Anatomy of Standards

What Gray’s “Anatomy” is to the medical profession, “Architectural Graphic Standards” is to the design profession, through 56 years and seven editions. Therefore, when its eighth edition is published (by Wiley under the auspices of the American Institute of Architects with John Ray Hoke Jr., editor-in-chief) it is time to take note.

The latest edition--at 864 pages with about 10,000 illustrations detailing the most recent advances in design, construction and building equipment--is the largest ever. And priced at $150 it is also the most costly ever.

Reflecting present concerns, there are new chapters on energy, historic preservation and sport facilities, and expanded chapters on safety, security and public assembly. The total makes it an indispensable aid to anyone involved in the building process.