Envisioning Information
By Edward Tufte
Graphics Press
cost $45.00

Probably the most important book one could read this year relevant to building professions is not about buildings, but about information and how best to communicate with it.

Too often the Architect or the Contractor method of combining efforts remains a documented mystery veiled with abstract references and iced with voodoo economics, rather than from a logical development of criteria that can produce a common understanding. The conclusions from which members draw in a democracy must be based on such a shared understanding.

In this interest, Envisioning Information is a truly beautiful book and a joy to hold and read. The examples of drawings, charts and illustrations are edited with such care, and support the text so directly, that the book is seamless in its presentation. Each chapter demonstrates a cogent display of ideas, and in so doing, uncovers elements that could potentially have been overlooked. Stravinsky's sketchbook, or the parts of an IBM copier, or the bullet train's schedule are Architectural and show us how to gain understanding. Such uncluttered displays facilitate rapid and clear understanding of the intended ideas.

Envisioning Information is the second book of a successful set. The first, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, is easily as rich, but geared more toward the graphic designer. Both offer a strong base in visual communication and should be on the reading list of every Architectural design school and building technology course.

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