As a companion to our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide, here are our picks for the top books to add to the shelves of architects and other design-lovers this year.
Relevant history
Modern Architecture and Climate: Design Before Air Conditioning
This volume dives into modernist architects’ attempts to create climate-sensitive buildings from the 1930s to the 1960s, before the widespread adoption of mechanized air-conditioning. Its lessons are especially relevant now, as architects seek to radically lower the energy consumption of buildings in response to the climate crisis.

Read our review here
Race and Modern Architecture
This timely collection dives into the intermeshed histories of systemic racism and modern architecture, spanning from the 18th century to the present. It’s decidedly academic, and is uncomfortable?but it’s essential reading for students and practitioners seeking to understand how racial injustice plays out in contemporary cities.
Read our review here
 
 

Modern Canadian Architecture, 1967 to the present
Co-edited by Canadian Architect’s Elsa Lam, this volume takes a comprehensive view of work in the past half-century. 15 specially commissioned essays look at topics including First Nations design, mega-structures and high-tech architecture, and the country’s monumental Centennial year projects – including the epic Expo 67.

www.canadianarchitect.com

Nuts & Bolts

Tall Wood Buildings: Design, Construction and Perfo...