Being an architecture lecturer, I am often asked what books to read and look at on the
subject.  Indeed, it can be quite daunting looking through internet websites for ideal books
on art and architecture, especially since so many of the books are sight unseen.  Of course,
nothing beats a good architectural bookstore, but some of us aren't so fortunate to have one
in the neighborhood.  I have taken the times to prepare these lists, which explore various
themes in architecture that I hope will be of help.
The Basic Course: An Introduction to Architecture

This list samples the introductory books to architecture, ranging from Ten Books on
Architecture
, by Vitruvius, to Architecture: Form, Space, and Orderby Francis Ching.  It
also notes the seminal design books of the
Bauhaus by Johannes Itten and Josef Albers,
which introduces an entirely new way of looking at architecture.  You will also find history
books such as  
Modern Architecture by William Curtis and Architectural Theory: From the
Renaissance to the Present
, a collection of essays and treatises compiled by Taschen
publishers.
Architecture and Entertainment: Stretching the Limits of Space
This list looks at both books and films that have influenced our view of architecture, such as
the groundbreaking
Metropolis.  It also explores the way art has helped to shape
architecture from the early
Futurist experiments, in Italy and Russia, to Fluxus, in which
building design was seen as part of a multi-media world.  Also included are the famous
 
Films of Charles & Ray Eames
, starting with The Powers of 10, a predecessor to Google
Earth
.
Green Architecture: Lessons in Sustainable Design

There is no more pressing issue today than sustainable design.  This list presents some of
the seminal books on the subject, such as  
Design with Nature by Ian McHarg, as well as
recent books such as  
Ecological Design by Sim van der Ryn.  The subject is very diverse,
and has seen some daring new approaches like  
The Green Skyscraper: The Basis for
Designing Sustainable Intensive Buildings
by Ken Yeang. This list will help you to separate
the wheat from the chaff and get you started to viewing architecture in a more holistic way.
Monographs: Fully Loaded

A collection of architectural monographs that offer the most complete visions of such great
architects as
Le Corbusier and Zaha Hadid, along with links to the architects' sites and
foundations, as well as key buildings.
Links have been provided to various Internet books and media stores that carry these titles.  
I hope you enjoy your search!
Architecture Reading Lists