archi-graphic: an infographic look at architecture by frank jacobus

archi-graphic: an infographic look at architecture by frank jacobus
all images courtesy of laurence king publishing

archi-graphic: an infographic look at architecture 
author: frank jacobus
publisher: laurence king publishing
year: 2015
format: 220 x 220 mm
features: paperback, 150 color illustrations, 160 pages
language: english
ISBN: 9781780676197

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designboom rating:   (excellent, recommended)
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what type of architecture do dictators prefer? what would a subway map of the affairs of famous architects look like? what is the current state of gender and ethnic diversity within the profession? these are only a few of the entertaining and thought-provoking questions visually investigated in the recently-published book, ‘archi-graphic: an infographic look at architecture.‘ the 160 page paperback publication, complete with 150 color illustrations, dissects architectural information using visual data to answer these queries and many more.

‘what type of architecture do dictators prefer?’

using an inventive system of colorful information graphics, this informative publication takes a unique look at architecture in a way that would not be possible with words and images alone. interactive pages require readers to scan a QR code, or flip the book upside-down, engaging the audience both visually and physically. spreads include titles like ‘the distinguishing features game’, where readers have to try to guess the architect by their facial features; ‘seminal koocorb’, which tracks word use is two seminal works of architecture — ‘towards a new architecture’ and ‘delirious new york’; and ‘big builder, big data’, a color chart comparing architects’ google hits versus completed works.

mapping architectural preferences through multiple personalities (click to enlarge)

‘I began this project in the spring of 2013 because I was desperate to read this kind of book, and I had found no other resource quite like it,‘ writes ‘archi-graphic’ author frank jacobus. ‘the intention behind the book is that knowledge of the richness and complexity inherent in the discipline and profession of architecture can become an accessible and even desirable pursuit for architects and non-architects alike. this book aims to be education without being especially didactic, and though it embraces serious themes, it is not so severe that it can’t poke fun at itself once in a while.’

the architecture of affairs: a subway map of the extramarital affairs of famous architects

the publication looks at concepts like color relationships in the built environment, gender and ethnicity, construction expense and even death, visually revealing the ideas through easily-understandable, yet elaborate diagrams. ‘my hope is that people will be drawn to this book first because of its graphic quality, but will ultimately enjoy it because of its compelling content and inherent complexities,’ jacobus continues. whether you are an architect, designer, artist, creative, or just a casual lover of visual information, this book should suit you well.

‘aian’t ethnic’: a representation of the current state of ethnic distribution

ethnicity of registered architect members within the american institute of architects (click to enlarge)

‘the distinguishing features game’: try to guess the architect by their facial features

‘seminal koocorb’: tracking word use is two seminal works of architecture

word use in ‘towards a new architecture’ versus ‘delirious new york’ (click to enlarge)

‘footprint cosmology’: amount of total square footage certain architects have created

‘tagged’: the prices of the most expensive buildings on the planet

‘the award goes to’: where do the winners of architecture’s most prestigious awards reside

‘big builder, big data’: google hits versus completed works (click to enlarge)

‘the architectural genome’: what are the lifestyle characteristics of famous architects (click to enlarge)

‘architectural eras’: a comparison of the characteristics of significant periods in architectural history (click to enlarge)