Technological development of materials has left a designer spoilt for choice. Component Design helps you to cope with this amount of choice by viewing it as an opportunity for innovative and unique design. This comprehensive guide explores the history of technological development, describes manufacturing processes, discusses materials and outlines specific design constraints. It stimulates understanding of the topic and encourages discussion between architects, engineers, designers and manufacturers in making innovative designs a reality. Contemporary examples of component design in building construction, including over 40 drawings commissioned for the book, illustrate current practice. Chapter references, a glossary and the companion website give you a gateway to all the information you need to gain confidence in designing a component from first principles. This is a vital book for all architects, engineers, designers, manufacturers and contractors as it explores the relationship between the overall intention of a project and the means of achieving it.