This book concentrates on presenting facts and opinions about the ways in which people respond to built form, drawing on a wide range of literature written by theorists, critics, and practicing architects. The subject matter incorporates perspectives from the psychology of aesthetic appreciation, the linguistic content of built form, the social ramifications of architecture, and, as an extension of this, the often fraught dialogue between the architect and the engineer. The book is richly illustrated with examples of buildings from all periods in history, and should be a stimulating addition to the continuing and topical debate between functionalist and aesthetic considerations affecting the planning of buildings.