This beginning volume provides an introduction to building structures and materials that can be used by either architecture or construction professionals. The book treats the essential topics in statics and mechanics of materials and provides an introduction to structural analysis that emphasizes a qualitative approach to structural behavior. Topics of discussion include structural properties of areas, stress and strain, properties of structural materials, shear and moment, flexural and shearing stresses, deflection and indeterminate beams, beam design and framing, elastic buckling of columns and trusses. For architectural and construction professionals and enthusiasts.