Architect biographies/background and catalogs of work organized by architect
Reference books such as dictionaries or encyclopedias are located in the NA40 area of the reference, oversize, or stacks sections of the library may provide short articles about an architect's life and works.
Browse books about individual American architects by going to the NA737 call number section of the library stacks (shelves) or OVERS section. Once you've found the NA737 section, navigate to the subsection corresponding with the architect's last name, arranged alphabetically. For example, works by or about Frank Lloyd Wright will be shelved in NA737 .W7 ("W" for "Wright").
Look up books about architects by using the WU Library catalog to search for the architect by name and then find out which call number area of the stacks or OVERS section has the books you're looking for. For instance, the catalog indicates that books on Tadao Ando are shelved with other items about Japanese architects/architecture in the NA1559 section.
Example: Search catalog for books, ebooks, or videos on Tadao Ando:
Use the catalog to find videos and ebooks on specific architects by searching for the architect by name and then limiting to format: "ebook" or "video."
Example: Search the catalog for videos on Zaha Hadid:
Step 1: Search for architect by name:
Step 2: Choose appropriate format from left side of search results screen:
Biography in Context: this database offers biographical articles from a variety of reference and periodical sources such as The International Dictionary of Architects and Architecture and Contemporary Designers.
Credo Reference: search for biographical articles from a variety of online reference books simultaneously, including The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of Design Since 1900 and The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of 20th Century Architecture.
International Archive of Women in Architecture: searchable by name or geographic region, this database offers key information for notable female architects, including specializations, awards, education, employment history, licenses, and publications.
Oxford Art Online features detailed biographical articles on major architects from ancient to modern times.
Pacific Coast Architecture Database contains information on buildings and designers of California, Oregon, and Washington. Includes architects, landscape architects, interior designers, developers, and building contractors. Features biographical information, building records, images, maps, and more.