Architecture recs

I found two previous threads that have some good suggestions https://reddit.com/r/RSbookclub/comments/1ivpt6b/books_about_architecture/ and https://reddit.com/r/RSbookclub/comments/17lq9dt/books_about_architecture/ but I am looking for something that I am not sure how to articulate.

I want to read about how the shared experiences or struggles of a group of people influence design. For example, maybe some writing on what were the social, political, or spiritual conditions during the 11th and 12th centuries while monasteries in France were being built and what influence that had on design. Did the design specifically reflect a particular moment that impacted the people of that area? It could be for any area. I understand the obvious aspects such as building walls to keep out other groups during conflict, but I can't help but wonder that there are other elements that most people wouldn't think about.