Understanding Buildings provides students in architecture and other allied disciplines with a basic introduction to building technology in all its aspects. This general, multidisciplinary text provides an overall explanation of the building process through an examination of underlying principles as well as design examples. In seven chapters, the book discusses structure, enclosure, climate services, utility services, lighting, acoustics, fire safety, and future needs. It is generously illustrated with 400 diagrams, tables, charts, and construction details. Esmond Reid is an architectural writer and consultant.