‘An uncommonly intelligent guide through 4,000 years of spaces and buildings.’ – San Francisco Chronicle

‘Drawings… are not only visually entertaining but they serve as a way of educating and learning fundamental architectural representations.’ – ArchDaily

‘Helen Thomas presents more than 250 architectural drawings in pairs that are alike in some way – compositionally or functionally… The drawings are a feast for the eyes, and the form of the book, designed by Hans Stofregen and printed on sumptuous deckle-edged art paper, is appropriately fine.’ – Architecture Today

Back in print, an elegant presentation of stunning and inspiring architectural drawings from antiquity to the present day.

Throughout history, architects have relied on drawings both to develop their ideas and communicate their vision to the world. This gorgeous collection brings together more than 250 of the finest architectural drawings of all time, revealing each architect’s process and personality as never before.

Creatively paired to stimulate the imagination, the illustrations span the centuries and range from sketches to renderings, simple to intricate, built projects to an utopian ideal, famous to rarely seen – a true celebration of the art of architecture. Visually paired images draw connections and contrasts between architecture from different times, styles, and places.

Featuring work by an incredibly diverse array of creatives ranging from Michelangelo to Frank Gehry, Louise Bourgeois to Tadao Ando, B.V. Doshi to Zaha Hadid, and Grafton to Luis Barragán, the book shows the incredible variety and beauty of architectural drawings.

Product Details:

By Dr. Helen Thomas & Phaidon Editors

ISBN: 9781837291052

Published: Oct. 22, 2025 by Phaidon Press

Pages: 320, Hardcover

Dimensions: 10.15 x 1.25 x 11.80 inches

Weight: 3.92 lbs.

About the Author:

Dr. Helen Thomas is an architect, writer, and publisher based in rural Switzerland, founder of womenwritingarchiture.org and tischzweiverein.org. Her knowledge of architectural drawings comes from time spent working in the V&A+RIBA Architecture Drawing Collections at the V&A in London. In addition, many years collaborating with Drawing Matter continues to deepen her connection, affection for and knowledge of this subject.