This work depicts how the fundamental elements and principles of architectural design manifest throughout the course of human history. These historical models bridge time and cross cultural boundaries.

While the juxtaposition of styles may sometimes seem stark, the variety in the range of examples is deliberate. The purpose of the collage is to persuade the reader to seek similarities among seemingly disparate constructions and to focus their attention on the key differences that reflect the era and context of their creation.

Readers are encouraged to pay attention to additional examples they have encountered or recalled within the framework of their personal experiences. As the elements and principles of design become more familiar, new associations, relationships, and levels of meaning may be established.

Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition.