4 comments about Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Design Methods for Architects.

1. As a mechnical engineer working on energy efficient buildings, this book enabled me to step back view buildings from an architectural point of view. It is easy to read and understand and delivers relevant basic knowledge. Although there are newer books with more update information this book is a good package delivering the basics.



2. Very informative and easy to read. I picked this book up to study for my Architect's License Exam and found it to be a very well rounded book. There are lots of good ideas for saving energy and good practices for building orientation and construction. There are also plans on how to build a small sun machine for testing your models. My only disappointment were the numerous typos. A good editor could have taken care of that. Otherwise good author, good info. Highly recommended.



3. A very clear and concise presentation of the basic material (as stated in the title) for all architecture, construction science, and interior design undergraduate students. The three tier conceptual approach, presented at the beginning, really helps the students understand the structure of the presentation. The "key ideas" section at the end of each chapter helps the students study for my quizzes too. I have found that the appendices and bibliography are very helpful for graduate students - further study. At the beginning of the semester, an undergraqduate ID student ask me what the relevance of the story about Easter Island had for her. By the time we arrived at the chpaters on "Lighting", she told me she got it. The biggest problem with using this book in a undergraduate lecture course for design students is that the studio instructors can no longer say that the students "said they didn't get" both the sustainability issues and technical information needed to have a strong basic understanding to apply to design thinking. Now they will be forced to invent other reasons for why students are not required to fully integrate by 4th year studio and beyond - and still develop strong conceptual ideas. Among other reference text, I also found that Allen/Iano's "Studio Companion" as a supplement is helpful for further visualizing the HVAC systems and their direct application to building design thinking. The major technical weakness/omission is that it is missing one good chapter dedicated to water - hence the 4 star instead of 5 star rating in my opinion.



4. Any owner of a pith helmet with attached solar-powered fan will love this book. I have only met one such person, the author. However, this book represents the most rigorous process for sustainable design that I have encountered. This is the place to start if you need LEEDs certification.

2 comments about Metapolis Dictionary of Advanced Architecture: City, Technology and Society in the Information Age.

1. This book has an interesting thrust behind it; to understand current ideas of urbanism and architecture theory, don't produce a timeless resource; instead, construct an index committed to the moment, that is destined to begin its obsolescence the second it's printed. It's best quality is its cluttered, jumbled design which floods you with imagery and conceptual points of departure.
   
   Sadly, it seems that 2/3rds of architecture education is deliberate obfuscation; people muddying their waters so as to appear deep. Like much of the worst theory, this operates from a "We're so clever, that what we're saying can't be summarized." viewpoint that complicates simple ideas. If you're not into theoretical hair-splitting you're in for a rough time.
   
   The books worst quality is it's fetishing of neologism. For complete annoyance you could look up these idiotic entries: 'benidorm' or 'mmm.' Other one-line entries for epic concepts that don't even offer fundamentals, are so broad as to be useless; look up 'colours!' (Say... that was useless!). No this isn't the book I'd turn to for a deep understanding of color but why include an entry at all?
   
   At it's worst this is a coy, academic in-joke that worships jargon, in an attempt to influence the lexicon. ('delynneate,' get it? Greg Lynn...). At it's best it's an exhilarating look at ideas that may have a shelf-life of decades or a few months, relievedly free of blob worshipping.



2. As an architecture student, I have found this book to be a valuable resource in terms of idea generation and development of design concepts. My professor, who practices architecture and makes use of the book on a professional level, recommended it to my classmates and I - I have used it ever since. Not only does it link terms with architectural concepts developed by well known and celebrated designers, it includes a number of interesting colour images. I highly recommend this to design students and professionals in any field, especially architecture. Happy reading!

5 comments about Cordwood Building: The State of the Art (Natural Building Series).

1. This book doesn't tell you everything that you need to know about the subject but it gives you a whole lot of information and sets you on your way. The information is very good. If you are a beginner and have never tried this kind of thing then this is where you start.



2. This book is a great read. Enjoyable and yet it seems to give plenty of info on the different aspects of the cordwood building process. More than half way through I found out that there was a glossary in the back which helps explain some of the terminology. I would highly recommend this book for anyone thinking of building a cordwood home. This book will give you most of the know-how to build it and most importantly it will help you decide if you do want to build cordwood. It worked for me. My wife and I are presently saving up to build a cordwood home. I think it would be a good idea to watch the "Complete Cordwood DVD" before actually building.



3. I have only read a few chapters, but I feel the honest and open discussion of the Author will only enrich me and others as we follow in his footsteps. To build ones own home is always a dream. To be empowered with the knowledge to do so is a gift. Thank you! And If I ever follow my dream...you are always welcome for supper. (dinner, tea...we call it tea...although it is the evening meal...tea does sound funny)



4. I'm from Germany and cordwoord buildings are uncommon here. Horizontal log homes are booming but as expensive as ordinary home building not a choice for people without a lot of money.
   So cordwood may be a solution if we can get a permission with our restrictive rules and regulations here.
   
   The book provides the builder with every detail he must know, it's really great.
   For getting some practice we will start building a small shed with cordwood. ;-)



5. Too much anecdotal fluff - relates boring stories and information about people that I found irrelevant as a reader. It was irritating the way the authors kept obsessively giving compliments and acknowledgements to friends and contributors throughout the book; almost like it were a club writing the book for themselves and not for paying customers. I am instinctively suspicious of people that try to sell me things, and the fact that the authors kept making plugs and product endorsements made me doubt their credibility. Because of all the aforementioned sludge, this was a hard book to get through; I found I couldn't read it; I had to skim through it to get the useful information. Which was there, but like I said, it was to deeply buried. This book should be edited down to half its length. The book is worth checking out of the library, but probably not worth buying: 2.75 out of 5.

1 comments about Art Deco Architecture: Design, Decoration, and Detail from the Twenties and Thirties.

1. Let me state off the bat; I love Art Deco architecture. The artistry and the masonry that went into these buildings is a feast for the eyes. This book is very thorough and the vintage black and white pictures ooze sepia, some these buildings I had never seen photographed. The text is informative without being too scholarly or too grossly indepth. This is one of the better books on Art Deco, but still the book on American Art Deco is the best, it has recent color images and is just a much prettier book, but for what this is, it succeeds very well.

2 comments about Designing the Sustainable School.

1. The book was a little pricey for my budget - but turned out to be well worth the expense! The range of school designs and locales provide great examples and were extremely helpful to me as I am working on a dissertation about school design. Finding up to date school design information - especially high performance school design, is quite difficult. This book made that so much easier. I also recommend the Prakash Nair Design Patterns for schools book.



2. Good for architects and for clients.
   
   1)Architects:
   This book is an excellent resource for sustainable architecture in general in addition to sustainable school design. It looks at 40+ buildings from around the world and in various architectural styles, discussing natural lighting, innovative HVAC systems, rainwater capturing and re-use, siting, natural ventilation, solar heating and cooling and many other systems. The buildings range from a community built clay brick building in rural Africa to modern high design.
   A great resource when designing your own project (house, school, whatever building type) in terms of brainstorming how to incorporate sustainable design systems. Also excellent for taking the next research step of comparing a variety of approaches to each individual system, and the book ends with a list of websites for further info. A valuable and inspiring find!
   
   2) Clients:
   A very helpful review of a wide variety of sustainable systems, it covers buildings of all budgets and styles. There is a list of the architects of each of the buildings, but the book can also be used for getting some useful background to help in working with an architect of your choosing.

2 comments about Complete Trimwork & Carpentry (Stanley Complete Projects Made Easy).

1. THIS IS SIMPLY A BOOK FOR A BEGINNER BUT WHAT IS SO NICE ABOUT THIS BOOK IS THAT IT EXPLAINS EVERTHING IN REGARDS TO BUILDING AND SHAPING WOOD TO ANY TYPE OF HOME PROJECT THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ANY DO IT YOURSELFER AND PROFESSIONAL..5 STARS FROM ME



2. Complete Trimwork & Carpentry (Stanley Complete Projects Made Easy). The book is a comprehensive manual of Trim work and Carpentry. There's something for everyone from beginner to expert with pictures guiding the way, many in a step-by-step format. Useful sections on tool and remodeling.

4 comments about On the Porch: Creating Your Place to Watch the World Go By.

1. This book is a piece of America. Back to basics. Simple and well planned. When you want to touch base and realize the simplicity of a home you will look for this helpful and complete guide. Sandra is a real asset when it comes to easy living. Thanks for sharing.



2. This book is very well written and gives good, practical advice which should be considered when you are planning to build or remodel a porch addition to your house. It gives types and styles to choose from.
   Some of these are huge projects that I would need to mortage my house for or sell some property or inherit some money to do but I still enjoyed reading about them.
   Definite read if you are planning a porch!



3. ON THE PORCH: CREATING YOUR PLACE TO WATCH THE WORLD GO BY discusses the ambiance and design of the home porch with an eye to surveying how a porch added to a home can change its atmosphere. It's the first book on the market devoted to porches alone and covers an extensive range, from assessing different types of porches for different purposes to design, construction, and maintenance. Everything from furnishings to lighting is reviewed in this in-depth, well detailed guide perfect for any library strong in interior design or homeowner hints.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



4. I picked up a copy of this book because my husband and I want to remodel our unused dark & uncomfortable back porch. We were able to get some great design ideas that will help us increase our entertaining space because we will actually be able to use our porch for summer parties. Also, great tips and ideas for furnishing the new space. Of all the design and remodeling books that I looked at, "On The Porch", was the best at answering my questions and offering ideas!

1 comments about Retaining Walls: A Building Guide and Design Gallery.

1. This book contains technical information about how to build a retaining wall, as well as dozens of inspiring photos that will give you idea after idea for your retaining wall. This is probably the only book you'll need if you're thinking about building a retaining wall.

1 comments about New Most-Popular 1-Story Home Plans (Lowe's) (Home Plans).

1. Terrific book full of 97% modern ranch plans. Great use of space with move of the designer/architect plans. House plans are not in order by square footage - which would be a little nicer. I know that it is easy to search through internet house plans - but it is so nice to have a color book with this quality of printed paper.
   
   Cheap price for the quality. Easy to compare the plans you like.

5 comments about Chicago Architecture and Design.

1. My nephew loved it. He grew up in Milwaukee, went to school and lives in California. He comes to Chicago about every other year.



2. This book has beautifull photographs. The book is much deeper than other Chicago architecture books because it has a well thought out historical review of the progression of Chicago architecture. Interesting even for the lay person like me.



3. This book provides an excellent introduction to Chicago's numerous schools of architecture over the years. It also provides a photographic tour of the city's important buildings, from the late 1800s to the present day. The photography is great! Highly recommended for fans of Chicago or architecture buffs in general.



4. I thought this book was very interesting it has great pictures of the buildings in Chicago. It has alot of information about the beginning of when Architects wanted to build something modern but unqiue at the same time. Get inspired by the great exterior and interior of these amazing buildings.



5. This book described many of the significant architects in Chicago history. I found it to be informative and very readable. It is the best book I have found which summarizes Chicago Architecture. The color photograghs are excellent