Last revised: July 2009
Architecture Resources Gateway - Design
Concepts: Form, function, space (interior and exterior), site integration, integration of technology into buildings, accessibility.
Design is the basis of the architectural profession, and perhaps the ultimate challenge for the architect. Good design involves artistry, practicality, and sometimes innovation.
This guide functions as an independent entity in a series designed for the new and returning architecture researcher. Consult the entire series at Architecture Resources Gateway.
Table of Contents
Useful Reference Books
- Allen, Edward. The architect’s studio companion: rules of thumb for preliminary design. 4th edition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2007.
LOCATION: UMCP Architecture Library Folio
CALL NUMBER: NA2750 .A556 2007 - Encyclopedia of interior design.
LOCATION: UMCP Architecture Library Reference
CALL NUMBER: NK1165 .E48 1997 - The international directory of architecture and design.
LOCATION: UMCP Architecture Library Reference
CALL NUMBER: NK1705 .D574 - LaGro, James A. Site analysis: a contextual approach to sustainable land planning and site design. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2008.
LOCATION: UMCP Architecture Library Stacks
CALL NUMBER: NA2450.5 .L34 2008 - Watson, Donald (Ed.). Time-saver standards for architectural design data: the reference of architectural fundamentals. 7th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997.
LOCATION: UMCP Architecture Library Reference
CALL NUMBER: TH151 .T55 1997
Subject Headings (catalog keywords)
Use these when browsing in the catalog – pick “subject beginning with…” as the type of search. You will get a list with further subject breakdowns and can see what might be useful to you. An example of how the first subject heading listed breaks down is pictured below the list.
- Architectural design
- Barrier-free design
- Building layout
- Building sites
- Structural design
Some Relevant Databases
- Art Abstracts
Good for recent material. - Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals
Begin here to get a sense of what is out there on your topic. - Design and Applied Arts Index
Good for specifics and detailed research. - Garden, Landscape and Horticultural Index
Grounds are essential to design in many cases.
Journals to Browse
Also consider that you can search the library catalog only for journal titles; click on "Journals" beneath the yellow bar. To see if the library has full-text electronic access, use the journals tab in Research Port.
- Architectural Design [AD]
LOCATION: UMCP Architecture Library Periodical stacks
Call number: NA1 .A563 - Architectural Digest
LOCATION: UMCP Architecture Library Current periodicals and Periodical stacks
Call number: NA730 .C2 A7 - Architectural Record
LOCATION: UMCP Architecture Library Current periodicals and Periodical stacks
Call number: NA1 .A6 - Building Design & Construction
LOCATION: UMCP Architecture Library Current periodicals and Periodical stacks
Call number: TH1 .M27 - Journal of Architectural Engineering
LOCATION: UMCP Engineering and Physical Sciences Library Periodical stacks
Call number: TA630 .J66
Electronic version available.
Websites and Digital Collections to Consider
- American Landscape and Architectural Design 1850-1920 (Library of Congress)
- Architecture and Interior Design for 20th Century America (Library of Congress)
- architypes.net
- Encyclopedia Smithsonian – Design and Applied Arts
Strategic Research
Good research is complicated, especially in the digital and academic environments. No guide can begin to cover all the sources available, so Ask a Librarian when you need more information. Contact the subject area specialists for more information or to design a strategic and specific research plan: lotis@umd.edu, 301-405-9260 or pcossard@umd.edu, 301-405-6316.
This guide was authored by Kim Detterbeck and Lara Otis.
