5 comments about The Hawaiian House Now.

1. This book is beautifully produced, with a nice variety of types of homes presented.



2. I got this book so I could get some decorating ideas for my own house here in California. I found the book to be helpful in what I needed it for. It shows good interior design ideas for houses in Hawaii that could easily by used in other parts of the world. I love the Hawaiian styles and I am working on recreating them in my home.



3. This book transported me back to those years when I grew up in Hawaii and was exposed through friends and parties to so many of these kind of houses. I see Hawaii house decor being such an accumulation of all that is good about Hawaii - reflection of its spirit and early settlers and Hawaiian aspect. I live in New Zealand and decorate ALL my houses with a strong Hawaii/South Pacific/New Zealand flavor - this book has given me such inspiration for my next house. If you grew up in Hawaii or love the spirit of Hawaii this book is a must. I was thrilled when I received the book and as I am about to start a new adventure with a house I am going to incorporate so much of what I see and read in "The Hawaiian House Now" - It is not just a book with nice photos it is a book with some great information on all that is Hawaii.



4. I enjoyed this book very much. It was well written, well researched and contained a wealth of beautiful photographs. The author captured the beauty of simplicity. The Hawaiian House is a wonderful coffee table book.



5. Whether your style is contemporary, traditional, or eclectic this book has something for everyone. I've gone through it again and again, and each time I've seen something new or gotten an idea for something I can do in my own home.

1 comments about Interior Design Visual Presentation: A Guide to Graphics, Models & Presentation Techniques.

1. Awesome book. Great for all interior design students. Great for your library. Makes learning how to do models, etc., much easier than trying to learn from your instructor's brief instructions.

5 comments about Robert Venturi: Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture.

1. "I like complexity and contradiction in architecture." That's how Robert Venturi starts this superb book. No great proclamation. It was an age tired of great proclamations. Instead, Venturi takes us through an impressively learned tour of his favorite things, a grand overview of great architecture, with acute formal analysis of facade and plan composition, sectional variety, and an accumulating realization that complexity is an inevitable force in the tumult of human, urban life.
   Postmodernism has come and gone, but modernism looks as it does today because of this book.



2. this book impacted the field of architecture during its time as much as LeCorbusier did with his book. Its extreme in its area of covering the world of architecture and how Venturi studies each theory on how the world of architecture has changed and is changing. Definately a must read for any architecture student or anyone associated in this long term field. the history of this book is more important than anything. Although alittle complex it is a must for those mentioned.



3. Now that the bottom of postmodernism has actually fallen out and is being dragged along the street by the chains of American capitalism, it's "alright" for students of architecture to return to that misjudged canonical textbook of post-modernism, C+C by Venturi. While not as engaging as his other main work "Learning from Las Vegas", this book still leads the reader into a meticulous analysis of the physical composition of major pieces of architecture, and the composition of the thoughts that made them. After reading it, I found myself unconciously applying it's main dichtomy of complexity and contradiction to much of the architecture around me, if that is any testament to its power.



4. I had to read this book for a class specifically regarding Robert Venturi and the postmodernism movement that he became a leading proponent of. However, this book is NOT a manifesto for a postmodern vacabulary- rather, this book looks at all architecture from the Parthenon to the common family home. Let me say that I have read many architectural theory books, but nothing that really inspired me to look at a building and really see what the architect intended like Complexity and Contradiction. This book really focused my attention on the possibilities for great architecture on any level- from museum to treehouse. I feel that anyone with an interest in appreciating architecture should certainly read this book. Because of my studies of Robert Venturi and his contemporaries, I have pursued a degree in architecture and certainly plan to incorperate his ideas and philosophies into my work.



5. venturi's book highlights the inherent complexity in today's post-modern society, coupled with the depth of comprehension often mistaken by critics. A must buy for Architecture students!

5 comments about Building with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): Strength and Energy Efficiency Through Structural Panel Construction (For Pros By Pros).

1. This book is a good primer for anyone who has doesn't know much about SIP's, but I found it quite basic. Also, there are passages in the book that show just how badly it is in need of an update. For instance, in the first chapter, it says something to the effect of "...with energy costs being relatively low, builders have a hard time selling energy efficiency and sacrificing the two story fake stone arch...' If this technology is to get a solid foothold in the building industry, MANY books should be written to provide builders with the resources they need to handle both high-end custom homes and affordable homes as well.
   
   In short, if you are just trying to get up to speed on what SIP's are, this is probably worthwhile. Otherwise, spend some time on the phone and visiting with your SIP dealer, talk to contractors who have used them, and look around online. I think you will find more detailed and specific (and UP TO DATE) information.



2. Excellent overview of SIPs construction basics and techniques. Author explains in ordinary terms so any layman can understand. Anyone considering SIPs construction should buy this book. It would be nice if a newer version (this one is 2002)were available to discuss the latest products.



3. Good book to explain the fundamentals and ideas behind why Structural Insulated Panels area a good building medium. Unfortunately, the solid information on estimating the costs or tricks to design that the interested party are looking for are not there.
   
   I look for someone to write the next book in the series.



4. this book provides a thorough and well detailed look at SIP anatomy and construction techniques. information on this construction type is extremely difficult to find from sources other than (possibly biased or glossed-over) information from SIP manufacturers. the content covers so many details of its construction that it could concievably be used as a primer/manual/textbook for contractors or others interested in using this construction type. any information needed to supplement the information found here will most likely be so specific that it will be material related to a particular manufacturer's product or information gleaned directly from materials testing reports. i have looked extensively, and not been able to find, any materials on SIPs that could compare to the value of this source.



5. Just a quick note on this book. My wife and I are looking to build an energy-efficient home. We are both engineers and very detail-oriented people. As part of our due diligence, we picked up this book after seeing a demonstration house built with SIPS as part of the 2005 Smithsonian Folk Life Festival (this was part of the US Forest Service pavilion - sustainable building approaches area). As noted in an earlier review, this book does have a bit of a promotional feel. However, it could simply be the author's enthusiasm for what appears to be a very good product. The book is also somewhat light in treating potential problems with SIPS. The failures of mutliple SIP roofing systems in Juneau, Alaska should have been addressed. In fairness though, these failures seem to largely be installation problems on the part of a small number of builders unfamiliar with the product. Overall, this book is a very useful and fairly detailed introduction to SIPS building. We would love to see a follow-up title that goes into much more technical detail on designing for SIPs use, as well as further exploration of lessons-learned from using SIPs in various settings and climates.

4 comments about Creole Houses: Traditional Homes of Old Louisiana.

1. A very nice book on a beautiful architectual style. These houses fit perfectly into the Southern Louisiana landscape, they were built for balmy humid climate of the region. I found the history of the people that built these homes very interesting, the text was imformative and the images nicely produced. If you are interested in this style i highly recomend the book on Hays Town, he was a modern master of the venacular.



2. This book is not what you expected; it is a book on southern houses and their interiors, but not about the stuffy designer places that you usually see. The interiors are even more sophisticated and tastefull than any you have seen in such books. It is the first time you have seen the beautiful Louisiana-made chairs and armoires in their native environment.
   
   It seems like the photographers really searched hard to find just the right houses to elucidate the Creole style. It is a house style that seems like one you would want to recreate and live in today



3. This book brings important attention to the existence of these historic Creole homes in a part of the country that has been shattered by natural events in recent years. Fortunately, these homes are survivors: of their glorious past, of the ravages of weather, economy and time. The photographic vision of Gross and Daley is a brilliant dedication to documenting places as they are and not how we might want them to be. OLD HOUSES, one of their first books, set a precedent for their evocative style of artistry in what they choose to photograph from our architectural and domestic past. They continue to seek the forlorn, the forgotten, the poignant and the unusual. Their latest book, CREOLE HOUSES, is further revelation of their aesthetic message--of how old places and ways can be both beautiful and resonant in our modern, complicated world. CREOLE HOUSES is both record, homage, and a visual and written poem to historic Louisiana architecture.



4. I have over the years acquired a couple dozen books on old New Orleans and Low Country architecture, none has captured the true feeling of that fading glory like Creole Houses. Photos are superb, text is authorative, end sheets are a delight, and the binding first rate. This book is a peek inside antebellum Creole country from plantation houses to servant's quarters.
   
   Lets hope these folks do more such volumes. My suggestion would be the 18th century Georgians of the Mid-Atlantic states.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
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5 comments about Storybook Style: America's Whimsical Homes of the Twenties.

1. This is probably the best book that explains what "STORYBOOK STYLE ARCHITECTURE" actually is.
   
   Before I purchased this book, I had a slight idea of what "storybook style" might be, however, after buying this book and seeing the photos, I now know better what this style is all about.
   
   The descriptions in the "Introduction" are very worthwhile because the author attempts to describe where this style came from and how it evolved.
   
   The photos, of course , speak a thousand words, because they actually show what "storybook style" actually is.
   
   
   Living in Puget Sound, we just don't see too many "storybook style" homes out here, so it was just wonderful to find a book in which this interesting style of architecture was explained and shown (ie: mainly in California).
   
   Although, we do see many "TUDOR STYLE" homes out here in the Northern Pacific Northwest, we do,however, not see any "storybook homes". Thus, it was actually nice to find a book that explains the difference between Tudor and Storybook Architecture.
   
   Formally trained architects may not view this "storybook style" as an architectural style per se, however, the author of this book explains how Hollywood influenced this style greatly, and how eventually it became a "style" that was different from the actual Tudor style. As stated before in my previous statements: photos speak a thousand words.
   



2. This book offered plenty of ideas in my restoration and planning process of my tudor home. Great buy for the $$$



3. Having grown up in Southern California in the 50 and 60's I fell in love with the storybook house and my grand aspiration was to at least live in one if not own one.
   My dream almost came true because in the 60's many Orange County houses were built with storybook features; diamond pane windows, shake roofs, cat slides - they weren't as wonderful as the masonary models, but, still fun. Unfortunately, these house were updated with asbestos shingle roofs, the windows were removed for double pane. The character was diminished, but not completely lost. You can still see these houses in Anaheim in the neighborhoods surrounding Disneyland. What a perfect setting for a fairytale style.
   And I recommend this book as a nostalgic look back and a real joy to read.



4. I received this as a Christmas gift and promptly took it to Christmas dinner that night... the entire family enjoyed flipping through the book (and were eager to buy their own copies). Beautiful pictures of unique and gorgeous homes, with some neat historical/factual information to boot. My favorite homestyle. The pictures gave me great ideas for my own cottage home.



5. A BEAUTIFUL LOOK AT WHIMSICAL HOMES FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART - THE BEST I'VE SEEN ON THE SUBJECT -

4 comments about Refabricating Architecture: How Manufacturing Methodologies are Poised to Transform Building Construction.

1. There are some good ideas on this book, but most of it looks like a manager's meeting powerpoint presentation. There is Too much common sense and simple diagrams. I really expected more.



2. The overall strength of this work is the reminder to architects to look outside their field for inspiration, investigation, and implementation. Process is approached as beyond just "design process" to physical fabrication methodologies in various industries and the architectural conclusions are drawn from a comparative perspective.
   
   The initial theme seems to be interpreted as a mechanized approach void of craft but upon further digestion the intention is to celebrate craft in architecture, the approach the authors have taken in practice.
   
   I applaud the efforts to take what could have been a quite cumbersome topic and distilling it in a concise and intentional way.



3. In this book, the authors compared the present construction process of buildings to that of the automobile, ship building and aerospace industry. This is not new (remember Towards a New Architecture?). While Corb's book talked about end products, this talks about processes. Indeed, the authors presented some impressive research evidence on how the building construction industry can learn from these neighbors by sharing many common features of process and final product between industries.

   However, what is not clear as an example, is the articulated, and perhaps even necessitated need for a building to emulate the joint tolerances of a car or an airplane. While the latter can sometimes determine the life and death of the user, a "half-inch tolerance" on a hospital facade will occur over the "millimeters" simply because there is no pragmatic need for such an emulation. This is, of course, not even an excuse for the lack of craft, but a statement that there should be a real need presented before a necessitated manifestation in form to occur. One simply should not look over to the greener pastures for the sake of doing so. The book is peppered with many such unclear determination and one has to really specify what kind of architecture does what, in a rather blunt way, before assuming with this pretense that emulation is good. Spirit of the Age has erred twice now over the raison d'etre.

   The second major criticism for this book is the uncritical constant comparision between the building and the . As much as I can appreciate the way automakers think of creative ways to make money from us, the allegedly "creative" folks through the streamlining of the process, a car differs vastly from a building because of context. Sure, context is too well hyped these days but surely we can speak the same for a plane or car in any context but we cannot do the same for every building we make. A car is driven in Asia or Europe but a building, as the authors noted, does not move very much. Context, therefore, as well as the ill-defined problem space of design is the problem here.

   Thirdly, one cannot talk about refabricating architecture without commenting on the economical, labor structure of our society. Who are the conceptual workers of this industry? What is their wage and labor structure like? We simply cannot compare industry to industry on such a macro-scale because some fundamental aspect, though microscopic at this scale, dictates much of the process. The automobile or aerospace engineer can streamline their methods compared to architectural designers because of a marked difference between their wage, working and corporate conditions. What about forms of insurance, legal laws governing these different industries? All these are "form-makers" of the design process too. One cannot proceed to such an unbridled admiration of other design processes without at least commenting on these discrepancies.

   The only salvation, in my opinion, of this book, remains to be the salvation of an architect's vision (architects, in this case of two authors). The very last part of the book displayes what modern architects are trained best to do, a marketable vision, possibly manifested in physical or representational format. While this remained as one of the rare books out there to tackle difficult topics of architectural process and methods, it needs a rigorous rework and editing (and perhaps peer review) before what is simplistically presented can be deemed as a useful reference for folks out there who is trying to do what the authors intended.

   As a last reminder, F. Brunelleschi had the might of the Medici's empire backing him when he invented the cranework or the shell of the Dome. One simply cannot compare singularities in history with the challenges that the small to medium size offices face in this country everyday.

   (The author of this review is not an Architect, but is interested in design in the larger context.)




4. Once again, Stephen Kieran and his firm has put out a great book on Architecture. He has totally transformed modern Architecture and taken it to another level. Seeing his work first hand is truly a treat for those of you interested in this field. A gold Medal - Congratulations !

5 comments about Materials, Structures, and Standards: All the Details Architects Need to Know But Can Never Find.

1. This book is so helpful in my studies. I would highly recommend it to anyone in the profession, or students trying to get an edge in class.



2. architectural graphic standard ALWAYS checked out in the library? and all you need to know is how wide the turning radius needs to be for this stupid parking lot? yea i've been there billions of times. my friends at school all started buying this book as a quick reference and it has great information inside. it's by no means exhaustive, but it definitely has enough to get a student by. the information is written and organized in a very accessible way. i highly recommend this book



3. I purchased this book because I had experience borrowing a copy of a friend. It helps when you want to keep working, but need to get specifics. This was you don't have to fish through the Internet for standards, they are easily available in the book.



4. The person who reviewed this book and gave it two stars was definitely unaware of what the book was meant to be. I would NEVER replace graphic standards or any other set of architectural data. However, it is a WONDERFUL quick reference guide for people just starting out in the field. It gives some easy ADA info, some AIA sheet numbering, and other easy to use reference material. I agree with the person that said an architecture student and intern would get the most use out of it. That said, it should be on every student's and intern's studio desk.



5. I am a licensed architect, and have been in professional practice now for 15 years. I thought this book was going to offer me some of the common reference tables I need, or perhaps some of the general ADA measurements that must be exact, but it fell well short of my expectations.
   
   It's not really suitable for anyone in the design profession, and I think much of the book is littered with detailing and CAD standards that are not necessary for your normal do-it-yourselfer or home builder. I think it may be appropriate for architecture students, however, it really does not have sufficient information to instruct students, and much of the material selection information and detailing is flat elementary.

5 comments about Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design.

1. If your son or daughter is thinking, contemplating, dreaming, or planning on a career in architecture please buy this book for them and be sure they read it cover to cover. My son went to Catholic University's 3 week architecture camp this past summer and enjoyed a speech by Dr. Lee Waldrep, associate dean at neighboring University of Maryland's architecture school. After the speech Dr. Waldrep gave each attendee a copy of this book. Dr. Waldrep made quite an impression on my son as he announced after the camp that he also wanted to investigate Maryland, a school not initially on his college list. I saw the book at home and read it in two nights (295 pages). The book is laid out and presented in a way that offers "real world" insight, from noted architects, about the profession and what it takes to become an architect. This profession's "passion" really jumps out of each page as successful architects describe their education, interests, challenges, influences, etc. For me, the parent of a young aspiring architect, I felt very proud that my son has chosen such an interesting and respected profession. Well done Dr. Waldrep...and thank you!



2. If you are exploring design careers for the first time, this book is a must read! Waldrep skillfully coalesces insights from various faculty, students, and practitioners in order to provide a depth and breadth that is normally missing from typical career guides. There is advice on everything from the definition of architecture to establishing a design career, and everything in between; this advice cemented my intent to apply to a graduate program in architecture and urban planning.
   
   I really loved the diversity of viewpoints expressed in the book. Modernists, neo-traditionalists, nontraditional students, traditional students, deans, and admissions professionals all have their own ideas about what attributes are necessary for a good architect, how to choose an academic program, and what employers look for. Finally, the text was so fun to read that I finished it the same day I received it and plan to read it again.



3. One of my daughters is very interested in becoming an architect and this is an ideal book for her. I think any young person of even an undergraduate college student considering this career path will find this book very helpful.
   
   I appreciate that the book asks and answers the most likely questions a young person will ask or should ask about the career. Even more I appreciate that the author has brought in a broad range of practicing architects to answer than and share their views. This range of opinions and suggestions is quite helpful. It also has the benefit of being interesting.
   
   There are five chapters, the first provides some definition of what an architect is by talking about the wide range of things architects do, and helps the prospective architect think through if such a career is for them. The important skills of architects are also discussed.
   
   Chapter two talks about the education of an architect and even gets back into childhood toys, books and activities. For the high school student considering this career they suggest which courses are most beneficial for the student. They also discuss the licensing, paths to various degrees and what they are needed for. Appendix B also gives a list of accredited architecture programs. There is also information about the application programs and academic enrichment.
   
   Chapter three talks about how to gain experience as a student, how to get noticed, what hiring companies look for, and moving towards licensure. Chapter four helps the student design her career and what the options are. Chapter five lets the participants in this book speak about their wide range of views of the future of architecture. Appendix A provides a resource list for architects - professional organizations, institutions, community service, recommended reading, and websites.
   
   All great stuff, very readable, and with lots of interesting illustrations and photographs.
   
   Very good!



4. I don't know. I expect this book to have more information than it is. There's not much content but too many interview. In fact the whole book is all about the interview from different people in different architecture backgrounds.
   
   It may be a good book to those who want to knwo more about architecture, to architecture students who have never had internship before. Since I already worked for more than one year in architecture firms, I feel this book contains much less information than I expect.
   
   Anyway, it's just my personal opinion. Hope it helps.



5. A coffee table book; This is not a "cover-to-cover" read that teaches one how to become an architect. It does, however, provide a range of possibilities for the futures of aspiring architects. It is compiled of interviews with different professionals, preceded and concluded with resourceful information about schooling, exams, licenture, etc. It does present "answers" in a way, through examples of different paths and interests that lead to the varied careers in architecture. I would recommend this to students, in particular, who are considering an education/career in architecture: at moments while reading the book I felt insecure about my contrary approach to architecture; at other points while reading, I felt confident in the ability to relate my approach. It is reassuring to read the first-hand experiences of persons who are already at the point where I may be some day.

5 comments about Traditional Construction Patterns: Design and Detail Rules-of-Thumb.

1. For those who want to put the home back into the house this book explains how traditional detailing works and why it makes us feel so comfortable. It's a technical manual and a spriitual inspiration.



2. Mr. Mouzon has written a very informative book about both the terminology of architecture elements, and the reasons behind traditional construction design that just "looks right".
   
   As someone who grew up in the building trade, most of my architecture terminology was limited, just as architecture elements implemented in most recent homes have been likewise limited. For example, the full range of classical entablature elements are seldom used today, and therefore the terminology describing those elements are not common in construction use. This book has an excellent chapter on architecture lexicon complete with a depiction of each element for ease of reference. This lexicon is very useful when describing homes built at the first of last century or earlier, and will hopefully come into use again as McMansions start rediscovering the beauty (and distinctiveness) of properly implemented classical design elements.
   
   Concerning the appearance of correct design, this book does a great job of explaining why certain building elements are perceived as being "right" while other elements are perceived as being "not right". Originally I purchased this book so to provide guidance in the renovation of an 1884 Victorian home I purchased - I want to add on to the house but in a way that blends seamlessly into the existing structure - but found it more useful in explaining my negative visceral reaction to certain home designs I've witnessed over time, including most of the McMansions being erected in my current tear-down neighborhood of Dallas. Many of the "not right" elements I have seen are thoroughly detailed in this book - too many gables, too many different materials used on the facade, a hodge-podge of window shape and sizes, improperly scaled columns and porches, etc. I've jokingly told my wife that if another house close to mine is purchased to be torn down, I'm going to personally deliver this book to the builder with the instructions to read it before any construction plans are finalized!
   
   This book would best benefit someone in the building trade that doesn't have a strong architecture background, someone who wants to build their own mid-to high-end home, or someone who builds spec homes of that range, all without the input of a competent architect. For the person who is building a lower-ended home many of these rules of thumbs just aren't financially attainable, though an awareness of the other applicable rules of thumbs will keep a muddled design at bay.
   
   I will continue to use this book both as a lexicon dictionary and design reference when, in the near future, I return to the building industry.



3. I only wish I had known about this book six months earlier! We're attempting to build a period-inspired colonial house. I was so dissatisfied with the house plans I saw that I decided to just design the house myself using library books and determination. I wanted to build something beautiful and the "anti-McMansion". If only I had had this book earlier we would've done so many things differently: my second floor windows would've been shorter to accommodate all the stuff that's supposed to be under the eaves but now won't fit. I would've put the little stoop in a different spot. My dormers would have different proportions. The only problem with reading this book is that now when I look at our house I see all the things I did wrong.



4. I am not an architect, but I am a city planner and frequently work with architects and draft zoning codes which govern architecture. To me, this book is worth the money simply for the "lexicon" at the beginning which describes and illustrates the key elements of traditional building construction. No other book I have used provides these descriptions in such a readily understandable way.
   
   Most of the book consists of a listing of "do's" and "don'ts," illustrated with photos and small drawings, that explain how each of the details should be used and work together to form a composition. I agree with one of the earlier reviewers that some of the photos are hard to read, but for the most part, it works. You may or may not share the author's strong opinions--a lot of people seem to prefer McMansions to the simpler forms of traditional architecture--but regardless of your aesthetic judgements, this book will teach you like no other how the design details come together to determine the overall look and feel of the building.



5. I am using this book to assist in the detailing of my house, which we are renovating right now. I lent it to my architect and he says it is a great resource and time saver. He will be buying himself a copy. This book provides many examples of what to do and what not to do and will allow you to focus in on those details that make homes look "just not right" and correct them before costly mistakes are made.