1 comments about Architecture in Italy, 1400-1500 (The Yale University Press Pelican History of Art).

1. This book is considered to be "the great survey" of early Renaissance architecture, and is, in fact, the only one that has ever been written covering the subject (except for a 1998 book in Italian that is really more a collection of articles). I find this lack of surveys rather surprising as Renaissance architecture is one of the most well-loved subjects in art history, and I would think that specialists, students, and laymen would demand a simple World of Art kind of treatment of the topic. The Pelican series generally does not provide this type of clear, thesis-driven introductory text, and Heydenreich's book is no exception. It is a collection of facts--a catalog of "this building was built then and it shows influence from that and the architect was so-and-so"--with minimal interpretation and explanation (we generally don't even learn what details indicate that "this" building was influenced by "that" one). A great deal of familiarity with the material is required on the part of the reader, so the text entirely failed my mission of gaining a broad understanding of quattrocento architecture. If you are well-versed in the topic and are looking for a reference, this book may be helpful; if you're looking for elucidation, it almost surely won't be. The most Heydenreich seems to be able to say about the style of buildings or the reason they were compelling to their contemporaries is that they were "perfect" and "beautiful," terms I have heard altogether too frequently (and too frequently unexplained) from Renaissance art historians. I regret that I have no better book to recommend in Heydenreich's place.

   On a somewhat different note, the binding of the paperback Pelican books is shoddy at best. By the time I had finished this book, which I did read cover to cover despite really disliking it (it's only 151 pages anyway), all of its pages were falling out!

No comments about Visionary Architecture: Blueprints of the Modern Imagination.

No comments about History of Architecture: Stonehenge to Skyscrapers.

5 comments about Hudson Valley Ruins: Forgotten Landmarks of an American Landscape.

1. Those who value the Hudson Valley's unique history and beauty must use this book to fight for restoration, preservation and conservation of the human landscape of our precious River!



2. If you have a love of the Hudson River Valley and you wonder what happened to structures you've heard about, but can't find, then you'll enjoy this book. I was also fascinated to learn of buildings I never knew existed and what is being done to save some derelict buildings still standing that are near collapse. This is a very well researched book too. I'd call this a savory read if old structures or the Hudson River shoreline is of interest to you.



3. Ruins (mainly abandoned buildings): eyesores or "romantic embodiments of a historical past"? The authors, in this superbly written and magnificently illustrated book, argue passionately for the latter, and have chosen 85 sites found in the Hudson Valley between Albany and Yonkers to prove their point. Old mansions, mills, manufacturing plants, railroad stations, even Sing Sing prison are described in historical detail and lovingly photographed; scores of black and white photos and a center section of nearly 20 color prints accompany the text. And it's the text that really makes this a stand-out book in the field of local history: the historical sketches for most of the sites are thorough and elaborate in scope. In tracing these ruins of the Hudson Valley, which are many and varied, the authors also trace the history of "ruin appreciation" itself, from early artistic projections to modern debates over urban renewal vs. preservation. This is local history at its best.



4. This book is chock full of information about abandonded places(obviously within the Hudson Valley Region). I honestly wish there were some more detailed photographs of some of these places, but i imagine i might be able to find them on the internet somewhere.Dont get me wrtong There are alot of photographs of the locations and places, and a color plate section in the center but they are like brief narriations of places that could be shown in so much more detail. I can honestly recommend this book to anyone interested in urban decay, preservation of old places, or interested in those abandonded places from times past. Urban Explorers might also find this book of some use as well.



5. This book is well-researched and well-written. A must-have piece of work for anyone interested in or involved in preservation.

1 comments about Introduction to Engineering Construction Inspection.

1. I've found that this book is ideal guide to junior Civil Engineers, like me, working in supervision field. It puts your feet on the correct path. Thanks to Mr. Fisk and Mr. Rapp for their great efforts.

No comments about The Landlord's Troubleshooter: A Survival Guide for New Landlords.

1 comments about Sensory Design.

1. The opening salvo in what promises to be the new turf wars of design. Though limited to architecture and attendant arts, the battle royale will be enjoined in brand, package and product design -- commercial arts are now the true avant garde of design practice.
   
   I found Chapter 11 ("Sensory Schematics") to be the most engaging and practical, and have been using my own variation of the authors' "sensory slider" for years.
   
   My firm's invention of what we call NeuroDesignTM offers new and fruitful options for companies looking to capture, clarify and magnify the emotionally resonant components of their visual messaging.
   
   It is heartening to see, finally, serious effort being put into this arena by architects.

No comments about Architecture for Sport.

No comments about Handbook of Landscape Archaeology (World Archaeological Congress Research Handbooks).

1 comments about When Brazil Was Modern: A Guide to Architecture, 1928-1960.

1. Este libro es un catalogo de los mas afamados y no tan afamados arquitectos brasileiros. Como todo catalogo nos deja con el deseo de ver mas, pero de repente para eso sirven los catalogos. Sin embargo, me deja con el vacio de entender el contexto en que se insertan todas estas obras y las practicas profesionales de quienes la producen.