No comments about Under the Eaves of Architecture: The Aga Khan: Builder and Patron.

1 comments about Extreme Weather Hits Home: Protecting Your Buildings from Climate Change.

1. First I'll disclose that I'm not one that believes in global warming. There are natural disasters such hurricanes, flooding and other unfortunate events that occur regardless of global warming. That's just my opinion.
   
   Regardless of what causes these unfortunate events to occur, few consultants have as much expertise and experience as John Banta when it comes to restoring effected buildings and specifying how to prevent or minimize damage to our homes. He's highly regarded as an expert in the industry. Every building contractor and insurance adjuster has opinions. Few understand the building sciences like Banta and even fewer can write about it in a way that while still technical, we can all understand. If you have an interest in how weather can affect your home this is the book for you.
   
   There is also some information that is relevant without the need for a flood or hurricane to occur. For example, the sections on trapped moisture from excess humidity, "breathable" walls, ice-damming on the roof in the winter, foundation freeze and thaw, and frozen plumbing don't take an earthquake to cause major damage to your home. If you're a contractor, builder or home owner it would be good for you to understand some of these concepts. Could save you a lot of money.

1 comments about Timber Framing Book, The.

1. Profusely illustrated with diagrams by Linda Foss and photos by Jeremy Foss and Randy Hillner, "The Timber Framing Book" is a superbly written and organized 169-page instruction manual co-authored by timber framing experts Stewart Elliott and Eugenie Walls. Beginning with a historical and commentary on timber framing, individual chapters focus on 'Getting Started', 'The Frame', and then go on to the technical details of framing calculations and measurements, joinery, laying out and cutting joints, laying out and cutting braces, rafters, traditional decorative treatments of timbers, 'Raisin' Day', frame design and timber orders, then conclude with a chapter dedicated to building a 12' by 16' shed. Enhanced with the inclusion of a three page bibliography, a glossary of specialized terms, and an appendix of line-drawn illustrations, "The Timber Framing Book" is an exceptionally 'user friendly' introduction to the basics of timber framing and a very strongly recommended addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library Architecture and Woodworking reference collections.

No comments about Restoring Women's History through Historic Preservation (Center Books on Contemporary Landscape Design).

4 comments about Saving South Beach (Florida History and Culture).

1. For those who are still in the preservation trenches, the story of South Miami Beach's revitalization is a stunning re-invigoration! It is clear that the struggle to save inherent and classic beauty takes its toll on both skyline and people's lives, but the result can be profitable both to posterity and pocketbooks.
   
   In another small city on the waterfront, one with less flamboyant but no less elegant architecture, the struggle is as ferocious and dramatic. One of the key South Beach protagonists recognized its parallels and potential early on - Geraldo Sanchez. Undoubtedly, within the next decade, reviewers will be writing in about the volume to be written on the saving of Newburgh, New York.



2. The book could serve as a guide for depressed cities in search of a path to follow. City leaders will find many things to copy, imitate and avoid.



3. I am a resident of South Beach, and knew of its history as a tattered slum before being amazingly restored to its rightful place as a world-class destination.
   
   What irked me immensely was that I could not find any thorough explanation of how all this was accomplished. I had heard of the wonderful work of Barbara Capitman and the Miami Design Preservation League and wanted to learn more about them. Then one day, on my usual trip to Books & Books on Lincoln Road, there was "Saving South Beach" sitting on display.
   
   After barely looking at the beautifully designed cover, I eagerly bought my own copy. Thanks to Ms. Stofik, we now have the full account of South Beach's salvation, told in a delightful writing style which is at once scholarly, intricately detailed, and gently amusing.
   
   Not just a history lesson; the background of the residents, and the conflicts involving the city government, developers, and preservationists (and the detailed profiles of these players) make this book quite a read. It is hard to put down and most gratifying in the end. Included are rare photos, including of Capitman herself, and the incredibly gorgeous New Yorker Hotel which was tragically lost to demolition.
   
   If South Beach fascinates you, you must learn of its history and this is a perfect way to start.



4. A must have for anyone interested in preservation and the saving of our national treasures. Stofik shows how one city, despite politics and special interests, revitalized a decaying past into a vibrant future.
   
   An easy going writing style makes this a joy to read and Stofik's passion for historical preservation shines through.

No comments about Caring For the Past: Issues in Conservation for Archeology and Museums.

No comments about Urban Neighborhood Revitalization and Heritage Conservation: The Architecture of Urban Redesign.

No comments about A Bridge Worth Saving: A Community Guide to Historic Bridge Preservation.

No comments about From Statehouse to Courthouse : An Architectural History of South Carolina's Colonial Capitol and Charleston County Courthouse.

No comments about The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserviing, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings.