In order to achieve successful architectural design, architects must understand how the specific elements in the design reinforce the overall concept. Elements of Architectural Design: A Visual Resource focuses on this subject, treating each object in a design as a separate entity. It displays the different details of construction both past and present, and explains why each element looks the way it does within a design context. Coverage of the entire spectrum of architectural styles addresses building materials, building typology, and features that distinguish each design element. These elements are then discussed in terms of their application to contemporary usage. Emphasized throughout is the design element itself: buildings, components, and isolated elements are compared to show the continuity of design from early periods up to today.