1 comments about Traditional Details: For Building Restoration, Renovation, and Rehabilitation : From the 1932-1951 Editions of Architectural Graphic Standards.

1. If you are a designer, or a student of design, and your teachers recommend that you obtain Architectural Standards, well don't bother. This gathers all the best details from the Standards, and makes them available in a comprehensive paperback. (That is portable in a backpack, and considerably lighter than the Standards, as well as much cheaper, and that's the bottom line, isn't it?) Full of information about the size and shape of everything from a writing desk to a city bus, this work is essential to make accurate designs for the stage. This work leaves out all the less used info in the Standards, and if you are an absolute purist, (Or an architect,) then Architectural stndards is what you want, but for the rest of us, who don't need to know the specifics, but are hung up on the details, then this is an indispensable resource.

2 comments about The Timber Framing Book.

1. This book is excellent for all beginners and experienced carpenters alike. It gives all the information needed to complete a timber frame project, and gives the info in easy to understand terminalogy. It has good examples of all the types of joinery needed for a timber frame. I have just finished doing a 16 x 24 foot pottery building that has turned out very nice. I made all my plans and cut the timbers by using the information in this book. It has been a valuable tool in the process.



2. Originally copyrighted in 1977, The Timber Framing Book was one of the first books published about the timber framing revival. Stewart Elliott and Eugenie Wallas have carefully crafted a simple book on the basics, including planning, mathematics and simple engineering, layout, joint cutting and raising. There are a large number of very nice drawings by Linda Foss that illustrate all aspects of timber frames. In the center of the book are 22 pages of black and white photographs by Jeremy Foss and Randy Hillner that clearly document the raising of a frame, beginning to end. The last chapter of the book describes the building of a 12' x 16' timber frame shed. There are drawings, a timber schedule and complete raising plan to test you new found skills. This was done in the March 1980 issue of Rodale's New Shelter magazine, including a clapboards and a slate roof. Also included are a seven page Glossary, a two page Bibliography, a five page Appendix of drawings of basic timber framing joints and their uses. The Timber Framing Book is a great way to get a clear understanding of timber frames before graduating to books by other authors like Tedd Benson. This book is a must have for any timber framer's toolbox.

No comments about Historic Preservation Technology: A Primer.

2 comments about Conserving Buildings: Guide to Techniques and Materials, Revised Edition.

1. I bought this to learn more about building materials--wood, stone, concrete, metals--and was not disappointed. Each chapter begins with a summary that's authoritative but friendly. And interesting. You'll learn, for example, that the trick to making a hydraulic cement is to add some siliceous mineral to the limestone before firing in a kiln. The Romans used volcanic rock; modern Portland cement producers find it in certain clays. You'll realize none of these materials can stand up to water, which eventually returns them to their more chemically stable states, changing concrete into limestone, smelted metals back to ores (rust), and turning wood into food for other living things.

   What follows the introductory discussion is probably too technical for non-professionals--references to ASTM standards, specifications for water jet delivery in gallons per minute and PSI when cleaning stone, and tips for making your own epoxy using bulk chemicals, complete with Dow Chemical part numbers.

   I was a little disappointed by the presentation--B/W photos by the author and very basic drawings--but I suppose that's all that's needed for a book like this.




2. A wonderful reference tool for the professional conservitor, or even the "Matha Stewart" home fixer-uper.

No comments about Cultural Landscapes: Balancing Nature and Heritage in Preservation Practice.

3 comments about At Nature's Edge: Frank Lloyd Wright's Artist Studio.

1. The historical info in this book is interesting (and it clearly shows what creeps the owners of the home were.) But there is a bit too much fluff the way the text is written, and I really could care less about the authors personal life..... The photos are very nice, however.



2. In this fine book Henry Whiting, the second owner of Wright's Teater studio, gives us the history of this diminutive gem sited in desert terrain high above Idaho's Snake River. The background of noted landscape artist, Archie Boyd Teater, is given along with the the desire of his wife to have Wright design their studio. The difficulties of realizing the dream in this remote locale are given an in depth look. However, after years of parttime use the studio, at the end of the Teaters' lives, lay virtually abandoned and in dire need of a savior. Enter Henry Whiting. The how and why of the restoration and sensitive remodeling of the studio into a full time residence are presented. Wright purists may find some of the alterations made heresy, but the respect with which they were considered and the fine results should ameliorate the concerns of most.
   
   Well illustrated with original plans, presentation drawings and photos we also are given contemporary color photos and plans of the various revised areas. My only, albeit minor, quibble is the lack of side-by-side plans of the original and remodeled layout.
   
   All in all, a must have for the Wright enthusiast.



3. In this book, Henry Whiting explores how Frank Lloyd Wright designed homes for the site and the clients and connected the design to the land, views and the cycles of the sun by using the example of his own well-loved home, a simple artist studio on a cliff orverlooking the Snake River in Idaho. The journey leads you to better understand and appreciate Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture in a way that is perfect as a first introduction or to complete an enthusiast's library. The publisher's design and presentation stands up to the author's thoughtful text.

No comments about Guide to Colorado's Historic Places: Sites Funded by the State Historical Fund.

1 comments about And Guide Chicago: Architecture & Design (And Guides).

1. This was a really nice little book I found in the downtown Chicago Borders. It was in a section about Chicago. It's good because it showcases a side of Chicago most normally don't see. Specialty businesses, local shops and lodging all in unique locations and surroundings.
   
   Yes there are the few big sites to see, but for the most part this is about building structure and design in the off the beaten path of Chicago. It's nice to see the great Millennium Park in a publication.
   
   The descriptions are a great detail to these gems of Chicago. They describe what the business is, where they are located and what they have to offer. Not only that, but incredible photos that surprisingly pop off the pages of this little 5 inch square book. The rich color and detail of such unique places makes you feel like your right there in it.
   
   After discovering this book, I found that this publisher/author has more. It seems they did several cities around the world, just like this one. I will be looking into those as well.
   
   Nice coffee table reading.
   
   Great stocking stuffer for those into Chicago, architecture and shopping!

1 comments about Almost Lost: Building and Preserving Heritage Hill, Grand Rapids, Michigan (Building).

1. As a fan of historic architecture, this book not only gave me the visual pleasure of beautiful old Victorian-era houses through great photos, but also helped me to understand the important issues this community (and most likely others) face when fighting against industrial and commercial encroachment of historic neighborhoods. The story is a triumph for grass roots activism.

No comments about And Guide Shanghai: Architecture And Design (And Guides).