皮尔曼探讨了建筑如何应对人类不断变化的生活方式，以及如何演变或找到新用途。他表明，虽然每种建筑类型都有无穷无尽的变化，但建筑为用户服务的本质仍然是不变的。

本书通过从古至今的55个国际案例，揭示了建筑耐人寻味的故事。

英文简介：

About Architecture is an engaging introduction to architecture, exploring the ways in which we construct our built environment, and why. Hugh Pearman guides us through the architecture that shapes our lives―from how our towns and cities are organized, to where we live, learn and work, and how we get around, interact with others, and relax. Organized by type―from civic spaces, to homes, offices, and museums―the clear and straightforward structure demystifies the many styles and functions of architecture. Pearman explores how architecture responds to our changing lifestyles and how some buildings evolve or find new uses. He demonstrates that while there is endless variety within each building type, the essence of architecture―the way buildings serve their users―remains surprisingly constant.

Through 55 fascinating international examples, from antiquity to the present day, About Architecture reveals the intriguing stories of the buildings that explain our world.