5 comments about Residential Landscape Architecture (5th Edition).

1. I own a small landscape company and this book has helped me better my landscape designs and understand some of the basic principles of design.
   
   I highly recommend this book if you are studying landscape design. Could see it being useful for a home owner also like someone else had reviewed. Most of the home owner books are packed with garbage about buying their plans etc.
   
   This book offers no plans inside really but it does guide you on how to make your own.



2. THIS COVER IT NOT THE BOOK THAT ARRIVED. THIS COVER SHOWN IS FOR AMERICAN STUDENTS. THE BOOK SENT TO ME IS FOR INTERNATIONAL USE AND "NOT FOR SALE IN THE U.S.A." THIS BOOK WAS SHIPPED FROM MALAYSIA AND NOT FROM OHIO AS DESCRIBED WHEN SOLD TO ME. FALSE REPRESENTATION. BE HONEST WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS!!!!



3. The book gives you a pretty good overview of each phase of a job in residential landscape architecture, and also, what is expected of the landscape architect. At times, however, I felt that the author was trying to fill some space with wordy repetition. It does provide a basic roadmap of a job in this field of work, from start to finish. It also covers standard basic design elements. For that, it's worth the read. I'm not sure it's worth the price.



4. Ordering was easy and I received the book in the time frame the shipping outlined. The book was listed as in 'good' conditon so I wasn't exactly sure what that meant but it was in great condition - looked almost new. There wasn't any writing or highlighting on any of the pages nothing ripped or stained - I was very pleased with the condition on the book and would definitley order from them again. And the price was right I saved around $50.00 off of the new book price.



5. Full Disclaimer. I bought this book specifically for the purpose of trying to design my yard without having the to dish out the exhorbitant cost of having a professional landscaper feng shui my yard. I am not a college student (probably the intended audience) but felt that being a reasonably intelligent person, I would be able to use some basic concepts to create my own design.
   
   I found that the book was pretty easy to follow and tied together some basic concepts related to design. It was certainly a useful tool but you must be prepared to read and learn. Again, as a new home owner with a blank slate of a yard, I would recommend going to nice areas around you and take some pictures of the more appealing landscapes and pay attention. Search around on the internet.
   
   If you are more interested in more of a pictorial representation with some side notes or bullet points then this is not the book for you. This is a college level book intended for perspective landscape designers.

5 comments about Design Like You Give a Damn: Architectural Responses to Humanitarian Crises.

1. A great book put together by a great organization (Architecture for Humanity). After 2 introductions by the founders of Architecture for Humanity the book is made up of profiles of numerous projects from basic shelter to schools, bridges and city planing. Most projects are built work, some are conceptual. The book profiles work by many organizations all over the world. Inspirational and creative. This is a great book for anyone interested in humanitarian aid, design activism, low cost housing, public planing and policy etc.



2. I've skimmed through this. It has beautiful pictures along with specific info on what is involved in the projects. It doesn't go too overboard on the typology- (or is it typography-)masturbation like some design books.



3. I love Architecture for Humanity and I keep up with their work. This book is very interesting and worth having.



4. 
   Book Review: Design Like You Give a Damn
   
   Design Like You Give a Damn seeks to transport design from the elite realm where it primarily exists to the realm of humanitarianism, where it is most needed. This book, edited by the non-profit, globally focused group, Architecture for Humanity, ambitiously takes on the most severe problems currently plaguing the human race, including lack of access to clean water, proper sanitation, and decent housing. The book presents a range of different possible solutions grouped into the sections of housing; community; water, energy, and sanitation; and politics, policy, and planning. The book is interdisciplinary and includes ideas from architects and designers, planners, engineers, politicians and others. It is primarily a collection of schematic ideas and projects with a little room left also for essays by the founder of Architecture for Humanity and a few others.
   The ideas presented are not meant to be seen as westerners attempting to `fix' the third world and all its many problems. Rather the ideas attempt to be culturally sensitive and many are created by designers from the site or project location. In addition, many of the projects included community input by polling residents on what types of amenities they would appreciate being brought into their communities or involving them in other ways in the design process. For example, the Favela-Bairro Projects, located in Rio de Janeiro and designed by Jorge Mario Jauregui Architects, attempted to alleviate a very dangerous environment. The favelas consisted mostly of squatters and many did not even have formal streets. However they housed nearly 1/3 of the city's population and contained a vibrant community life. The community was involved in the actual design process as well as the decision of programming the building. Many communities did not necessarily want an all-purpose `recreation center' but opted instead for such buildings as a communal laundry, a salsa hall, a daycare center, and a venue for hosting Rio de Janeiro's soccer championships. As stated by the architect, Jorge Mario Jauregui, these buildings usually become `monuments' as soon as they are built because it indicates to the community that they are no longer being ignored by their government, that they have a right to design not to mention proper sanitation and housing that meets building codes as much as residents of the `formal city.'
   This project is a good example of the spirit of the book. There is a belief that good design can be applied to serious problems not just aesthetics and that it does not have to be trivial. Although on the hierarchy of needs food and shelter are obviously much more basic than an environment which promotes beauty and functionality, the book also indicates that design dignifies. The projects do more than present people with a bare minimum meeting of their needs. They seek to go beyond this and provide housing, schools, community centers, and other things which will raise the level of hope in the community and show that things can be better than they currently are; change is possible. This book was very refreshing because it is representative of a `silent majority' of the population, both in the United States and other western countries as well as elsewhere, which is often ignored in terms of designers. Whitney Young once famously rebuked AIA members for their "thunderous silence and complete irrelevance" in the area of civil rights, a charge that could probably be shared by many related professions. This book attempts to reverse this trend and bring urban planning as well as architecture and engineering to work on the world's most difficult problems by approaching them in such a way that emphasizes not their grandeur only but the fact they can, if not be solved, at least be made better for our own and future generations.



5. This was a mother's day gift from my husband. I am a 3-d artist and as I have been "into " the topic of shelter and portable housing for years, this book was right for me. And that the book deals with the human condition, and especially about helping the Quality of life through design, makes the book very interesting to read. If you are into web sites like" Instructables "or" eco- geek" you will love the book.

No comments about Target Field: The New Home of the Minnesota Twins.

5 comments about Designing Disney.

1. Firstly, how fortunate for all those who understand the amazing implications of Walt Disney's transition from filmmaker to Town Planner that John Hench decided to write this much-needed and much-requested book just before his death.
   
   What's so strange about other reviews and Frank Gehry's preface is nowhere is it observed without John Hench "Tomorrowland" might have been an embarrassing overreach - causing much mirth from Hollywood rivals expecting Walt to fall flat on his face.
   
   It's clear from his sketches in this book and other Disneyland publications the only WED man with "a handle" on modernity was John Hench. Without him "Space Mountain" would not have its iconic spaceship form. Without him Disney's contribution to the 1964 New York World's Fair would never have produced the spin-offs which they then used to updated a large section of "Tomorrowland".
   
   But nothing about the original "Tomorrowland" was behind the times. John Hench's designs are still valid interpretation of future forms of travel and curvy architecture. Added to which they provided the spark for Walt's imagination to move onto the creation of EPCOT.
   
   Much as I appreciate Michael Eisner launching the "Disney Decade" (providing jobs for so many of us) it has to be said his architectural taste was lamentable. His preference for a "nothing style" called "Post-Modern" set a trend which had dire consequences for the entire Disney Company. If the boss has no belief in the Future then all of Walt's plans for creating Experimental Communities in Florida become null and void. The modern township of "Celebration" gets Cape Cod cottages etc. "Tomorrowland 2011" is cancelled and its rocket ships are replaced by a Jules Verne "Orbitron". The thin edge of the wedge leading to all of "Tomorrowland" being given a destructive irrelevant Jules Verne "makeover".
   
   It goes without saying I never met a cartoonist who didn't wonder what Walt would have thought of this French invasion. But these orders were coming from above. Thankfully the orderers have now all retired and with a cartoonist John Lasseter in place at Disney HQ America can now reclaim "Tomorrowland". First move - obtain a NASA spaceship to allow young guests to go inside - as they do in Airforce One at the Reagan Library.
   
   This might appear to be a personal digression but as I spent several hours talking to John Hench I've a feeling he would not object to my revealing one confidence. The cruelest of all the cuts he lamented was the "People Mover". Because it was his and Walt's brainchild, based on a method of moving steel bars they saw in Detroit. The double irony being their driverless method of safely moving people from place to place is now used in airports around the globe.
   
   Ditto Walt Disney's plans for EPCOT were exactly what America needed to keep up with the Future. All the new housing technologies the President is now forced to implement on a Governmental level would have been in place had Walt Disney's EPCOT ideals been pursued by those he trusted to keep the Disney Company ahead with the support of private sector investors. The method he used to make all his groundbreaking projects get done fast.
   
   Because John Hench was such an incredibly discrete gentleman only a fraction of his deep-rooted beliefs and knowledge as to how different WED would have been had Walt lived another 20 years never found a place in this book. Nevertheless I think every "Disneyland" fan knows it was plain wrong to destroy important Disney History because a few individuals have no faith in the American (Disney) Way of forging forward and never resting on cash producing laurels - which will inevitably decay if not continually watered with NEW IDEAS.



2. This book is a beautiful little introduction to the way Disney creates appealing designs. It's not an in-depth text, but that's not what it claims to be. Instead, the author gives a nicely structured overview of the various facets of design used to make Disney's parks and attractions more appealing.
   
   I read it because they are masters at what they do -- look at the crowds that keep coming back -- and it's important to me, as a programmer, to have at least a clue of what works. It was well worth my time.
   
   Even if it hadn't been useful in my eyes, this was an appealing book and I enjoyed the time I spent reading it. What more could I ask for?



3. I was pleasantly suprised with this book. Full of interesting information and definitely slanted towards the designers viewpoint. Full of wonderful pictures, and explanations as to the thought behind the decisions that were made when designing the parks.
   If you are looking for a book about the attractions etc....this is not the book for you. If you are looking at the artistic viewpoints behind how and why the parks were designed then you will love it. If nothing else it is a beautiful book to add to your disney collection.



4. I took a few minutes to read all the reviews of this book first, and I must agree with the previous reviewers. They were all spot on about this book.
   
   My company is in the theme park design business so we naturally gravitate towards any Disney related books that we can learn from, and speaking from that "point of view"... anyone interested in "details" about how Disney thinks and works (How their designs happen) should certainly add this one to their library.
   
   As time goes on the 'greats' who created the Disney magic are leaving us one by one, and from what we (at Denny Magic Studios) observe in the theme park business...Other parks are really not paying enough attention to what these old timers did, and what they had to say... So in our humble opinion, we think that the existence of these written "words of wisdom" are really important jewels that should be studied and put to work well into the future.
   
   Right now in 2009 we are all in this "rough" economy, but things WILL improve soon and pundits have said that we are moving from an industrial society to a creative society, and creativity needs to be fed with a healthy dose of entertainment. Fellows like John Hench had the right ideas, and those ideas and techniques are even more important to preserve, and put to good use... today, more than ever before.



5. A bit lacking in the real nuts and bolts, but this is clearly a well done overview into the minds of some of the best Disney has to offer. Easy to read, and also a pleasure to read, left me wishing that disney appoints some one to really pick John's mind in case he leaves us some day, now that would be a tragedy, if we loose 1/2 of what this man has learned over a delightful lifetime of serving his customers and guests. Reading this brought me back to the B/W days of TV waiting for Walt, but Walt couldn't have ackomplished anything if it wasn't for the love of the work these people do, and have for the work they love to do.

5 comments about Earth-Sheltered Houses: How to Build an Affordable....

1. I haven't had a chance to put any of the information in this book to practice. I am gathering information on "how to" project for my retirement. Right now, I'm looking for the piece of land. This book has great information for anyone looking to live off the land.



2. This Book is written with a great deal of personal affection. When reading you can tell that the author has made this kind of construction his major passion in life. He consistently refers to real building projects and shows not only how to do things right but mistakes to avoid. There is also a consistent thought about code, witch is important when doing alternative building.



3. Although not the most comprehensive collection of eco-building material and techniques, Rob Roy excels in this field of green building: cordwood, timber framing, and earth-sheltered passive solar homes. (worth checking his other books too) Lots of pictures and detailed step by step building process shown along with his narrative of design choices that revolve around salvaged materials, reducing waste and cost-effectiveness.
   
   This is the most detailed earth-sheltered book to date for the owner/builder to have in hand to avoid big mistakes, even if you don't like cordwood.



4. I found technically useful information in this book, drainage, waterproofing, insulation, etc.... I just think that they could include design examples of other succesful earth sheltered houses, since they only include two the author has designed, which I think are not aesthetically succesful. I am trying to be polite, they are horrible!



5. This book is informative and well written. Especially if you want to build with cement blocks and cement. Some useful information.

5 comments about S M L XL.

1. This book was crushed in shipping.
   A new book was sent in exchange.
   The damaged book was returned, but we did not get a credit for the shipping on the returned book.
   My son likes the book, though.



2. Well, to some this is the "bible" of architecture (i find that simply hilarious - must be a second-year student) and to others a complete piece of rubbish. I saw one review call it Corbusian, but did not mean that as a complement. While Corbu did have a flair for the grandiose, he's was much more intelligent and thoughtful than Rem.
   
   I have to say I find this book rather dull. The opening piece from AA was like a more boring version of anything done by Superstudio - though it was nicely spruced up with poor grammar and a youthful exuberance for syllables.
   
   Mau's offices' contribution is also somewhat typical to me. The silver cover is cliche. Any zine made by some small-time punk has more interesting imagery and provocative material. I give this a C, because at least it gets the Corbu-hater upset. That's always a nice thing.



3. I am grateful and happy to have in my presence one of the greatest urbanism clasic books of 20th century. Remarkable book. I learn a lot! Rem is outstanding and extraordinary.



4. please, i have not gotten my book yet. give me an information about it. Glenda



5. I received a copy of this book as a christmas gift. As an architect, I tell you the guy who gave it to me scored some major brownie points from me that holiday.
   
   Rem Koolhaas defies tradition both in his architecture and his literature. He is foremost a journalist before fully shifting gears to architecture. In this book, he engages the reader by making you realize that while an immediate impression of intimidation engulfs you at first glance of its sheer density, once you start flipping the pages, you realize that you don't have to follow any order in reading it. There are no rules or boundaries on how you read the book: you can flip, you can toss, you can flicker, and in each and every method you will find amusement with the visual eye candy the images, graphics, and text, this book gives you. Nice addition to any architecture book collection/library/coffee table.

4 comments about Mechanical & Electrical Systems in Buildings (4th Edition).

1. This is the worst textbook ever published. The content is not addressed in a clear manner, the calcuations are poorly discussed, if at all, and not even accurate sometimes. The questions often cover differing chapters than their location and most disturbing is the lack of accuracy!!! The book wasn't even spell-checked, let alone read for consistancy and accuracy! It is thoughtless to use this as a textbook ... it's more of a guessing game than information.



2. This book is terrible. If you are a certified HVAC specialist, it is for you. However, if you are new to this then it is a total waste of money. Explanation is bad, example are nowhere relate to the section discussed. And worst of all, there is no answer keys. You will not have a clue if you are correct or not. Every chapter there are as least half of the review question are calculations, yet in each chapter there will be probably one page showing how calculation is done. Example one of the simplest thing:
   COP = Cooling Effect / Power Input. If you look up the index, you cannot find the word "cooling effect", find out whichever chapter they discuss, or show you how to calculate the "cooling effect".
   You are in luck if you do not have class that uses this book. You have bad luck if you have a "good" teacher that using this book. You are doom if you have a "bad" teacher who using this book, might as well drop it. Waste of time and money.



3. Very good book. Helps you understand the systems inside (and outside) of buildings in use everyday that most folks don't have a clue about. If you are interested in understanding how your building equipment functions this is a good book for you. Down to earth and well written. Recommend to property management personnel.



4. If ur stepping into the building services industry, this book will be a comprehensive packaged info for your reading pleasure. Includes lotsa real-life diagrams, plan routings, concepts and explanation. It's 4am over here in Singapore and I've just finished reading one of the topics, just imagine how attractive the contents this book has! However, the only and regretable drawback is: the units are empirical which make it very difficult for me for in my country, we use SI metric units.

5 comments about Renovating Old Houses: Bringing New Life to Vintage Homes.

1. This is an especially great book for people who own really old "vintage" homes or those thinking of buying one. Much of the book is dedicated to foundation and frame issues (strengthening, leveling, water issues). The last half of the book deals with the other house systems and in particular talks about ways to retrofit or repair a house's exterior (siding, porches, additions), insulation & ventilation, walls (plaster and dry wall), floors, electrical systems, plumbing, heating/cooling. If you have a house that was build in the 1920 or later, this house will have some useful information, but much of the information is geared towards houses that are much older.



2. The title of the book should have been a better indicator to me as to the content. We were looking for advice mainly on remodeling a 1920s era basement. This book addresses issues that would help one decide about trying to renovating a very neglected home - such as those featured in the back of This Old House Magazine. However, we did garner some useable information about replacing the roof and rebuilding a porch/overhang.
   
   I'll continue my search for an era-appropriate advice book for the basement. The issues covered in most basement remodeling books are for much, much newer structures.



3. This book is great for Old Homes.
   
   Finally a book that did it's research and didn't try to cut corners.
   
   This book has a wealth of information.



4. This is probably the best book on old houses I've seen yet. The amount of detail and practical information is amazing and it's written in a way everyday people can understand. Everyone with an old house needs this book. It is going to definitley influence the decisions I make on my own old house for the better.



5. This book contains fundamental information that I have been looking for for many years about leaking basements, old wiring, etc. I stayed up all night reading it twice. There are amazing suggestions, like a ground roof to keep water out of your basement, that I have never seen anywhere else. I have a Victorian house built in 1898, and in many ways a real "goner", and it's as though this book was written specifically about my house and its problems. Kudos to Nash.

5 comments about Atomic Ranch: Design Ideas for Stylish Ranch Homes.

1. I recommend this book to all those that admire designs that are ahead of their times and are timeless in themselves



2. Atomic Ranch is a book that I would recommend. What is nice about the book is that it includes design ideas for ranch houses that are within the realm of financial possibility of "average" people. Often, it seems like architecture books only showcase the high budget projects which are spectacular eye candy. After reading the book, I found myself wishing that there were some more exterior pictures of some of the houses although there may not have been good angles from which to take them. Some plan diagrams of the projects would also help orient the reader to the photos taken in the book and get an idea of room layout. Overall, this book would make a great addition to the library of someone who is interested in ranch houses, or just house design in general.
   
   Another positive note: the pages didn't come out of the binding the first time I opened it, which I can't say for some of my more expensive architecture books.



3. A snafu, once again, with the Amazon ordering process. I received a duplicate book shipment. Now, I have to make a trip to the post office to return, at my expense!



4. By far the best book about the unique style of mid century homes I have come across. Much better source of information for 50's & 60's interior than Modern Retro or other similar publications.
   Beautifully illustrated, perhaps the only thing I would have liked to have seen was the inclusion of a few floor plans - however that is not really the intended scope of the book.



5. Really loved the houses in this book. Lots of ideas for any home, Eichler or not. Well recommended!

3 comments about Building Construction: Principles, Materials, and Systems.

1. So far I love this book. I am currently taking a heavy construction methods class. This book is also being used for light construction(residential) class at my institution as well.
   
   I am about half way through the course so I have not read the whole book. But so far, it's an easy read with lots of info. I love the side bars.They contain additional information about subject being discussed in that particular section. The questions at the end of each chapter are some what challenging. They are in sequential order so you don't have to look all over the chapter to find the answers. I have had books that quiz you on info that even isn't in the material being covered in that particular chapter. Some may think I am being silly but I believe one should be challenged to learn the material not be tested on how effectively you can comb through hundreds of pages. There is a ton of info in this text.
   
   I also like the fact that it discusses sustainable construction in every chapter. In each section it explains how the material being discussed in the chapter pertains to sustainable practices. Being a LEED AP(US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional), I believe it is extremely important that today's construction professionals embrace and fully understand sustainability as it pertains to construction. So called "green building" is quickly becoming a standard practice in the US and throughout the developed world.
   
   This is a great text book. I definitely plan on keeping it for reference material as I continue my career.I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning the basics about construction materials and methods.



2. This book is written in a interesting and non monotone way. If you have to use it for a class, don't worry it's actually fun to read. This goes really into depth about how materials are made and connected.



3. Thank you so much for the purchase. The book was in perfect condition, and it was shipped to me very quickly. I appreciate it so much due to the fact that my semester had already started. Thanks again, the book is great!