5 comments about Art of Natural Building.

1. Build your green home using one of the many different styles presented in this book. Make your home a truly healthy one.



2. A great introduction into Natural Building. It portrays different styles of natural building; Straw Bale, cob, Adobe, cordwood, earth bags, compressed earth bags, stone, timber, wattle and daub, earthbag and paper crete. There is also a section on earthships. The book also talks about designing a healthy Natural House. A great book that anyone interested in building Green would like.



3. This is a very interesting book. It's mostly not about natural building, but rather a book about alternative wall building. Of the four major parts of a house - foundation, floors, walls, roof - this is an awful lot of information about walls, and very little else. Foundations covered in a few cursory pages, almost nothing on roofs, and nothing on floors at all, except for ground level earthen floors.

   There is less world-saving going on than meets the eye. Almost all the bad stuff whether large amounts of timber, or reviled composites is in the roofs, floors, and foundations. When it comes to having wildflowers as part of the roof, they even embrace some pretty nasty membrane products.

   There is also a fair amount of self-delusion going on. In the section on timber frames the author mentions the savings to be had by timber framed walls vs. stud walls, but makes no mention of the unsustainable old growth used in timber frames. Nor does he mention that the infill to timber frames is either the same studwalls he claimed to avoid using, or highly toxic SIPs. in total most timber buildings are built twice once for the frame, and enough infill material to again carry all structural loads. The same comments can be made about straw bale, cordwood and so forth, often as much wood is used avoiding studs as using them.

   Natural building is completely unlikely to make an ounce of green difference in the West. It mainly won't be used, and where it is, it will just be another trophy home "look". Still it's all great stuff for dreamers, and the odd few who will actually build their own little earthship.

   Because of all the authors contributing, the standard of information is highly inconsistent, but in the main good. Do we really need to read after 200 pages a section on timber framing that starts from theoretical constructs like what is architecture and engineering, and works on to maters even more obscure? Nonetheless, there is solid information throughout the book.




4. This book gives you a very good taste of all the natural alternative building techniques, and also where to find out more information on them. This is an excellent book for you to start researching all the different alternative building techniques or if your already well read on the subject it may introduce you to some new techniques or be a good refresher on the subject.



5. This is a great place to start your research if you are interested in natural building. Web sites, resorce books and organizations are listed at the end of each chapter. This book started my career in natural home building.

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.

1 comments about Close-Up: How to Read the American City (Phoenix Book; P863).

1. Close-Up is a fun and friendly guide to thinking about American cities generically. With it you can begin to understand why cities look the way they do, why they are organized the way they, and ewhy they change the way they change. I have used this book teaching urban theory to both undergraduates and graduate students, and they have found it eye-opening; it made them see their city in a whole new way. The drawings are fun and informative. Though this book was written in 1973, which makes some of its examples dated, the insights it gives into urban form are not dated at all, and should be useful well into the 21st century.

3 comments about Herzog & de Meuron: Natural History (Herzog & de Meuron).

1. H & DeM have always been influenced by art & you can even argue that their body of work could be an entire exhibiton. This book follows up some of their selected projects with interviews of the architects themselves as well as the collaborative artists. It does well to probe into theie unique process of design & actualization of their work. Jaques Herzog says that Art is roughly 20 years ahead of architecture. This vivid book clearly shows the great accomplishments by two men who are constantly trying to even up the odds between art & architecture through inspirations from the natural world.



2. I don't think this is an "object book" but a book in which herzog & de meuron want readers to understand their work like an archaelogical history. you cannot flip through it like an photographic architectural essay, but you really have to sit down, have a cup of coffee/tea, and really read the book, think about what they are saying, how other ideas such as art, history, materials, cultural, industrial changes, and etc. are interacting to their architectural process. certainly, they have the depth in their thoughts to publish a book that doesn't depend on photographs/architectural drawings. quite refreshing.



3. Another object book with content that matches the originality of the design. Herzog & De Meuron, the Basel-based architects, are best known for their art museums, but also for creating buildings that are works of art--even when the program is as mundane as a railroad signal box. This companion to the recent CCA exhibition is an anthology of interviews, stimulating essays by artists and clients, and pictures of objects that have inspired them, in addition to an illustrated catalogue of their 200 buildings and projects. (Michael Webb is the book reviewer for LA Architect magazine.)

3 comments about Salmela Architect.

1. This is a handsome book, well organized and full of excellent photographs and clear, readable plan and elevation drawings. It is a wonderful addition to the library of anyone interested in thoughtful and articulate architecture. Salmela's work is beautiful and rich, and this book does it justice. I'm very glad to have this in my library.



2. This book is a lyrical tribute to the work of Minnesota architect David Salmela. The text is knowledgeable and engaging (Fisher is dean of the U of M's College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture), and the large format photographs are beautiful and vivid, inviting the viewer to "walk right in." Highly recommended for anyone interested in architecture, interior design or photography!



3. I was introduced to Salmela's work through some friends living in Minnesota. One wintry weekend we toured his Jackson Meadow subdivision, taking our time to examine nearly every property: the specific architecture of each structure, the landscaping, and the feel of the development as a whole. Our feelings were substantially complex, ranging from awe and intrigue to doubt and disturbance. But Salmela's signature on the land was definitely singular, and we all agreed that in some way, his work had blended with the natural world.
   
   This book is a great primer for entering Salmela's world. The photography is clean and expansive and the chosen sites are almost all spectacular. In particular, the coverage of Jim Brandenburg's home is noteworthy. Salmela's work on Brandenburg's property is spectacular and resonant with Falling Waters in my humble opinion.
   
   If you are a Midwesterner interested in architecture, buy this book and enjoy.

No comments about Garden Cities of To-Morrow (Faber Paper Covered Editions).

3 comments about Integrated Buildings: The Systems Basis of Architecture.

1. In this book, the reader is exposed to the integrated building concept through the exposition of theory, and the presentation of individual case studies. The case studies are organized into seven categories: Laboratories, Offices, Airport Terminals, Pavilions, Residential Architecture, High Tech Architecture, and Green Architecture.

   The author states, "What gravity is to structure...ecology is to Green." Through the case studies, icons of modern architecture, located all over the planet, are examined via an analysis of their systems. Through this vehicle, the reader learns from the masters.

   Each case study starts with a project description accompanied by a fact sheet. Program is broken down into client, brief, site, and climate. The case studies are enriched with biographical information on the individual architects. The analyses continue with details of intent, critical technical issues, etc., and conclude with a discussion of the success of the different aspects of the project.

   To quote the author, "this book shows how case studies can be used to understand the integration of building systems and how inquiry into integration contributes to architectural success."

   A mastery of the concepts in Leonard Bachman's book can arm the architect with valid thought processes to free his/her design intuition from the constraints prevalent in early 21st century construction management.

   This book serves both as a reminder of ancient regional responses to climate and site, and a preparation for understanding the symbiotic building technologies now being built by world class practitioners.




2. Architects want to learn from each other and from the great architecture of the world. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible for anyone (even an architect) to observe a completed building and understand all the issues that were considered and how they were ultimately integrated--or it has been, until now.

   Bachman has prepared an incredibly valuable resource that explains not only the theory and concepts behind integrated design, but illustrates them with thirty-one diverse case studies brimming with photographs, plans, sections, and pertinent data. This is a must-read for every architect and architecture student, yet it also will be of interest to anyone with an appreciation for the built environment.




3. Design depends on intuition but intuition itself depends on a base of knowledge. Leonard Bachman contributes handsomely to that base in his new book. His "systems basis of architecture" is clearly described both in theory and practice. His case studies begin with indigenous traditions and then follow their transmissions and adaptations of method in a rich matrix of more recent examples. His approach is at the same time insightful and informative, a powerful combination of great value to students of architecture.

No comments about Envisioning Architecture: Drawings from The Museum of Modern Art.

5 comments about Santa Barbara Style.

1. you just can't go wrong with these series of books, I have them all and they are outstanding



2. As an interior designer, several of my colleagues mentioned that this was the most requested style from their newer clients. I thought there would be more current interiors, referring to a new style. It was more of a historical chronicle of design in Santa Barbara, for exteriors and interiors. It is a nice book, but not exactly what I expected.



3. Im building a santa barbara style house and I was disappointed. Not a lot of details. Sure some pics of some SB mansions but not enough photos or details to actually do anything with this book. I guess if you are into SB history it might be OK, otherwise save yourself the $. You will be done browsing it in about 10 minutes and never use it again.



4. This is an amazing photo essay about the Spanish Architecture of Santa Barbara. I own several books like this and this is my favorite.Casa California: Spanish-Style Houses From Santa Barbara to San Clemente



5. Such a beautiful book, recommended by our architect and builder for obtaining ideas on building a real Spanish Colonial or Revival house. The landscape designs were fantastic as well. Another reader wanted to see "beach shacks" and was disappointed by this book. I lived in Santa Barbara for 6 years and I can tell you have never traveled there. No beach shacks in Santa Barbara. Try along the eastern seaboard coastline.

4 comments about Erwin Hauer: Continua-Architectural Screen and Walls.

1. If you want a book that can be used as a tool for deriving patterns and architectural forms, this is a great book to add to the library. Very innovative works.



2. this book is done very nicely and provides me with aesthetic and informative material !!



3. Excellent b+w illustrations and clear layout. Very informative and inspiring works.



4. The Greeks used the word LOGOS to refer to reasonable speech, articulated reasoning expressed in words. Our modern word LOGIC derives from this root. Erwin Hauer has, over the many years of his career as a working artist, elaborated a visible LOGOS, a logos not of words but of forms. These forms were initially realized to serve a commercial, architectural purpose -- they were built as walls or screens -- but the logic they embody will delight, or thrill, any observer who pays close attention to the display they present. One comes to suspect that this logic, and not just the commercial commision that occasioned them, is the driving force behind Hauer's investigation.

   The book is designed and produced with an eye towards clarity and precision, making it totally in sympathy with the vision it presents. Anyone who enjoys seeing an idea recognized, seized, and elaborated with intense concentration will enjoy this book.