5 comments about Prefabulous: The House of Your Dreams Delivered Fresh from the Factory.

1. Lots of good pictures, but VERY LITTLE indepth and/or technical info about processes and products. Not for someone interested in really learning much about factory fabrication, except "look what we can do".



2. Fairly good. But thought maybe it would have had something included about the Dome houses also.



3. This is a terrific book that I use in my daily business as a REALTOR who is specializing in affordable, green, prefab solutions for my clients.Prefabulous: The House of Your Dreams Delivered Fresh from the Factory



4. This book doesn't go into every little detail of the prefab process, but it does provide a good starting point for anyone interested in this type of building. The pictures are beautiful and many company names are listed, which, after a quick search on the Internet, can be found online and contacted.



5. Prefabulous is a great review of what can be done with system built homes. Lots of possibilities and ideas are shown in the book. Well done and impressive.
   
   Jerry Rouleau
   Industry Housing Consultant.

2 comments about The Architect's Studio Companion: Rules of Thumb for Preliminary Design.

1. As an architecture student, I was required to purchase this text book to accompany my studio course. I have quite often reached for this book from my expansive library of required texts to find answers to rules of thumb for preliminary design. I found that this book is very good at explaining the basics that one needs to accommodate early in the design process. If you are looking for something dealing more with code regulations, this is not really the book to purchase. It includes a wide range of topics which can help answer many student questions. I have been happy with my purchase!



2. This book is designed to help architects in their design of new buildings. Spedifically, the book is organized about the common building codes in place around the United States. The intent of the book is to minimize the time that an architect need spend on checking building codes themselves so that he can proceed to working on the design of the building.
   The book establishes a simple system of seven steps to help the architect in his initial design effort.
   
   The first step is to determine the Building Code and occupancy, then check as to what types of construction are permitted by the code, move on to a preliminary structural design, consider using daylighting, plan for mechanical and electrical systems, determine building code requirements for egress and accessibility, and finally parking.
   
   By having all this informaion at your fingertips a great deal of time can be saved.

No comments about Loblolly House: Elements of a New Architecture + DVD.

5 comments about The Simple Secret to Better Painting: How to Immediately Improve Your Work with the One Rule of Composition.

1. I have nothing to add to other's reviews, just want to lift up the rating.
   Five stars with no doubts.



2. Although this book focuses on one secret to better painting, it shows through images of every kind, and every subject, how that concept can be applied to any type of work. Sometimes focusing on just one element for improvement can be the best way to integrate that concept. In this case, he clearly demonstrates the application of the idea in all its forms.



3. Very helpful.
   
   I know a lot about drawing, and a lot about controlling oils, but when I am out there doing a Plein Air, I can't remember any principles of composition. All I can think of is, "Ack! The sun is moving!" I am just painting furiously.
   
   This book is like BRAINWASHING. "There is one magic rule: never make any two intervals the same."
   
   Values: never make any two intervals the same.
   Intensity: never make any two intervals the same.
   Shapes: never make any two intervals the same.
   Etc. But he goes into even more details than that. He has LOTS of little areas that this rule applies to.
   
   Each page covers this rule in respect to ONE aspect of composition. And every time he reiterates: never make any two intervals the same.
   
   Most pages have a great painting on them, and not just by him. Offhand, I remember seeing some by Kevin Macpherson. This way you see how professionals apply this rule. I realize that every GREAT painting I have ever seen has incorporated this rule into every facet of their composition.
   
   By reading this rule on every page, and seeing how it applies to so many nit-picky little things, I am noticing it more in my painting. The last time I was doing a plien air, I thought, "Oh, the fence posts are all the same: *never make any two intervals the same*, I should angle a few of them. Oh, these two trees are identical: *never make any two intervals the same*, I will make one a little warmer and shorter". Etc. I could only remember it though becuase of his successful brainwashing technique.
   
   I find this book to be very helpful, and as soon as I am done with it, I am going to read it again. Regardless of your skill level, and regardless of your medium, this book will improve your composition, and therefore your finished product.



4. As a photographer, I'm always looking for help to improve my composition. This book, though not written specifically for photographers, is the best I've found so far. It is copiously illustrated, highly instructive, intuitive, and a quick read. Also, a lot of the art in it is just great to look at. I can't give this book enough praise. It's really made a difference in the way I set up my shots.



5. This book is a great beginner book or review for anyone wanting to understand what it takes to plan and execute an engaging painting. The concise textual ideas are amply illustrated with many examples from actual paintings in progress. The ideas are easy to understand and apply. The presentation of design concepts is spiced up with excellently chosen graphics and diagrams. The author gives psychologically sound explanations as to why certain design ideas work, and others do not.
   If you were an art major, and lost all your texts, you could start and end your library replacement right here. If you wish you had been an art major, but do not know where to start, this book is your answer. The author's words early on in the pages are quite true: "This book is intended to be read quickly, and referred back to often."

2 comments about Winfield House.

1. 
   0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
   1.0 out of 5 stars Lusury and Politics, 29 May 2008
   By Collector "Collector" - See All My Reviews
   
   There is nothing inherently wrong with coffee table books on mansions and their decorative arts. In this case, however, there are extenuating circumstances. The husband of the author is the present U. S. Ambassador to Great Britain and the couple is living at Winfield House while willingly supporting the Bush administration and representing its policies to the world -- from this plum of an ambassadorial assignment. Given this historically failed administration (perhaps the worst in the history of the U.S.) which has perpetrated worldwide a massive degree of death, misery, and injustice (not to mention possible deception, corruption, and war crimes), a certain moral deafness accrues to the publication of this luxury book by the Ambassador and his wife. If their goal was to make a personal meritorious contribution to the world from their position of governmental privilege, I suggest an orphanage in Iraq or a donation to any Veterans Administration Hospital in the U.S. Given the political realities that surround the creation and publication of this book, it demonstrates the moral limits of the adulation of luxury and aesthetics. Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle are well intentioned I am sure. But their significant expenditure of time and money to create this book demonstrates their extreme removal from truly recognizing the larger human condition beyond the confines of their borrowed residence and life-style, received in payment for their powerful support of the Bush policies. From this point of view, and from this point in history, the creation of this book strikes me as a morally unconscious and callow. Many people may disagree with me, but this is how I see it. As to the book, it is very well produced with good plates and color and text on the history of the house. The photographs are on the stiff side, and show the mixtures of period styles and mundane American contemporary that was the hallmark of the Los Angeles decorators, Ted Graber and William Haines, who worked on the house in the latter part of last century. The Tuttles have also added works of Modern and contemporary American art, which are always of high quality though not always of exceptional quality. The effect of their additions of works of art is in keeping with the conventional taste of the art industry today. Good examples, but nothing unusually inspired, in terms of selection or juxtaposition.
   
   Please note this is a review that considers attributes of this book in many aspects. It should be retained, and not banned as an opinion.



2. Mrs. Maria Tuttle provided readers with a very special insight into the Winfield House. Having attended many receptions in the home, this book will always hold a special place in my heart. Mrs. Tuttle did an outstanding job of giving readers a personal view of life at the mansion. The photographs are breathtaking along with being quite beautiful. I especially like the pull-out pages to give readers a panoramic view of some of the most favorite rooms. There are over 175 photographs of the many intricate and artistic details of the home. Elegant table settings for various events show just how much the Ambassador's home is used throughout the year. Browsing through each page gives the reader a wonderful experience of actually being in the home. Most guests who come to Winfield House for various receptions never get to go upstairs and often wonder if the private quarters upstairs are just as splendid as the public rooms downstairs. This book will let readers go behind the scenes and explore the private rooms of the home. Also loved the photographs of the outside of the home and the wonderful gardens in various seasons. Loved seeing photos of the Queen at Winfield House in her younger days. The book is a must have. Thank you, Maria, for a very excellent job.

3 comments about The Annotated Arch: A Crash Course in the History Of Architecture.

1. As an Art History major, and a former Architectural student, I was skeptical when I found this book required for my study abroad course on French Art and Architecture. Generally, I've found that books attempting to cover basic knowledge on such a broad topic are somewhat lacking. However, after the first chapter or two, I was pleasantly surprised with how much information was packed into this entry level architecture manual and how few instances occurred in which I wanted to edit or add to the content. I would certainly suggest this book for entry level courses or course which only require general knowledge of Architecture.



2. I am teaching Art History and AP Art History this year and this book is invaluable to my students and myself. The students do a seminar type class and this book has provided such a qick reference tool for them when they have one of the artworks to research and teach. The large oversized pages are excellent. This book, along with the Annotated Mona Lisa, are wonderful reviews before the AP test. I am so glad that I found this excellent quick reference tome.



3. This book is jam-packed with information, presented in a fascinating, readable manner. The introductory chapter explains the elements of architecture which helps the reader appreciate the extraordinary buildings humans have created through the ages. The chronological progression of the rest of the book's chapters highlights major trends and developments in building styles and materials, demystifying the origins of many of today's structures. The book is just as easy to read straight through, as it zooms along through the history of architecture "from the Stone Age to the Space Age," as it is to locate a topic of particular interest and to start there. The glossary and extensive index make it easy to quickly learn about any one subject, building, or architect, and the numerous sidebars and timelines help the reader understand the context in which a building was created.
   The beautiful pictures and interesting stories bring you right to the doorstep of humanity's greatest achievements. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has ever wondered why a building is considered special, and think it would be a terrific present as well. Enjoy!

5 comments about The Very Small Home: Japanese Ideas for Living Well in Limited Space.

1. I LOVE this book! I don't think I could live in most of these houses... But, oh wow, would I love to spend a weekend.
   
   In the truest Japanese tradition, these very, very small homes are morsels of perfection. No detail is too small; no corner neglected.
   
   Somehow, ancient Japanese design seems modern. So these "modern" homes, in the Japanese context, carry on tradition.
   
   My favorite house may be the little gem squeezed into what was a long, narrow driveway. It manages to be private, spacious, light filled and warm, AND incorporate a charming courtyard between the kitchen and traditional bathhouse.
   
   There are so many ingenious ideas packed between the covers of this book. If you love architecture or small houses or big houses or live in a house or apartment or refrigerator box (especially the box--it's roughly the size of some of these houses) you may enjoy this book.
   
   My main objection to these designs, is that I would require more privacy for the master bedroom. Many of them were open loft types, many of them barely segmented from the children's space. But, I still marveled at these tiny wonders. Some had the aura of cathedrals.
   
   
   
   Highly recommended.



2. it is obvious that someone was thinking when they created this book!
   I am very happy with the content and graphics.
   Lots of great ideas for building a new, more efficient house.



3. For those considering a smaller home, this book will challenge your sense of size. Most of the featured homes are under 500 sq ft. While this may work well in urban Japan, I think most Americans would be very hard pressed to fit two people into anything under 700-800 square ft.
   
   That said, many of the design solutions are elegant with clever ideas for spatial layouts, storage, light, and movement.
   
   Brown does a very nice job illustrating each of the selected houses with a 2 page spread of photos. The photos are followed by another 2 page spread that clearly illustrates the floor plans in lovely, hand-rendered, axonometric views. Accompanying text describes the drawings and the key innovation / "big idea" of the design. The final section of the book discusses "small" design principles for specific areas of the house.
   
   I would have given this one 5 stars, but I found myself really missing an additional 2 pages of pictures for each house so that I could really understand the spaces better.



4. I bought this book to research small space architecture as we are finishing our basement and planning expansion to our small home. The full page and collage photo spreads are gorgeous throughout this book. It contains much inspiration and thoughtful commentary on each of the featured homes.
   
   
   The primary focus of the book is contemporary architecture throughout Japan. There is very little coverage of traditional, fuedal or colonial architectural styles I was hoping to find. Still, the space saving innovations shared by the featured designers and firms are a great resource for anyone planning small area multipurpose, or contemporary Japanese, home building.
   
   Great as a reference and as a coffee table book. Beutiful and informative. If there's ever a revised printing, I'd request more fine grain detail on the space savers.



5. Interesting book well written, good details and good pictures, an insperation to those who seek some good ideas in looking as space saving ideas.

5 comments about Learning from Las Vegas - Revised Edition: The Forgotten Symbolism of Architectural Form.

1. I admire and respect Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown for their great career and contribution to architecture, which has yet to be fully assessed. The depth of their thinking, the vigilant efforts to achieve their aesthetic vision, their desire to overcome modernist dogma, which had mutated into marginalized elite uncivic abstraction, falsely denying vibrant areas of life...how can one argue with the importance and value of such work?
   
   Let me try.
   
   To me, this book represents one of the most interesting turning points of an architectural career, very similar to Rem Koolhaas' essay on Bigness in S,M,L,XL.
   
   Both texts are attempting to give themselves an elite artist's alibi for co-opting the corporate machinery's unself-conscious production. Here, both artists (VRSB and OMA)attempt to escape into pop art, just like their friend Andy Warhol, thumbing his nose at the self important abstract expressionists.
   
   There's just one problem with this; they are architects, not just artists.
   And this places them in significantly different political territory. Architects build in the public sphere, and therefore have a powerful civic impact. They enable some political forces, and, by physical default, suppress others. If they were artists, their voice is a singular one, an unsponsored comment, to be entertained or dismissed. Architecture cannot be waved away.
   
   So, being architects, is 'Learning from Las Vegas' and 'Bigness' an elite artist's manifesto, or a cynical architect's effort to solicit clients from the bloated and most lucrative areas of commerce? The ambiguity is disturbing, because ultimately it has proven out not to matter what their intention. Both Venturi and Rem Koolhaas have been most useful tools for the most egregious excesses of our runaway imperial corporate world.
   
   And this is a sad legacy for two brilliant architectural careers. No matter what their aesthetic accomplishments in the way of rarified architectural thought, the more brutal reality is that architects seeking fame cannot also speak truth to power. This gravely undermines their civic responsibilities.
   I am reminded of William Morris' quote, a sad retrospective look at his career, saying that ultimately, his work "only served the swinish luxuries of the rich." A bitter realization for a socialist, one who chose to retreat into archaic craft, instead of trendy pop.
   
   Pop architecture is not a game. It is an insidious symptom of the polarization of wealth, a symptom that Venturi and Koolhaas cheerfully enable, both with their particular form of dissociating irony. They can play with it as a theory, but it has wrought disastrous consequences in the physical and political landscape. Same thing happened to Frank Gehry, another symptomatic starchitectural monster, who apparently doesn't need to theorize. Hard to say when the deal went down exactly. I just don't know.



2. this book is extremely condensed into a multitude of thumbnails or panoramas and text that never fails to reiterate its point. i mean, these two architects really understand the idea of symbols, suggestions, and sheds but after a dozen pages on one idea, you already get the point.
   
   the images are really helpful in exemplifying the amount of criticism for or against the city ("idea") of las vegas.



3. This is a quite unusual and offbeat treatise on architectural theory, as applied to the world's greatest architectural monstrosity - Las Vegas. This analysis from the early 1970s is obviously outdated because Las Vegas hadn't yet become the monument to megalomania and excess that it is today, but it was already well on its way. The authors analyze Vegas' unique usages of space, lighting, placement, transportation, and building design for the purposes of communication and promotion. Strange chapter titles give a clue to the left-field analysis in store, and the authors have a clear sense of irony, underhandedly implying that Vegas presents the worst in architecture while they appear to be praising its uniqueness. Unfortunately the narrative gets bogged down in dense professor-speak terminology like "Brazilianoid" and "neo-Constructivist megastructures," along with a general overload of obtuse theory. Add to that the poor-quality and under-elaborated illustrations and you have a book that sacrifices insight and readability in favor of pedantic attempts to impress the authors' colleagues. [~doomsdayer520~]



4. Read this book to learn what you shouldn't do as an architect!

   This book follows Venturi's "Complexity and Contradiction", where you can learn how cynically to use casement windows in housing for the elderly where the elderly will happily put their plastic flowers in the windows, but *you* secretly know these are not really hormal casement windows, since they are out of scale (like fascist architecture's lack of scale?).

   This book will tell you about ducks and decorated sheds, but it will tell you nothing about building spaces which nourish creative human community. Try Louis Kahn (e.g., John Lobell's lovely little book "Between Silence and Light"). My postmodernist teachers at Harvard said Kahn's writings were incomprehensible, which says more about them than about him.

   Read Lobell's book and learn why, e.g., a city might deserve to exist. Remember: Only *you* can get beyond postmodernism!




5. Robert Venturi's study of the Las Vegas signage phenomena and it's impact on "architecture" is brilliant in it's scope. While written almost twenty five years ago, this book gains more and more pertinence as we as a society progress further into a "reality" of symbols, reproductions and representations. These words and thoughts are basically essential to the understanding of any city anymore, not just Las Vegas. Where this book misses the mark though is in the execution, as shown in Venturi's work, of these ideas. The projects put forth seem to pale in comparison to the implications the text actually has. These notions of architecture are by far some of the most relevant and important in modern theory today, it is unfortunate that their full potential could not be realized in these projects.... but maybe that is for you and I to do.

No comments about Project Vitra: Sites, Products, Authors, Museum, Collection, Signs.

5 comments about Treehouses of the World.

1. I got this for my step father who found it very inspiring. He is now working on a tree house of his own.



2. I have always fantasized about treehouses and this book definitely has some fantastic examples. It's a wonderful book -- I bought it because my 90 days of checking it out at the library were over. I had to own it.



3. Yes, nothing quite like giving one's friends good reviews on amazon!
   isnt is nice when people with too much money can build tree-houses when so many americans must live in dumpy apartments or are homeless?
   Its nice that those who have trust funds can build tree houses, while the rest of us are worrying about even having housing, especially with illegal and legal immigration saturating the rental market and drving out legal american citizens.
   Come to think of it, how many people who build treehouses have rental properties in slum areas ? I know of one who does.



4. I bought this book for my boyfriend (30) and he loved it. I enjoyed it just as much. The pictures are amazing and the stories that went with them were just as great. Great book to leave on the coffee table!



5. My 13 yo son loves treehouses and loves to read non-fiction books, so this was the perfect choice for him. I hear "WOW" over and over when he is reading this book!