Architecture and Graphic Design

Not being artists or graphic designers ourselves , we don't have an extensive list of suggestions; but we have found the following useful or inspiring :

A Pattern Language . Alexander, Christopher, et al. Oxford University Press; ISBN: 0195019199. This work created something of a revolution in architectural theory when it appeared, adopting a practical/psychological approach to the way people use buildings . Some of its ideas formed the basis for The Sims .

The Grammar of Ornament . Jones, Owen. Various editions exist, including one on CD-ROM. A massive collection of decorative elements.

L'Ornement Polychrome . Racinet, Albert. Various editions. Another massive collection of decorative elements. Don't worry about the fact that it's in French ”just look at the pictures.

The next three books comprise a series and should be read in this order. Don't be put off by the long-winded titles. They are invaluable tools for learning to express numeric quantities visually, something every game designer must do:

The Visual Display of Quantitative Information . Tufte, Edward; Graphics Press; ISBN: 0961392142.

Envisioning Information . Tufte, Edward; Graphics Press; ISBN: 0961392118.

Visual Explanations: Images and Quantities, Evidence and Narrative . Tufte, Edward; Graphics Press; ISBN: 0961392126.