人々の生活や社会を形作り、新たな時代の要請に応えながら発展を続けてきた建築からは、芸術的・文化的意義を見出し、社会を映す鏡としての役割、国や地域のアイデンティティなどを読み取ることができます。本書は、年代順に主な建築家や様式を追うのではなく、英国建築に共通する主な要素を切り出し検討します。そして、英国らしさの本質が投影された英国建築の設計思想と実践において、過去へのこだわりがいかに不変のテーマであったかを指摘します。次世代による新たな解釈や意味付けの提供が、英国の建築遺産に対する見方を、今後いかに変えうるかも展望します。
 

• Presents British architecture in a new light and questions long-held assumptions
• Uses a jargon-free, thematic approach
• Encourages readers to think about the relationship between British culture and architecture

   
British Architecture: A Very Short Introduction presents an original and engaging overview of the architecture of the British Isles, from medieval times to the present day. Avoiding the traditional approach of a chronological survey of architects and architectural style, each chapter presents a thematic exploration of key aspects of British architecture that endure across time and still have relevance today. Arnold uses illustrated chapters to aid appreciation of the artistic and cultural significance of British architecture and how it operates as a barometer of social trends. Arnold also highlights the ways in which architecture can project national and regional identities.
   
British architecture tells of the intrinsic nature of Britishness and is an important means of understanding Britain's connection with the rest of the world. There is no doubt about the international significance of the work of recent and contemporary British architects. But Arnold also relates how a preoccupation with the past has been a constant theme in design thinking and practice. A thematic, historical understanding of British architecture in terms of its form and purpose explains much about the society and culture for which it was built. Architecture continues to shape patterns of living and social interaction and responds to new demands. Equally, debates about how best to express the nation through its architecture reveal much about Britain's perception of itself and how this is expressed at home and abroad. Finally, Arnold explores how subsequent generations can offer new interpretations and meanings that change our view of British architecture's legacy.