No comments about Natural Metaphor: Architectural Papers III.

No comments about AutoCAD(R) 2002: The Complete Reference.

2 comments about Perspective Charts.

1. The quality of the paper of the perspective charts are not good enough to be used for several time and the converged lines printed on them are not truly straight!



2. You sent these to me folded into small squares. I will never be able to get the folds out of the paper. This will make them very difficult to use! Roll them up and send them in a tube!

1 comments about Architecture of Transportation (Architectural Design Profile, No 109).

1. this edition of ad focus and gives an in depth analysis and scope on a number of architecture projects and completed buildings that are concern with the major modes of travel, mainly that of air, sea and rail travel... design in travel requires a specific approach in method and thought and this book provides the necessary resource to achieve that goal with success...one for the traveller in architecture...

3 comments about The Houses We Live in: An Identification Guide to the History and Style of American Domestic Architecture.

1. In the world of architectural field guides, there exists a division between books that primarily use photographs to show architectural styles and books that use line drawings. I have always preferred line drawings because they allow the viewer to concentrate on the architecutral features that combine to create a distinct style. I do not like photographic texts because there are too many distractions. Instead of being able to concentrate on the house, the eye is drawn to trees, cars or people walking around.
   
   Initially, I did not think that I would like "The Houses We Live In" because it relies heavily on photographic examples. Even worse, the color on many of the 600 photographs look faded out. The General Editor of the book, Jeffery Howe used his personal collection of photographs that he has amassed over the course of twenty years. Unfortunatley, the photos look like the work of a weekend hobbyist. (Yet let me say, they are still better than the "professional" photographs used in "The Abrams Guide to American Styles."
   
   Although initially biased against this book, having read the work I was won over by it. Although not the highest quality of photographs, the sheer range of images is very impressive. Most field guides end around 1950. This guide is interesting because it looks at contemporary revivals of classic American styles. In conclusion, this is the work of a man who has spent many years purusing his love of American architectural forms. It is majestic in scope in the way only a committed hobbyist can complete. Although not the ultimate field guide, Jeffery Howe and his collaborators have gone a long way in advancing the state of the architectural field guide.



2. Like the previous reviewer, I found this book on sale at the local store. It's a super survey book, unambiguous and well illustrated with each type of house discussed in the text. It has a glossary of architectural terms, and a chapter of architect bios, including pictures of the houses they lived in. Better than a [money] Abrams art book!



3. I saw this in a bookstore and scooped it up without checking online prices. Its a huge book for the small price. I'm no historian, but this book seems very comprehensive. Awesome color photos, floorplans, sketches, etc. History, details of construction technics. Pretty much every photo has a description with location, date, and many times the architect. Beautiful examples of houses from each period... something for everyone. Tons of info.

No comments about Mark McInturff: House Design.

No comments about Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2007.

No comments about Architecture Inside Out.

No comments about Contemporary Design in Detail: Small Environments (Contemporary Design Details).

1 comments about Caltech's Architectural Heritage, From Spanish Tile to Modern Stone.

1. At first glance Romy Wyllie's new book "Caltech's Architectural Heritage: From Spanish Tile to Modern Stone" may only seem like a wonderfully handsome architectural review of the campus...but it is no less than a commentary on how valuable architecture and design are to an institution. This book should be on the reading list of every corporate board member, college president and community hospital chairman. In fact any group that fosters thinking and the development of ideas, should read the saga that lead to the development of one of the great educational institutions of the world. This is an outstanding book from a small quality press. Every turn of the page was richly rewarded through clear writing, contemporary and historical photos and key architectural illustrations. This work clearly demonstrates the importance of providing a shared vision for an institution through the defining years of its growth. And that through incorporating art and the humanities into the architectural setting of the learning environment it will galvanize its place in the student's life long after they have left.