Find Architecture on the Web

Whether you are writing a research paper or simply curious about buildings and design, you want to find answers fast. This page will help you find architecture facts and photos on the Web.

1 Architecture Index

On the left hand side of this page you'll see an index of architecture topics. Each category link will take you to a page of architecture resources that will help you find the best information on the Web. To jump start your research, begin by browsing through these popular categories:

• Great Buildings and Structures
• Famous Architects and Designers
• Periods and Styles
• House Styles
• Construction Facts

2 Architecture Photo Galleries

Architecture is a visual art. To see photographs and drawings of great buildings and structures, begin with an online photo archive. Mind you, most of these photos are copyright protected. They are there for you to enjoy, but don't copy the pictures onto a Web site without permission from the photographer or Webmaster. Here are a few of the most extensive photo galleries:

• Cities/Buildings Archive
  Images of buildings in more than 30 countries, arranged geographically.
• Digital Archives
  From Boston College, public, commercial, and residential buildings in the USA and Europe, organized according to historic period or style.
• Digital Imaging Project
  More than 13,000 images indexed by location, architect, and historic period.
• Library of Congress
  Search the American Memories collection for historic photos of famous buildings and domestic architecture.
• S*P*I*R*O Slide Library
  More than 16,000 thumbnail images are included in this collection from Berkeley. Search by period, location, building name, or building type.

Architecture Databases

Many databases include photos, but they go beyond that. These vast resources contain extensive facts and statistics about buildings, structures, architects, urban design, and other topics related to architecture. Start with these:

• RIBA British Architectural Library Catalogue Online
  Find more than 215,000 records on all aspects of architecture and the built environment. The database is updated daily.
  
• ArchInform
  This massive database has facts and images for more than 12,000 completed and unrealized projects from around the world. The emphasis is on twentieth century architecture.
• Great Buildings Collection
  Facts, photographs, and drawings, including some 3-D models, are organized by building name, architect's name, and location.
• National Register Database
  The United States National Register of Historic Places maintains this online index with descriptive information about America's historic properties.

4 Architecture Message Board

You can reach thousands of readers on the Internet. Take the plunge and raise your question in an online discussion forum. Many visitors read the electronic message board for this site, so posting here is a great way to get feedback and advice. If you wish, you may also post a photo or drawing with your question. Here's how to post your illustrations.

5 Architecture Organizations

The replies you receive in an online discussion forum may contain just the information you need. However, not everyone you meet online will be an expert. For advanced advice, you may want to consult a pro. Organizations for for architects and professionals in related fields can offer guidance. Here's just a sampling:

• American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA)
  Represents 1,000 firms in a wide variety of fields, including historic preservation, history, archaeology, architectural history, historical architecture, and landscape architecture.
• American Institute of Architects (AIA)
  This professional association serves over 55,000 members. Find an architect in the USA, or shop for books about architecture.
• Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
  Site includes a membership directory for persons seeking an architect in Great Britain.
• Society of Architectural Historians
  The Society of Architectural Historians is an international organization that promotes the study and preservation of buildings and structures around the world. Click on "resources" for helpful links.
• Victorian Preservation Association
  The Web site for this organization includes a photo gallery of member homes and an excellent listing of historic house museums.

I hope you have fun exploring this site and that you find the information you need. But if you should get lost, post a message! Chances are, someone on the Web can point you in the right direction.