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The book that most of us bought as a student, that we’ve tied to our desks to keep safe and re-taped the binding four or five times is now an old friend that has seen us through project after project.
The venerable Architectural Graphic Standards is still the first resource that an architect reaches for at each new phase of every project. Now in its 10th edition the multi-authored, well designed volume is even more accessible than the early editions.
The main reason most students and architects use the AGS is to answer
the “how big is it” question. This edition goes far beyond the discussion of how parts go together and why one building strategy would be preferred to another.
The hallmark crisp line drawings that illustrate the complex issues of construction assembly have only gotten better. Many more “dimensional” drawings (isonometric -axionometric) are used to give a complete view of the subject. Extremely well designed charts compare construction systems and review the advantages of each. The improved layout leads to the fast reference and retrieval of information. Included, are new “heads up” notes that call our attention to changes in construction details now
required because of new codes. The text provides a clear and concise explanation of the issues and while this is not a book a
person would ever read cover to cover (unless you were an editor), there is great continuity and readability across the many contributing authors and editors.
The AGS is organized into 21 chapter sections;
1. General Planning and Design Data
2. Site work
3. Concrete
4. Masonry
5. Metals
6. Wood and Plastics
7. Thermal and Moisture Protection
8. Doors and Windows
9. Finishes
10. Specialties
11. Equipment
12. Furnishings
13. Special Construction
14. Conveying Systems
15. Mechanical
16. Electrical
17. Sports and Game Facilities
18. Energy and Environmental Design
19. Historic Preservation
20. Building Types and Space Planning
21. Accessibility
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