The original philosophy of Robin Barry – to address the functional requirements
of building elements – is fundamental to making informed choices. Barry’s
Introduction to Construction of Buildings and Barry’s Advanced Construction of
Buildings are designed to inform readers about the underpinning construction principles
relating to all buildings, regardless of size or intended use. This is achieved
through the use of precedents, the description and illustration of ‘typical solutions’ to
common construction challenges. In doing this, the intention is not to tell the reader
how to solve the challenge before them, rather it is to provide an example that informs
knowledge, and from which fundamental questions can be asked. Once we have
developed an understanding of how buildings are constructed and how they may
behave, we can then start to ask whether or not the techniques we use are appropriate
for our context. We can apply our analytical skills to start to question conventional
wisdom and to think about how we may go about doing things differently to respond
to and anticipate changes in our climate and expectations of building users.


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Damas