This is often considered the most valuable part of the book. It compares different structural grids and materials.

Open the PDF on a tablet (like an iPad with GoodNotes) or print the key plates. Trace the load paths with a red pen. Ching’s genius is in the line weight; tracing forces you to see the logic.

When searching for the PDF, be mindful of the edition.

Most engineering textbooks drown the reader in algebraic formulas and indecipherable diagrams. Francis D.K. Ching, in collaboration with structural engineers Barry S. Onouye and Douglas Zuberbuhler, took a radically different approach with Building Structures Illustrated.

Here is why this book consistently ranks at the top of required reading lists for architecture students:

Unlike standard engineering textbooks that rely heavily on dense mathematical formulas, Ching’s approach is visual and intuitive.

The book covers the entire spectrum of structural principles relevant to architecture. Here is a breakdown of the major sections you will find inside the PDF: