While typical structures textbooks show how to design "members" of a structure, there is little consideration given to structural design as part of the entire building design process. Taking a holistic approach, Building Structures Illustrated explains building structures as systems of interrelated parts for creating and supporting architecture. No other work by Francis D. K. Ching brings together so many aspects of architectural design as an integrated reference. Designers, builders, and students alike will gain a new understanding of structural principles and planning, without the need for complex mathematics.