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Thank you for your interest in Architecture by the Book!

Below are free, downloadable PDF lessons and presentations, perfect for classrooms or community groups. Each lesson highlights an architect or architectural concept, with a recommended book and a fun activity to go along with it.

The lessons are designed to be flexible, making them easy to adapt for different ages and settings. We’re aiming to continually add lessons as they are developed, so please check in to see any new offerings.

A key part of the program is bringing an architect into the mix! You can connect with a local architect to help lead the lesson, making it an even more enriching and enjoyable experience. [Click here to find a volunteer architect near you.] Together, you can create a memorable adventure into the world of architecture!

We hope you have a great time with Architecture by the Book! And don’t forget—we’d love to hear how it went and see any photos you’d like to share. Please send your feedback to kanderson@aiacalifornia.org.

Architecture by the Book lessons are available for educational use only. They may not be published or distributed in print or digital form, unless expressly approved by the California Architectural Foundation. Contact Kimberly Anderson: kanderson@aiacalifornia.org for more information.

Architecture by the Book was developed by AIA Central Valley and is proudly supported by CAF, AIA California architecture firms, and a grant from the AIA College of Fellows. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this program possible!

Displaying 1 - 7 of 7

Architect or ConceptBookAgeLesson
Frank Lloyd WrightHow to Think Like Frank Lloyd Wright by Catherine Teegarden10+Click to View Lesson
Philip Freelon, FAIADream Builder by Kelly Starling Jones7+Click to View Lesson
Zaha HadidThe World is Not a Rectangle by Jeanette Winter7+Click to View Lesson
Zaha Hadid (for younger readers)Building Zaha by Victoria Tentler-Krylov4+Click to View Lesson
Let's Learn About Architecture from Ms. MouseNeed a House? Call Ms. Mouse! by George Mendoza4+Click to View Lesson
Three Women ArchitectsCool Women Who Design Structures9+Click to View Lesson
Julia MorganAll About Julia Morgan8+Click to View Lesson
Architect or ConceptBookAgeLesson