No comments about Beach Houses of South America.

1 comments about Hotel: Interior Structures.

1. Eleanor Curtis has done a beautiful job of capturing the outstanding nature of the hotel properties in this book. Her photographs demonstrate the unique details added to each structure, while giving a more general view of the property.

   She selected excellent features of each property to high-light, and her descriptions and photographs are to be applauded. This collection would be a perfect gift for anyone intereseted or involved with architecture or hotels or both.

2 comments about Tuscany Interiors.

1. This book did not provide any practical interior design ideas. If, however, you are into Tuscan, it would make a fabulous coffee table book.



2. Unlike most interior design idea books, this book actually has a fair number of interiors that are relevant to normal size homes and rooms. I would say that about half this book is useful for homes that aren't mansions. This is unusual, because most design books only have a few plates that are relevant to anything less than a Hearst manion. Definately a buy.

   - jim and katya preston

3 comments about The New American Cottage: Innovations in Small-Scale Residential Architecture (New American Architecture).

1. Seems less than half the examples are houses; the rest are studios, guest houses, or cabins. All stylishly spare and uninviting. And while there are occasional floor plans and elevations, and about two detail drawings, the emphasis is on the pictures. You'll finish this book in about 20 minutes and wonder why anyone would spend money on these unlivable houses.



2. This book is a good resource for people who are looking to build a smaller, designed home. It shows that architects aren't just in business to build 10,000 sq. ft. trophy homes like the ones in the other two books in this series. It is full of ideas for designers and home onwners alike. It can be used as a starting point for opening up communication between client and designer. The thing I like most about this book series is that the author includes some of the construction drawings for some choice details. A student could learn a lot about how to put something together from these drawings (although, some are a little unclear and lack the neccesary context drawings, but I do this thing for a living and I like to see the whole picture when comes to why these designers came up with such COOL stuff!)



3. For those with smaller homes who are searching for ideas, this book is a real find. Tons of color photos showing great detail. The material of choice is wood, but some metal structures are included. This is not a back to the 60's book about building with remnants. The homes are first rate with a tremendous amount of innovation and care. I stole more than a few ideas for my own home.

No comments about Celebrating the Courthouse: A Guide for Architects, Their Clients, and the Public.

1 comments about Frank Lloyd Wright and Taliesin.

1. Although many people know that Frank Lloyd Wright operated his architectural enterprise for many years from Taliesin in Wisconsin, relatively few Wright fans have been there. Having been born into the rural farm country of Wisconsin, many of Mr. Wright's architectural ideas emerged from that rolling country and its beautiful rivers and views.

   Many who admire Fallingwater will be intrigued to compare the views of the Wisconsin river at Taliesin ("shining brow" in Welsh) with the stunning sights in the Alleghenies. Mr. Wright was working at Taliesin when he sketched his first drawings of Fallingwater. The land is steeper at Fallingwater, and the waterfall at Taliesin was originally there to provide power. Many of the principles of the two sites are otherwise similar in striking ways that will give you a deeper understanding of Mr. Wright's work.

   The highlight of this book comes in the wonderful color photography that will probably inspire you to want to visit (in the summer time) to enjoy the hundreds of acres of grounds and the many architectural features that Mr. Wright designed there. Many may not know about his windmill tower that the local farmers predicted would not survive high winds, but which continues to beautifully grace the site.

   I was fascinated to see original photographs of Taliesin and its surroundings while Mr. Wright was working there, as well as the views from today. Like a lot of Mr. Wright's work, the romantic idealization of his vision has proceeded quite far. But we will still enjoy it, even if it has evolved from the original.

   Having seen this book, I have decided to make a pilgrimage to Taliesin. I have been to Taliesin West many times, and have enjoyed that wonderful Wright work very much. Taliesin West is located in Scottsdale, Arizona and was Mr. Wright's refuge from the cold Wisconsin winters in his later years.

   After you enjoy the beauty and the history of Taliesin in this fine volume, I suggest that you think about the place where you were born. How has it shaped your vision? In my case, my home was nestled in a small valley surrounded by enormous mountains. It was natural to want to aspire to climb to great heights upon considering that monumental view every day.

   Take the best from your heritage and share it with those whom it will help!

No comments about Environmental Design: An Introduction for Architects and Engineers.

1 comments about The Eiffel Tower.

1. I love The Eiffel Tower. I'm amazed that iron can be so beautiful. This is a must have book for anyone that feels the way I do. No stone is left unturned in this book. I now know everything about the Eiffel Tower and love it even more. Beautiful photographs. Excellent information. I love this book.

2 comments about Homes in a Box: Modern Homes from Sears (Schiffer Design Book).

1. This is a great book and I have had a copy for many years. It has a wealth of information in it and I must admit, as with other Sears Homes Books, I couldn't put it down.
   
   There are lot's of photo's and floor plans throughout the book.
   
   Don't skip this one if you collect Sears Homes stuff.



2. If you're going to buy *all* the books out there on Sears Homes, you'll certainly want this one in your collection. It's a reprint of the 1912 Sears Modern Homes catalog.
   
   And it has some designs of homes I'd not seen elsewhere and that makes it a valuable resource. But once again, it is JUST a reprint - not a contemporary book explaining the history and ongoing rehab of (now) historic Sears Catalogue Homes.
   
   That being said, I have two copies and frequently recommend this book at my lectures.
   
   Rose
   author, The Houses That Sears Built

No comments about The New Downtown Library: Designing with Communities.