Reference Sources
Reference sources, such as encyclopedias or dictionaries, are great starting points for familiarizing yourself with your research topic. They can also help you identify the relevant keywords or specialized terms used to describe your topic.
Encyclopedias and Dictionaries
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Berkshire Encyclopedia of Sustainability, 2010This online encyclopedia examines the ways in which religious ideas, beliefs, and practices have both promoted sustainability and served as roadblocks. Covers many topics including architecture.
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Oxford Art OnlineProvides articles on architects, architectural firms, individual buildings, and architectural styles. Be sure to click the Images and Related Content tabs! This resource contains photographs, diagrams, and floor plans.
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Encyclopedia of Materials: Science and TechnologyProvides detailed articles on materials and construction techniques.
Architectural Databases and Resources
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Building GreenBuildingGreen provides a broad range of resources on green design, including Environmental Building News from 1992 to present, the GreenSpec product directory, LEED ratings, and several hundred case studies from the High Performance Buildings database. Browsing by CSI classification is supported.
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archINFORM: International Architecture DatabaseIncludes information for more than 62000 built and unrealized projects from various architects and planners. The architecture of the 20th century is the main theme of this database.
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SAH Archipedia (Free version)This resource from the Society of Architectural Historians offers authoritative information on over 1800 US buildings by location, architect, period and style, building type, materials, and more.