No comments about Architect's Eye: Visualization and Depiction of Space in Architecture.

2 comments about Competing Globally in Architecture Competitions (Architecture in Practice).

1. There are few reference materials available to the architectural competitor and this release in Wiley's Architecture in Practice series by Stanley Collyer proves to be quite unique in the information presented. Rarely do we have access to the rather mysterious jury process, but here Collyer pulls back the veil to reveal the often controversial, behind-the-scenes deliberations. Serious competitors will find this insight useful in developing strategies for a specific jury type.
   
   Collyer presents twenty-four case studies ranging from 1995 to 2003, organized by building type. Each architect's entry and approach to the project is discussed in detail and is presented with renderings, line drawings and model photos as available. What is lacking in the presentation of the work are the actual competition boards. The arrangement of text, diagrams and drawings is often key to a successful interpretation and understanding of a proposed design.
   
   The introduction provides a cursory overview of the competition process, outlining the reasons to compete and what criteria is critical when making the decision to enter a competition (you will find that this is a bit thin on content in general). It doesn't answer all your questions but it definitely focuses you on the broader picture.



2. A great behind the scenes account. Tells you what you need to know on the competing and selection processes and the history of some of the most interesting architectural competitions in the past 2 decades. Very rich in illustrations.
   However; it does not tell you much about how to compete and what to present in order to beat the competition.

No comments about The Principles of Architectural Drafting: A Sourcebook of Techniques and Graphic Standards.

1 comments about Effective Real Estate Sales & Marketing.

1. I have read many (and when I say many I mean at least 100 or more) books on real estate, and this is by far the absolute best book. It is an easy read, but do not be surprised if it takes you a long time to read it, I find myself lost in thought and the end of each chapter, figuring out ways to implement the information. There is nothing in this book that you have never heard before, but the way it is all put together is great. I would say this book takes everything good I have read from all the other books and puts it in one place. In most of the other real estate sales books I have read, I find myself being disgusted with the "sales tactics" recommended, they made me feel sleezy just thinking about using them. So far in this book I have not come across anything like that. It is refreshing to see that the old pros that write books aren't all a bit on the shady side.
   A few months ago I opened my own brokerage, and when I start bringing other agents on board, I am strongly considering giving each a copy of this book to read, especially the agents new to the industry.

No comments about Pamphlet Architecture 23 - Move: Sites of Trauma.

2 comments about Light Structures - Structures of Light: The Art and Engineering of Tensile Architecture Illustrated by the Work of Horst Berger.

1. This is a book positioned at exactly the right level for someone interested in the concept of building with tent like features. While there are several such structures in the US and around the world, the best known is the new Denver airport. Here is a building concept that offers considerable advantages to conventional design, not the least of which is an entirely new concept in modern architecture that in turn goes back to the days of tents.
   
   The author has been involved in many, if not most of the dramatic structures built using these new techniques. While this book has somewhat of a missionaries dedication to these roof structures, it rather makes sense.
   
   This is not a book designed for engineers, it is a book designed for the concept phase. This is what an interested buyer might use to talk to an engineering firm to tell him what he wants. This is a book that an engineer might use to understand what the customer wants before he gets deeply into the software and the design.
   
   I really liked the book. I only have one argument with the author. As a very frequent flyer for many years, the new Denver airport may have a very nice roof, but the airport itself sucks. It's the worst airport I habitually used.



2. a wonderful, accessible and personal journey through an understanding of the basis and historical development of tensile membrane structures by a world renowned engineer-designer and teacher. through historic examples and his own contemporary projects, prof. berger allows the reader to grasp a scientific understanding and aesthetic appreciation for these unique structures.
   
   a must book for all architects, engineers and anyone who desires a better comprehension of light weight structures.

3 comments about California Real Estate Practice.

1. The book is poorly written, which makes it difficult to read and understand. There are very few examples. The end of each chapter has a 10 question quiz, but there are no answers included. The practices they teach in the Prospecting section are questionable.



2. This is an excellent book that covers all the basics of getting started in real estate. It goes into the systems you need to be successful, such as developing your listing presentation, servicing your listings, and advertising. Everything is here. I recommend this book highly!! (It also helped me pass the CA broker exam.)



3. This is an excellent introduction to the basics of California real estate practice. I passed the broker's exam on the first try with the help of this book, even though I had no experience as a real estate salesperson and I did not take a test-preparation course.

3 comments about Electrical and Computer Engineering: Sample Exam (Pe Exam Preparation).

1. ... I hear the book has mistakes, and I hate how each problem builds on the previous one... Will the exam do that? If you miss one, you miss them all? I don't think that is fair...



2. I took and passed the PE in 2006. Along with many other books, I used this one to prepare mainly for the afternoon session on Electronics, Communications, and Controls. A few of the problems were marginally helpful, but as the previous reviewer mentioned, there are mistakes. To help others with this test, I created my own sample test for the morning session. It available for free (no catches), with solutions, at my site (klkaiser).



3. A good practice book for the exam. I would say the problems in this book are a little bit harder than in the real exam, which is good to practice. However, this book still has many errors. A second edition is definitely needed.

No comments about Practice: Architecture, Technique and Representation (Critical Voices in Art, Theory & Culture).

No comments about Architectural Drafting: Residential and Commercial.