No comments about Architectural Graphic Standards, Third Edition.

1 comments about Design of Buildings and Bridges for Wind: A Practical Guide for ASCE-7 Standard Users and Designers of Special Structures.

1. The book reads almost word for word like the ASCE7. The explanations of terms and methods used are verbatim of whats in the code - so if you're looking for better explanation of how to use the code or interperet the code - you're better off just buying the code and working your way thru it.
   
   The examples in this book seem like they're geared toward someone writing a program rather than analysing a structure. (many tables and charts have been replaced by equations that can be programed into a spreadsheet). I got this book to help with the PE - but I'm not even going to take it with me to the exam.
   
   just my opinion.

2 comments about Illustrated 2000: Building Code Handbook.

1. I have had a couple of months now to review this book. It is very detailed in many construction techniques. There is a senario for almost every project a contractor or dedicated homeowner could do. The information in the book can be overwhelming, however, with some time to become familiar with the book, it becomes easier to follow.



2. As the scientific world hails the completion of the first working draft of the human genome map, design professionals can hail the completion of Author Terry L. Patterson's work on understanding the 2000 International Building Code.

   As a design professional with the responsibility to interpret and understand the numerous building codes and countless amendments, the methods of code research can be exhausting and ill productive. The current format and language used in most building codes lack the framework and illustrations that are needed to join the terms and definitions into an understandable and correct conclusion.

   Patterson's purpose is to provide an aid to understanding the 2000 International Building Code. The handbook is a success by providing the necessary framework and illustrations that aids the reader to understanding the building code's intent as it relates to real projects.

   The price of $125.00 may seem a little steep at first, but the cumulative time saved by using the handbook will more than pay for itself many times over.

   Patterson's work includes the research and input by many design professionals, students and building code officials. The collective efforts by many have produced a handbook that is a must for all design professionals. As all design and construction officials know, a complete and accurate interpretation of the building codes is never complete. In the Preface, Patterson asks the reader to provide useful feedback that can be used for future editions. With the continued combined efforts of many, this Handbook has promise and will continue to be a useful tool for all.

   Many thanks to Mr. Terry L. Patterson for helping the design professional to understanding the "genome map" of the 2000 International Building code.

2 comments about Time-Saver Standards for Housing and Residential Development (Time-Saver Standards).

1. I was a student of J. Panero at FIT in NYC in 1975. He and Martin Zelnick were wonderful professors. I was around when they were putting together their first book and was glad to see this one. Keep up the good work



2. Have you ever been enthralled with those thick, illustrated books that line the shelves of every architect's office? This isn't one of them...its sitting open next to their cad station. I have few books that have followed me from college into practice, but this revised edition has assisted the design development of many residential projects and earned me high marks with my project managers.

2 comments about Architectural Graphic Standards/Student Edition.

1. I was displeased with the description of the item in relation to the final product i recieved.



2. At less than $40 for a used copy, the Student Edition can't be beat, as it provides most of the essential information from the complete Graphic Standards. The information is organized along the lines of Masterspec with additional sections on Energy and Environmental Design and Historic Preservation. It is certainly enough to get you started. It is also important to have relevant code books. Ching's Building Codes Illustrated is a good place to start. It is nice to have so much building construction information consolidated into one book.

No comments about McGraw-Hill On-Site Guide to Building Codes 2000: Commercial and Residential Interiors.

No comments about Architectural Graphic Standards: 1997 Cumulative Supplement (Supplement to the 9th ed).

No comments about Architectural Woodwork Quality Standards Illustrated, 7th Edition, Version 1.2, 1999, Architectural Woodwork Institute.

No comments about Architectural Details : Classic Pages from Architectural Graphic Standards 1940 - 1980.

2 comments about Architectural Graphic Standards CD-ROM: Version 3.0.

1. Why bother with the CD when the book is such a pleasure to use?

   The BOOK rates SIX STARS. The CD rates NO STARS. Get the book for half or a third the price of the CD. It's worth it.

   The cd contains many raster scans of tables from the book and links to commentary that you can find elsewhere in greater detail. The links to industry aren't anything special, considering you can find them many other places for free. The interface is clunky, and hard to read. Access to the data is read-only off the CD rather than allowing you to load it and access it from the hard drive. The vector CAD drawings are simplified and generic - suitable for instruction, but certainly not for real work. You won't save any time trying to use them for anything but reference, so why bother? This CD is worth 1% of its list price and should just come with the book at no cost. Don't be taken in by the hype.




2. The figures of this book are very useful for details in professional drawings. On the other hand, it gives simple ideas to solve common problems on construction.