This volume investigates the prevailing architectural trends and design philosophies defining residential construction in the United States during 1973. Compiled by the editorial staff of Architectural Record, the text serves as a survey of contemporary housing projects. It utilizes photographic documentation, floor plans, and technical specifications to illustrate how architects balanced aesthetic innovation with functional requirements during this specific historical period. The work argues that the residential designs of the era reflect a shift toward site-specific integration and evolving domestic spatial needs.

Architectural historians and design professionals frequently cite this volume as a primary source for understanding the mid-1970s aesthetic and structural priorities. It is regarded as a valuable archival reference for those studying the evolution of modern residential design.