No comments about Footbridges: Construction, Design, History.

1 comments about National Plumbing Codes Handbook.

1. THIS HANDBOOK IS VERY USEFULL FOR STUDENTS TO BE AQUAINTED TO THEIR REAL LIFE AND TO IMPLEMNET THEIR THERORETICAL STUDIES TO REAL LIFE AND REQUIREMENTS

1 comments about Classic Country Estates of Lake Forest: Architecture and Landscape Design 1856-1940.

1. This is a good book, well put together book on a fabled Chicago suburb. I would have liked to have seen more pictures and better quality in the photos. The research is top notch and I enjoyed reading the text, but I expected more and for some reason that I can't quite put my finger on I was a bit disappointed. I usually go back to my books over and over again to paruse the pictures and scan the text, but I have not found myself doing that with this book and I don't know exactly why, because I normally love these kinds of books. Anyway, it is a fine book and maybe it's just me.

No comments about Beach Houses Down Under.

2 comments about Sunset Ideas for Great Patios and Decks (Ideas for Great).

1. I was disappointed with this book. All the photos look like the yards are huge and in areas with lots of natural vegetation which is not my case at all. Nice photos but did not pertain to my situation.



2. This book has great picture to inspire. Mostly upscale patios, swimming pools, and a few decks. There is some practical information in the front and back on construction but this is NOT a do it yourself manual. The desing credits are 2 pages. A good book to decide what you want so that you can hire the job(s) out. This book is for the person with good taste and the money to go for it.

No comments about Personal Space; Updated, The Behavioral Basis of Design.

4 comments about Long Beach Architecture: The Unexpected Metropolis (California Architecture and Architects).

1. This work provides a thorough look at the architecture of Long Beach's past, including many sites that no longer exist. It's an historical yet fresh perspective on a city I've visited several times and on a city I now see in a completely different way.
   
   Although I don't live in Long Beach I would think that this would be especially facinating for anybody who does.



2. This book has a ton of buildings in Long Beach. Some of them aren't very pretty buldings to begin with, but the prose explains their significance well, making up for it. However, the layout, photography, and design of the bok are seriously lacking. While, I think whoever published this book did themselves a huge disservice by not putting some effort into making the work presentable, it is a great collection of information about interesting places in Long Beach.



3. A very long over due look at Long Beach. My only complaint is that the address is not listed for buildings no longer there- just "demolished". For those of us who were not around when some of the buildings were, it would be nice to have the former address to to see what has taken the former buildings place. Other than that a great book.



4. And the way it's shown and told by the authors keeps all senses open and curious. The only thing I can't decide is if it's a coffee table book, a book to read and shelve or a book to explore with. Whichever way, it's full of history, current and future information regarding the LBC and its strong stance as Los Angeles' right hand wo(man).
   
   Visually, the homes, businesses, halls, bridges, centers, theaters, lofts, apartments and high rises chosen are the book's draw. Stunning architechture from all sorts of times. Each place chosen gets a spread.
   
   Textually, probably one of the strongest points made in the book (from my slant, at least) is the city's ability to survive and prosper. Without this, forward motion seems like it would have been limited to that of a typical metroville. The book points to all sorts of drama the city went through and is still playing with. From it's hay-day to its current hardcore stance, I learned about its cash and about why its diversity is. I'm not a writer but it seems written very well and flows nicely. They even got some props from some big architect heads in the beginning pages.
   
   And talk about drama, the authors even school the city (and give it love, too!) regarding a number of directions that it has taken architecturally in recent years. "All-deco" got heckled. Good, because I live (t)here and we need more chaos. More modernity. More of everything. Not just one style. The authors will have had a hand on this steering wheel if we see change in the city's direction over the coming years.
   
   Aside from its well placed critical stance is a writen attitude of optimisim and growth. A book supporting a city whose ability will soon shine. A little peek into the past allowing us as readers a glimps of the obvious future. A new west coast giant.
   
   There are tons of photos and the text on each page per photo is a quick read. Lots of historical imagery in the beginning that keep a person turning pages. There's this one shot of a loft in the Walker Building that's amazing!!! bah ha!
   
   I suppose the two women who wrote this thick book are vacationing somewhere in Europe sipping chi tea, cause they must have sold a grip. At least in Strong Beach.
   
   But I have one question: Where is Snoop's crib?

1 comments about The National Mall: Rethinking Washington's Monumental Core.

1. This book brings together the best thinkers on the National Mall. Their fresh insights on the history, current status, and future possibilities for this sacred ground are worthy of many readers' attention. Moreover, it must be read and understood by members of Congress and agency heads who should be thinking about the next logical steps to save and improve on the Mall.

2 comments about Norwegian Wood: The Thoughtful Architecture of Wenche Selmer.

1. I am biased by the fact that I am so very fond of the work done by Wenche Selmer. That being said the author has done a spectacular job of showcasing Selmer's accomplishments. Beautiful photographs abound and the text is quite substantive. My only complaint is that the floor plans that are included generally have no captions or notes and often no dimensions. Those floorplans that do have notes are in norwegian and as a result I spent a fair amount of time trying to puzzle out where the photographs were taken relative to the layout of the various buildings.



2. The Norwegian contribution to mid century modern architecture is not well known - let along the contribution by a mid century woman architect. With beautiful color photographs, plans and construction details, this presentation of the work of Wenche Selmer is a visual treat and a learning experience. The collection of cabins and second homes provides an in depth look at the results of carefull attention to the details of a home environment. As we seek alternatives to big and over the top houses, the book is a must for anyone who wishes for the beauty of simplicity and anyone interested in wood architecture.

2 comments about Electricity & Controls for HVAC-R, 4E.

1. This is a book for students. Some fairley good information, has quizes after each chapter. Useful infermation



2. wow this is the book buy it now. look at a part/component in the field and look it up in the book read the short and clear chapter and move on to greatness. this book is well worn and scribbeled in! did i say buy this book?