5 comments about A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction (Center for Environmental Structure Series).

1. I bought this book after reading the glowing reviews on amazon. It was also an inspiration for Will Wright to make SimCity and the SIMS..... so I had high expectations.
   
   I was shocked to find how opinionated and philosophical the book is. I expected the book to look at the history of cities, towns, etc. and describe patterns that already exist (much like the GoF's software design patterns book talks about patterns that people actually use). Instead the book presents a series of ideals about how the world should be structured.
   
   If these ideals came from concerns I could identify with, I would take it more seriously. But instead they attack "problems" which I do not perceive to exist. For example, on p. 43 "The homogeneous and undifferentiated character of modern cities kills all variety of life styles and arrest the growth of individual character." This statement is contrary to my experience. I have met many great characters from cities, and seen profound cultural differentiation emerge from cities (e.g. jazz, abstract painting, hippie culture, punk, you name it). But the authors proceed as if cities killing character is axiomatic. I agree that there is a rural character that is not present in cities. But citydwellers have another type of character which is equally valid.
   
   I have only made it through the first 100 pages. In these pages are so many naive ideas about mixing cityspace and vacant space. I live in Los Angeles so I know about sprawl & I also know a lot about cars -- while they are aiming for less sprawl then LA, they also neglect traffic congestion. They claim that making small roads in places make people reluctant to drive there.... the experience worldwide (worst in Malaysia, I hear) is that people use whatever roads are present, and if the roads are small, they then just end up sitting in traffic. The author's are naive in their structuring of space, nowhere do they cite any hard evidence of how these structures function.
   
   I might make it the rest of the way through.... at least it's an easy read, with so many repetitions in how the models work you can kinda skim through it. I like the spirit of the book, it is reminiscent of P.M.'s bolo'bolo.... but where bolo'bolo comes from a purely emotional position, these authors take themselves seriously and believe what they are saying is objectively true. I give the book 3 stars because it is nice to see someone work through the ideas of bolo'bolo (which was actually written ~6yrs after alexander's book). I would give 5 stars to a book that did so by looking more at actual data of how spaces are utilized, and presented designs that didn't have obvious flaws in them.



2. Time has not eroded the significance of this book's contribution to the world of architecture. Though it reaches back to timeless solutions to architectural problems, it is also a way forward. As we devour our social capital in a half century of indiscriminate urban sprawl, this book offers alternatives that will help us revitalize our urban centers.



3. This book is the quintessential book on the subject of creating authentic living spaces.
   This book provides a near mystical approach to architecture in a very simplistic form that anyone can understand.



4. This book talks specifically about what works and doesn't work when building cities and towns and how to take the human element into consideration when doing so. However, I found its conclusions and most of its patterns applicable to software engineering. There are good books on software design patterns such as "Head First Design Patterns", and there are some good books on user interface design such as "Designing Interfaces: Patterns for Effective Interaction Design", but this book really helped me merge the idea of software design patterns with the user perspective in a way that other books I have read have not.
   
   If you are a software designer, read the book all the way through, make notes as you go, and see if it doesn't help you write better organized code that is more responsive and coherent to a user who walks up to your user interface completely uninitiated in your method of design. I know it helped me.



5. This was an extremely helpful book in using to decide what house or town home to buy, why spaces might work, what needs to be added to them, etc. I am very glad I bought this book.

5 comments about AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 Bible.

1. My professional occupation have been in construction as a bricklayer, but now I need to re-educate me on the cause of health. Aiming to be an cad-operater I want to learn Autocad as well as possible. I enrolled in school, but found the books there a little short on the subject. So I got this book from Amazon in hope of pick up a little faster, and I sure did.
   This book has all you need to know about Autocad, with the latest tools laid out in nice detail. I recomend it from my whole heart.



2. This is the third version of this book I've gotten and none have ever let me down!



3. I'm an experienced CAD user and use it Often. It is a great reference bood I keep close for immediate use. It is easily to follow and look up many different subjects. I am also using too train a new CAD employee. Work great for both.!!



4. I've been using the 2002 edition and found it really helpful so I bought the 2008 edition. Again a great book; however, the text size is smaller and the ink color is almost the same color as the page which makes it difficult to do any long-term reading. The 2002 edition's text size was slightly larger and the color, text more crisp. It was much easier reading. Both editions are still great books.



5. Amazon wrote me an email to review this book. I immediately responded by saying that their are many books out there on the subject. I am a working professional that has to get results rather quickly. Since I am not able to go to AutoCad training at the moment, I thought I would give this book a try. I am very impressed to say the least. In order to get the "most" out of this book and to learn AutoCad easily, you really need to start at the beginning and NOT miss a step along the way. For some, including me, it is so easy to jump right to the middle or back, but in the long run, you will short change yourself. Do you yourself a favor, get the book and follow it from the beginning. There is some repeating of material, but I think it was done for a reason. Don't worry, the book gets you off immediately drawing some things, then the author backs up some and starts to explain what you just did. I am using this book daily even while I write this. Hey, as a matter of fact, I even wrote the author Ellen Finklestien and she wrote me back about a question I had ! Avoid the tempation to even skip a page, because the author packs alot of info in there !
   
   Donnie D.

5 comments about Google SketchUp For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)).

1. Like all "Dummies" books this is an invaluable reference work for a complex subject. This book is helpful for a beginner, just discovering "Sketchup" and also for a frequent user, needing a helping hand.



2. Chopra has written an excellent book. Good sense of humor, easy to understand, practical and well organized. Some of the "For Dummies" books are a little too cute. The writing style gets in the way of the information. That is not the case with Chopra's book. His humor and personality make the subject interesting. I am a beginner with Sketchup, but I think more advanced users will benefit from this book too because of the way the book is organized and the depth of the information. The book works as a reference as well as a collection of tutorials.



3. I was new to SketchUp. And this book helped a lot. I learned things that weren't mentioned in video and other tutorials.
   Also, it was easy to read.



4. I have no background in CAD programs at all and my attempts to master SketchUp were futile until I purchased this book. Within a couple of hours I was able to draw a simple building. It's a great book! I thought so much of it, I bought a second copy for my son!



5. This book along with the online videos will get you up and running fast. It's see one, read one, now do one. The online videos are the key to doing the book as sometimes the books doesn't contain all the information for completing the project. So you have to write down the dimensions from the video into the book. This is what I did and I was able to follow along with the book and complete the projects. In a word "excellent."

5 comments about Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2006 International Building Code (Building Codes Illustrated).

1. This came as a companion with the Building Code book that we purchased and we are finding it very useful in our library. It came in good time and I would recommend buying.



2. This text does a very good job of breaking the code down into understandable chunks. The addition of graphics helps to understand the verbiage. It is probably best suited to architectural students rather than construction workers, since it spends a lot of time on big picture issues: when do you need to sprinkle, where do you need fire dampers, how many square feet are allowed for Type III construction, etc. Still, it provides the reasoning behind why architects design as they do, so it's still very useful to the non-architect.
   
   Don't go near the code without it.



3. Ching did a great job again! The line drawings clarified the codes and made it easy to understand.



4. This book is a great tool to use during the design of a building. It applies more to commercial, but is also useful to residential buildings. Using this book will sharpen your code skills and avoid some costly design errors. You will need to have a copy of the 2006 IBC at your disposal if you are going to use this book in any serious way. It is organized in a logical format, but you can easily skip around and cover critical sections. The only thing that I think should be added to this book is a checklist for each type of construction that could be used for plan review. All of my work is in residential so a checklist would help me focus on the pertinent sections of the book.



5. Great visual graphics which aid in NC Building Codes along with clear explainations

5 comments about Detail in Contemporary Residential Architecture: Includes CD-ROM.

1. An account of the 2 hours I spent flipping through this book after it arrived at my door:
   
   1. When I saw that the intricacy of the illustration on the cover is produced by overlapping several drawings, I thought, "uh-oh."
   
   2. After looking through a few projects, I was a little disappointed with the haphazard organization of the "details." For example, full wall sections were more often than not excluded. Envelope details were presented as partial sections, thereby losing the context. The different lineweights were also practically indistinguishable.
   
   3. I was impressed, however, with the comprehensive list of materials/components accompanying the drawings.
   
   4. I was disappointed with the choice of photographs, in general, of the projects. Most projects had photos that basically show the same part of the building, but from a different angle, or slightly zoomed in.
   
   5. More overlapping drawings. This bothers me quite a bit, since these are just page-fillers, and do not offer anything except examples of what not to do when presenting construction details.
   
   6. One project was entirely devoted to the detailing of a window box, when that building had used a very interesting roofing material (handcrafted lead sheets), what appeared to be hidden gutters, and a very well integrated envelope from roof to grade. I flipped through this section repeatedly to check if I had missed some pages, then I grew a little angry that these very worthwhile details were forgone in favour of a single window.
   
   7. After going through the entire book, I flipped through it quickly to see if there were any projects from South America since I didn't remember seeing any. I recalled only two projects from Central America. A quick look through the list of projects seem to indicate a coastal North America and Western European bias.
   
   8. I wished I could afford a subscription to the German version of Detail.
   
   I would not recommend this book for something that one expects from well-drafted construction documents. The method of reference and presentation is a little messy. Drawings seem to be organized by how well they fit together on a single page, rather than their as-built relationship. Given the precious lack of real-estate dedicated to photos, certain photographs could be omitted and replaced by more telling shots. Perhaps coordinate the details presented with a photo of the detail in situ and in context? A larger-scale foundation-to-roof envelope section can be a good organizational tool for subsequent details. Did I mention that overlapping drawings bother me?
   
   What I find good is the abundance of projects, the organization by material, and the list of components used. While I have a lot to complain about in terms of the drawings, there is still quite a bit one can take away from them. It would be a good book to go to for initial ideas.
   
   In short, this book is a coffee-table architectural book - a lot of pictures without definite purpose - disguised as a technical book. Sort of misses the point for a book that's about details.



2. This is a terrific book with many interesting residential projects. However, if you are an architect buying this book for the supplementary CAD details included on CD.....don't. The details actually lack detail, making many of them somewhat worthless. Although I was disappointed in the drawings, the book has been insightful and definitely worth the purchase.



3. This was a gift to my son, an architect student at CU. He loved the
   book and wouldn't put it down. He also loved the way it was arranged
   (by building materials). The accompanying CD has been loaded into his
   computer (which all ready had the Auto-Cam software needed) and thinks
   its fantastic. Its a book that he will use probably throughout his new
   career.



4. I've purchased one too many architecture books that have cool buildings with nice photos, overly self-indulgent artistic descriptions, and really not much else that is useful. Despite its title, I was expecting this book to be similar to those other ones, if only perhaps a small step forward in terms of the quality of the information.
   
   This book is a giant leap forward compared to most architecture books. It is outstanding because it presents each project completely; with photos, plans, sections, and numerous quality details. The information is much more complete than I am accustomed to seeing from these types of books, and the drawings are for the most part clear and well-noted. There's also a CD included with DWG files and EPS files of every illustration!
   
   Because the information is so complete...there's enough information there to really study the materials and assemblies, to understand both the concept and the execution of these great projects. This is the kind of book you can study over and over, and really learn from. Compared to other architecture books in my library it is outstanding. My only wish is that the author would keep going and expand her great work into numerous other architecture styles (way beyond contemporary buildings).



5. It delivers. Excellent roundup of modern day detailing.
   Features projects from all continents and takes into account climatic differences and local craftsmanship. The included digital files are a bonus. Recommended.

5 comments about Design Like You Give a Damn: Architectural Responses to Humanitarian Crises.

1. We purchased this book for our son. He is deeply committed to 'green' projects. This will give him testimonials of others in his field to aid him in his own work for clients who have the desire to lessen their carbon footprint.
   
   Sincerely,
   F. Albuquerque



2. Great book. Very cool practical applications to problems using environmentally sound solutions. Beautiful pictures and I especially liked the $8 tent clip. Brilliant.



3. I'm not an architect, but I enjoy the craft as a whole. I saw this book on a PBS science show and had to check it out. Once I finish reading it, I'm passing it on to my architect friends to inspire them to think of the more basic level of need for their talents. Living in the US, I have always taken for granted having a place to live, but seeing how many people around the world need homes is staggering. Kudos to those architects that face the problems of these people. They should be recognized for their innovative uses of stuff as simple as PVC pipe and tarp.



4. This book is an important counterbalance to the plethora of glossy coffee table books about architecture that glorify starchitects and their creations, which usually only benefit their wealthy clients. If only the architectural journals would plaster these projects on their front pages instead of oh-so-chic homes and corporate headquarters. The world is facing a housing crisis, but most architects are not trained to respond to this crisis in massive, innovative ways that go beyond the feel-good student trips to build a couple of houses for people in need. This book should be required reading in all architecture schools, architecture practices, and architectural publishing offices. The profession - as with so many other professions - has lost its way. This book can be one small step toward recovering the reality that architecture is a collaborative endeavor that entails public responsibilities.



5. This is truly an inspiring book! I originally bought this for architect friends whose humanitarian vision parallels many of those in this book. Even they were thrilled and inspired. I plan to give it to others for Christmas this year..Lets hope soon everyone will have a place to live that will be their own.

2 comments about AutoCAD 2008 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers)).

1. Much better than help in Autocad.It doesn't give you 1000 options then, lead you nowhere like help. Easy reading. Straight to the point.
   
   This is the 3rd one I have read. I had Autocad 14 & 2000 also.



2. Since deciding to become a CAD goddess, I've found reviews for 2008 CAD books in short supply so here you go ...
   
   CAD For Dummies is in all truth a book for beginners, more experienced users may be able to profit by the tidbits that refer to new features in this year's release and tricks but since I'm a beginner and I've found it all easy enough to understand, I don't expect it will be much more that a pleasure read for CAD veterans.
   
   With this book you can expect to become familiar with AutoCAD 2008. You will get comfortable with it, you'll know what the buttons are for, what the tools do and what the program's overall capabilities are. In other words, you'll be proficient. Not a grasshopper anymore but not quite a master. It prepares you to tackle more specialized books in whatever field (architectural, electrical, mechanical, 3d, etc) you're interested in with a great set of honed skills and a reasonable amount of confidence. It's an excellent foundation on which to build.
   
   A couple of other things I'd like to mention are the awesome icons that can be found throughout the book, they serve to point out crucial information that you shouldn't forget, useful techie stuff, tips to make your AutoCAD life easier and how to avoid horrible-pull-your-hair-out-in-desperation-mistakes. Lastly, there are really no exercises, I'm a hands on kind of chick, I wanted to be drawing right away. So my solution to this was to buy another book to supplement this deficency and I'm happy to say that AutoCAD 2008: No Experience Required is as well in the awesome side. I'll be reviewing it soon.
   
   Now, CAD For Dummies is not a CAD Bible (thank goodness), it doesn't tell you everything and at times it refers you to AutoCAD's Help features (very convenient). In my experience "Bible" books are more in the nature of a very overwhelming, unreadable, unliftable reference tool. And they don't tell you what you need to know as a beginner, they are manuals to a program.

1 comments about Design and the Elastic Mind.

1. This book is a very useful compendium, and a help to better understand what seen in the MoMA Expo.
   
   I liked the expo, and I like more the book.

1 comments about SolidWorks Surfacing and Complex Shape Modeling Bible.

1. I believe this to be the best SolidWorks book for advanced part modeling currently available on the market. This is a good and informative book aimed at the intermediate/expert SolidWorks user.
   
   A good understanding of SolidWorks is required to get the most from this book.
   
   The book covers all the advanced features available in SolidWorks in detail and where it can it tells you where you would use a particular feature.
   
   The title is self explanatory. This book is primarily aimed at people that do consumer product design where appearance and smooth surfaces are required.
   
   The only reason I gave this book 4 stars is because I believe there is always room to make things better. That said, this is my best SolidWorks book yet.

5 comments about Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008.

1. Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008
   I bought this book the week it came out and used it to teach myself Civil 3D from the ground up. I was able to, in a short time, use Civil 3D in a production environment. This book along with the web site for it have been invaluable in expanding my knowledge of the software.
   
   Recently in a new position at a new company we purchased a dozen of these books as the text I will be using to teach Civil 3D to the entire company, as we transition from Land Desktop to Civil 3D.
   
   As a self teaching guide or a classroom text this book is the best.



2. This book is exactly what I needed to "kick-start" our Civil 3D turnover from Land Desktop. This book gives real world examples and real applications, unlike the autodesk "bells and whistle" workshops. If you are not sure if this book is for you, trust me it is. The book is well written and doesn't miss a step. Very easy to follow along for the Land Desktop user to skip intermediate steps and straight forward for the novice. The only drawback is the small text.



3. It's interesting to read some of not so great reviews on this book. I'm not sure what people expect but if you want a comprehensive introduction to Civil 3D 2008, This is the best book on the market right now. The book is well organized, easy enough to digest (as technical self teaching software books go). For $45 you have the tools to learn this software.
   
   Writing books of this nature has to be a real challenge. Autodesk puts out a new release every year, most users have the latest release, the books have a very limited period of marketability & writers have little time prior to offical release to prepare. Considering all that, I find the price very reasonalble, the content accurate & appropriate and errors minimal.



4. I have another books for C3D, previously to Mastering, and I like the say, that is very friendly, I feel like, it's a friend that answer me the questions that I have from Civil 3D, with examples and tips, without all that technical stuff that others books use. I recommend it. Thanks



5. The book is just OK. It has technical errors here and there nothing that can't be figured out by doing an excersize over two or three times. Called Technical Support about some errors on the companion CD and was told the errors were from my version of Civil 3d. I think they just didn't want to admit to their errors or replace my CD. I've found additional errors on the CD since contacting them but I don't have time to be bothered witth them anymore. I can imagine there must be better book out there as this only helps with the most basic design problems.