Robin Barry?s The Construction of Buildings was first published in 1958 and quickly became an established source of information for students of building design and construction. Since then there have been extensive changes in technologies, and in building regulations, standards and codes, as well as a growing concern for the environmental impact of construction.

This major revision marks a new stage in the series, with the five volume set being published in two volumes, with substantial changes to text and illustrations:

• Barry?s Introduction to Construction of Buildings (previously volumes 1, 2 and part of 5) addresses primarily first year (level 1) students
  
• Barry?s Advanced Construction of Buildings (previously volumes 3, 4 and part of 5) is aimed at second year (level 2) students

Along with this major revision, typical details have been provided and alternative construction approaches have been added to cover work for both new and existing buildings. Photographs from construction sites have been added to aid understanding of the technologies described.

This latest edition, now called Barry?s Introduction to Construction of Buildings, continues to be based on Barry?s original concept of explaining construction technology through key functional/performance requirements for the main elements common to all buildings.

The second Advanced volume covers framed construction and associated technologies. It takes account of prefabrication and off-site assembly and features a chapter on alternative methods of construction. The new book also reflects the industry?s move towards sustainable construction techniques.

As with the first volume, many new diagrams have been added and photographs feature for the first time to aid understanding of the technologies described.

The authors

Robin Barry, a chartered architect, taught construction technology for many years at the former South Bank Polytechnic.

Stephen Emmitt BA (Hons), Dip Arch, MA Prof. Ed, PhD is the Hoffmann Professor of Innovation and Management in Building at the Technical University of Denmark. He is a registered architect with industrial experience and teaches construction technology across a wide range of built environment programmes.

Christopher Gorse BSc (Hons), Dip Ed, Dip (H&S), MSc, PhD, MCIOB, MAPM is a Senior Lecturer in Construction Project Management at Leeds Metropolitan University. He is a construction and project management consultant with industrial experience and teaches construction technology across a wide range of built environment programmes.