3 comments about Content.

1. First of all, it is very disappointed. This book is basically just hard to read. It may seem interesting at first opening it because of the layout and how pictures are organized. Although some ideas are presented in a very creative way, but really, the ideas are presented without telling the reader where the idea going to expand or how can it go further. Basically got nothing out of it after reading this book. Maybe when he made fun of Martha Steward, it was quite interesting.. but so what... what does she have to do with architecture...err yea..



2. For those used to Koolhaas' fun and games, you will enjoy pouring over his latest catalog of ideas. It has the look and feel of a thick magazine moreso than a book, packed with an astonishing range of project, op-ed pieces and cuttings from the chaotic world we live in. But, for those new to Koolhaas, you may want to check out Delirious New York or S,M,L,XL first.

   This book has a sharper political content to it but the cover is little more than a hook. There are some good articles to pour over such as "Re-Learning from Las Vegas," in which Koolhaas interviews Robert Venturi and Denise Scott-Brown. The cover story seems to be "Violence against Architecture," in which Bill Millard offers "tales from the front lines of the war on the city." Koolhaas can't resist promoting himself, noting his Projects on the City, and re-exploring Lagos and Beijing. He also showcases the Seattle Public Library and some of the newest projects he has on the boards. There are his usual witty allusions such as "Miestakes" and "Big Vermeer," but for the most part this book seems to be a celebration of the urban chaos that has resulted in recent years, thanks in large part to globalization. Unfortunately, there isn't a very sharp focus. Most of the images are just eye candy and the articles don't have much weight to them. Still, you can't beat the price and there is plenty to look at.




3. The latest Koolhaas and the gang book (actually a paperback) is summed up in the Editor's letter on page sixteen, part of which reads "Content is a follow-up to 'SMLXL', an inventory of seven years of OMA's tireless labor. In many ways it is structured according to what its predecessor is not-dense, cheap, disposable".

   The 546 pages are a textual and visual pot-pourri of articles, mostly architecturally related with several general interest items thrown in, like the one about Martha Stewart and her views on eastern lifestyles, or 'Red Radio', the story of the Cold War fight for Africa's airwaves (no, really) and if you get frustrated trying to read some of the tiny type that inevitably gets used in this type of book you can look at a few ads that are scattered throughout the pages.

   I bought the book for its strong visual interest (it is mostly visual) and the seventy-six articles are presented in all sorts of graphic ways, from the nearly unreadable 'Junk Space' which stretches over ten pages of text in one continuous paragraph to the rather fascinating 'Yes/No' using a clever collage technique to explain the rise and fall of the global economy. The pace is unrelenting with colorful whiz-bang graphics and photos from pages one to 546.

   Perhaps the most interesting chapter is the penultimate one devoted to the work of OMA-AMO since the publication of 'SMLXL', unfortunately the huge amount of information is presented in nearly unreadable paragraphs over twenty-seven pages. To quote the Editor's Letter again "Content is, beyond all, a tribute to what are perhaps OMA-AMO's greatest virtues - its courage, its dogged, almost existential pursuit of discomfort, its commitment to engage the world by inviting itself to places where it has no authority, places where it doesn't 'belong'". I'll certainly drink to that!

3 comments about Metapolis Dictionary of Advanced Architecture: City, Technology and Society in the Information Age.

1. I read and annotated an uncountable number of pages in this dictionary. Some people would say it is not easy to digest such a book in the literary way : IT IS A DICTIONARY !!! It has so many fresh ideas and concepts, you will never get such a dense concentrate of inspiration by subscribing to any architecture magazine for a year.
   
   It is a massive book, and it is an incredible source of references, it is precious for anyone doing research (theoretical, applied), looking for inspiration to create forms, new relations. It just blew my mind, changed my vision on what architecture, urbanism, social sciences can be. Open any page, you will be surprised and inspired.
   
   The many authors are -for most- radical, restless, passionnated, and they make no compromises with the content, celebrate what is good and promising and attacking the filth. In other publications of ACTAR (maybe the most exciting publisher on the world of architecture today (based in Catalunya Spain)) some contributors developed the philosophy called "Operative Optimism" (OPOP!) (sold on amazon too here :
   http://www.amazon.com/Operative-Optimism-Federico-Soriano/dp/8495951606 ) and you can feel in this dictionnary the same constructive and playful energy. I haven't seen the Operative Optimism philosophical influence in enough construction out there, but I believe it is the spirit that underlies a generation of coming architects, entrepeneurs and citizens... Let's do it, organised, innovative, totally fun !
   
   I just love it : it is curious, creative, useful, dense, generous.
   I wish I took part of it...
   Run, get it !!!



2. This book has an interesting thrust behind it; to understand current ideas of urbanism and architecture theory, don't produce a timeless resource; instead, construct an index committed to the moment, that is destined to begin its obsolescence the second it's printed. It's best quality is its cluttered, jumbled design which floods you with imagery and conceptual points of departure.
   
   Sadly, it seems that 2/3rds of architecture education is deliberate obfuscation; people muddying their waters so as to appear deep. Like much of the worst theory, this operates from a "We're so clever, that what we're saying can't be summarized." viewpoint that complicates simple ideas. If you're not into theoretical hair-splitting you're in for a rough time.
   
   The books worst quality is it's fetishing of neologism. For complete annoyance you could look up these idiotic entries: 'benidorm' or 'mmm.' Other one-line entries for epic concepts that don't even offer fundamentals, are so broad as to be useless; look up 'colours!' (Say... that was useless!). No this isn't the book I'd turn to for a deep understanding of color but why include an entry at all?
   
   At it's worst this is a coy, academic in-joke that worships jargon, in an attempt to influence the lexicon. ('delynneate,' get it? Greg Lynn...). At it's best it's an exhilarating look at ideas that may have a shelf-life of decades or a few months, relievedly free of blob worshipping.



3. As an architecture student, I have found this book to be a valuable resource in terms of idea generation and development of design concepts. My professor, who practices architecture and makes use of the book on a professional level, recommended it to my classmates and I - I have used it ever since. Not only does it link terms with architectural concepts developed by well known and celebrated designers, it includes a number of interesting colour images. I highly recommend this to design students and professionals in any field, especially architecture. Happy reading!

No comments about Arts & Architecture, 1945-54: The Complete Reprint.

2 comments about Beautiful Brushstrokes Step by Step.

1. I highly recommend this person. The shipping was fast and I was very pleased with the item I purchased. Thank You!



2. I found the book to be a wonderful asset. Maureen McNaughton is a wonderful artist and a good teacher. Her skills carry through this book in both areas. It is a totally different type of decorative painting.

1 comments about Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life.

1. I finished reading Biophilic Design--having read every chapter--on a recent trip. I think it is one of the most important design books ever written, not just in the decade. Readers should know that this book is not just for architects, builders, designers or city planners. Its rich array of chapters brings the message, with clear and compelling examples, to life for any of us who care about creating spaces and places where nature and culture are in a vibrant, beautiful, and healthy balance. Everyone benefits--from individuals to families to whole communities.

5 comments about Hints on Household Taste: The Classic Handbook of Victorian Interior Decoration.

1. Restore your old Victorian era home to what it could have been like when it was first built.



2. Purchased the book because of its influence of this author on William Morris and the later Arts and Craft Movement. The author spoke as an architect who emphasized purchasing well crafted items and goods for the home, and design the entire home with one simple theme throughout the entry hall to the bedrooms. It had an influence on the Arts and Craft designers who started to incorporate textiles, pottery, furniture, and metal works for all of the customer's needs.
   
   Beyond the historic references, the book was revealing to the modern designer and family seeking household purchases. All of us inherit lousy furniture and then buy one item at a time, and wonder why the house does not fit together. The author clearly states that we must know and seek out specific items that fit and go together to create a livable



3. We'd bought an Eastlake Victorian which had been restored inside and out. As we desired to furnish appropriate to period (1890), this book was a fine beginner's/general guide to style lines, detail, and what to avoid. Also helpful in choosing furniture pieces, draperies, and objets d'art. No color pictures except the cover, so one might want to purchase another similar book with pictures of restored rooms in similar homes for color guidance, trims, room set-up, etc.



4. Well-written and informative, but did not fill the need I had. I was looking for something with illustrations and the few line drawings included did not help. Still, I rate it four stars, because it was well-written.



5. Moving from a country primitive home to a 1890's Victorian home that needed restoration in every single room, this book was my bible! Charles Eastlake (credited with wonderful Eastlake style)explains how, why and where to do every room from the screens to the windows to the walls to the floors. His simple diagrams and easy to read explanations made restoring much easier. With still a few rooms to finish, the book never leaves my bedside table (which, of course, is Eastlake style!)

1 comments about Ultimate Hotel Design.

1. This book offers a serious, well-informed, insider view of the hotels currently at the avant-garde of interior designing. Many of the properties illustrated represent "la creme de la creme" of the hotel industry in the past decade; and least to say are well worth staying at.
   
   I would particularly recommend this fascinating book to the experienced traveler who takes pride in indulging him or herself in an ambience of exclusiveness and inspiration. A must have!

No comments about The Architecture of Parking.

4 comments about Architectural Programming: Information Management for Design.

1. A very poor example of out an out of date way of architectural planning. The process goes in and out of favor like hemlines and should not be used as textbook as it is full of generalizations and broad unsubstantiated opinions by author. An appalling mix of the relevant with the irrelevant



2. As far as I know, this is the Omnibus of Programming reference books. As was said before, it is not something you just sit down and read, but it is a great reference and should get your head straightened out on how to handle producing a good programming document. I'd suggest marking pages 24-25, (the Issues and Facts checklists. These come in handy) as well as page 73, Concept Diagrams. If you are still a student, page 73 will go a long way toward getting to the version of "simple and clear" your particular prof expects. Just grit your teeth and pay the price for this one, because you'll need it!



3. Transaction was ok, but Amazon waited 8 days to ship my book, and I had already been in class for 5 days by the time it arrived. A little disappointing...



4. This book provides several ways of gathering and organizing information during the programming phase of design. This is not a book to sit down and read in an afternoon, but worthwhile of having in a reference library.

5 comments about How to Keep a Sketchbook Journal.

1. I like both the layout and the pictures in the book. I found it very inspiring and a good addition to my sketch library.



2. This book not only has great ideas for sketchbook journals, but wonderful detailed lessons on pen & ink work and watercolor techniques. I wouldn't say it was directed at beginning artists, thought. This is more geared to drawing & painting than actual journaling.



3. I got this book for Christmas and it was a rather nice gift. The copy that was sent to me was a bit imperfect on the cover but I was much pleased with the content. The author presents good tips on how to choose a journal type, the right medium for you and adequate tools, type of drawing, how to draw basic forms and more sophisticated images, what details you should write on your journal, etc.
   
   The images in the book are very nice and they vary in sophistication so they are not intimidating. Even if you really don't know how to draw, there are very nice ideas on how to start, for example use plant leaves to make prints and add details with pencils, paints, etc. Another great thing is that the author advises you to research the subjects of your drawings further, instead of just drawing them.
   
   Overall, I was rather pleased. Now, if only this book would come alive and send me out the door...



4. Really, this book is good. But to tell you the truth, there's not
   much of a 'journal' enthusiasm than I wanted. If you're looking
   for how to draw, what you need type of book, than this will be
   a good book for you. I recommend Pencil Dancing or Making Pearls.



5. This is more of a "how to draw and paint" book than about keeping a journal. It is packed with plenty of drawings in mixed media from pencil to pen to watercolor and a blend of all of them.

   I must say the book is attractive. The format is like a wider-than-long sketchbook, bound attractively with a wide hessian cloth band. But the drawings didn't do anything for me most of the time, though the butterflies were nicely done. There is a very handy schematic for sewing a field drawing and painting carryall to carry your book and implements with you in the field. That was a nice touch.

   I already have a library of art instruction books, and that wasn't what I expected from the title. This book just doesn't have enough "journal" content for me, nor do I like the style of drawings so this isn't my cup of tea. However, you might like the style and the art lessons, so your opinion may differ completely from mine.