2 comments about Twentieth Century Museums II (Architecture 3s).

1. The previous reviewer seems to have written the right review for the wrong book... This is NOT a survey of modern museum architecture, and don't expect to find either Gehry's Guggenheim Museum in Bibao or Piano's Beyeler Foundation in Basel. Although I do not own this book, I want to stress that it covers only three buildings, but in remarkable depth, one each by Isozaki, Stirling, and Freed of Pei Cobb Freed. Each of the three books situates the context of the work within the architect's oeuvre, and comprises a section of top-notch photographs, as well as a selection of drawings, including construction details. I should make it clear that Phaidon's "Architecture 3S" series is a collection of hardcovers comprising three "Architecture in Detail" volumes each. I have only the best to say about the quality of the "Architecture in Detail" series, and pricewise the "Architecture 3S" series is a bargain: for less than the price of one "Architecture in Detail" volume one can buy three volumes bound together as an "Architecture 3S" title.



2. This book is not an art book; it is a reasonable list of extraordinary museum buildings including the most recents (Guggeheim museum in Bilbao). I was happy to re-discover Beyeler fondation in Basle (Switzerland) and some other famous masterpieces but a bit disappointed not to feel inspired in anyway by the way this book was designed.

No comments about Asmara: The Frozen City.

3 comments about The Havana Guide: Modern Architecture 1925-1965.

1. Es un libro excelente sobre arquitectura cubana, sobre un período además poco documentado y del que desgraciadamente van quedando pocos exponentes en Cuba. Imprescindible para comprender la evolución de la arquitectura en Cuba.



2. This book is quite helpful. As an architecture student working on a hypothetical embassy in Cuba, this book gave context to my building and showed the vast array of Cuban architecture.



3. This book focuses on the various works of prominent Cuban architects from the 1920's until the beginning of the now almost five-decades-long Castro reign. The most recent creation depicted is from 1965; we can safely assume that probably all of the architects portrayed in this book went into exile in the sixties (author Eduardo Rodriguez does not make mention of a single one staying there).
   
   The author still lives in Cuba, and rather than condemning the architects he writes about for having left the island, as is customary from Cubans who stayed there, he laments the loss of their talents. Photographs and blueprints are surprisingly plentiful and very interesting, however he is not clear upon whether they are recent photographs (on some it's obvious, because of the decay apparent on the building), or if they were taken at the time of completion. He is also inconsistent in informing readers of the present uses of said buildings (many homes are now diplomatic guest houses or residences, some government buildings are identified by the use given to them when Batista was in power. As an example, one is identified as the Lottery Building, an institution that Castro abolished shortly after taking power). He does let us know the present names of former high-class suburbs (those with anglo names such as Country Club or Vanderbilt were re-named by the Castroites).
   
   The book makes evident what a diverse society Havana had at one time, as opposed to feeding you the oft-repeated stereotype of said city simply being a haven for casinos and mob-controlled hotels. It gives you an idea of what could have been, in light of the fact that these architects were very prolific at the time of the Revolution and that, by the author's own admission, there has been very little construction in Cuba since 1959.
   
   Do not assume that The Havana Guide is solely for architects, however. It is also a book that will be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in Cuba. It may also serve as a trip back in time for those who lived in Havana and were able to see these buildings first-hand.

1 comments about European Dream Homes: 200 French, English and Mediterranean Designs.

1. Based on the title, I was expecting a book full of some "Dream" ideas of features that modern European architects were incorporating into their designs. What I received was a plan book (ALL plans for sale) of "Luxury European" homes designed by mostly American architects with little insight into any European design criteria. The book is basically a catalog of perspective renderings of homes to be built with accompanying floor plans. Written criteria includes a one page introduction to the plan book. Additional written criteria includes a few brief paragraphs written by each architect espousing the unique European features of the "American" architect's design. There are a total of 18 interior home pictures (all captioned) on 9 of the 29 pages of the first chapter titled "Gallery of European Style". The chapter contains mostly pictures of built homes -- all with plans for sale. As a book of plans, I found the designs mostly interesting and the architects' work above average. The book is well worth having if one is looking for a catalog book of expensive "European Style" home designs plans. Nevertheless, the insights I was expecting from the title are going to be much more of a chore to find by reviewing each and every plan -- and, are they really going to be "European"?

No comments about Museum Design: Planning and Building for Art.

1 comments about Country Houses: 208 Unique Home Plans With Country Style.

1. I have looked everywhere for this book and finally found it here. It has all the plans you could possible want to build and or to restore a farm house. I hope eveyone enjoys it like I.

1 comments about Home Rehab Handbook.

1. Anyone attempting a rehab will find this book very useful. The chapters are neatly arranged into sections by building parts -- so you can get to the nuts and bolts of what you are looking for right away. The book is an easy read with information to-the-point, yet it covers all aspects, including issues on energy efficiency and accessibility.

   Sections on further reading and product information give it the added dimension of taking the reader beyond what is contained in the book. It would have been more intuitive if these sections were made an integral part of each related chapter, instead of being filed away seperately at the end.

   Overall an essential part of a contractor's, architect's or a do-it-yourselfer's collection.

3 comments about The Manual of Below-Grade Waterproofing Systems.

1. A good book and very good in depth knowledge of proper installation of systems. How ever a previous review mentioned a non bias approach....I beg to differ...it looks to me that Mr. Henshell is very pro and friendly with certain manufacturers.



2. A good book and very good in depth knowledge of proper installation of systems. How ever a previous review mentioned a non bias approach....I beg to differ...it looks to me that Mr. Henshell is very pro and friendly with certain manufacturers.



3. With the oldest known waterproofing going back 4,000 years you'd think someone would have recorded the wisedom of the ages on how to keep water out of the building. Finally someone has! Justin's book is the best that is available. This book should be on the shelf of anyone that is in any way involved with waterproofing. This could be the text for a comprehensive college course if any professor were ever so inclined.

   Thank you Justin.

No comments about Apartments.

No comments about Irish Shopfronts.