3 comments about The Metropolis of Tomorrow (Dover Books on Architecture).

1. I think that generally Dover Books are to be congratulated on reprinting many books that otherwise might never be seen again and priced very reasonably too. I don't think any plaudits are in order on this book though. I found the text very dull and the pictures gave an overall impression of blackness.
   
   Hugh Ferris managed to develop a wonderful rendering technique (being trained as an architect no doubt helped) that seemed so suited to commercial buildings of size, especially skyscrapers. His black and white artwork is simply stunning but it needs to be printed on quality paper to bring out the subtleties of grey shading. The main problem with the book is the paper does nothing for his work and I was really made aware of this when I recently bought 'Power in Buildings' (ISBN 0940512114) a lovely reprint of his 1953 book. The fourth of his famous renderings from Evolution of the Set-back Building appears in both books but in the 'Power' edition the image looks so right.
   
   His writing in 'Metropolis' came across as very long-winded, for example, this is from the last page of the book:
   'As for personal and specific proposals, the author well knows how many parapets, other than the one we are now leaving, overlook the imaginary "Metropolis of Tomorrow" and he shares the common belief that few of the many visualizations currently being formulated can contribute more than a particle to the ultimate actuality'
   The ten pages of words and pictures devoted to Set-back I thought the most interesting part of what he had to say.
   
   Get his 'Power' book for a much better appreciation of his architectural thoughts and the fifty main renderings really look beautiful on good paper.



2. Ferriss's drawings had an immediate impact on architecture. Some of his projections are the purest distilling of Art Deco application to buildings one can find from the age. But Ferriss's effect on cinema and illustration has been very powerful as well, and far less documented. The 1-star-off is because the reproduction quality -- quite good, no doubt -- leaves some to be desired, nonetheless: the sfumato effects appear more like soft-focus than atmosphere and the graininess brings to mind infra-red film more than the grit of a huge city fueled by leaded gas and coal.



3. To say that this 1920's classic is anything other than a masterpiece would be proof of insanity. By "interpreting" a Law, (NY Zoning 1917), Ferriss found beauty in the hope of what might be. In today's world of 3D CAD and computers, Ferriss was able to use canvas to convey not merely ideas and requirements, but opportunities and emotions. There are few books that inspire architects more than this. The value of original prints of this is evident in that single plates are sold in New York for $20 apiece by street vendors Architects are usually too caught up in the details to appreciate the beauty of buildings. Leave it then, to a painter to bring out the beauty and grace of buildings that were meant to inspire, or were not meant to be.

5 comments about Southwest Style : A Home-Lover's Guide to Architecture and Design.

1. Living in Ontario, Canada and designing an adobe like home is difficult and we need lots of inspirational books. This one is highly valued in our home during this design period and we recommend this book for anyone in our circumstances. We found it inspirational and useful to our architect who has little exposure to the southwestern style. But...we need more books just like this and find it difficult to buy a book on your site without you providing additional information about the book...for exmample...peeks inside at some of the photographs. That would be so useful. But don't hesitate to order this one; it is well worth the investment.



2. Given my passion for the southwest, I expected to love this book, but I didn't. Certainly I found the photos lovely, but somehow the overall package does not convey the excitement, spirituality, and drama of the region. In other words, the book is a little flat. And what I expected to be a good read turned out to be more of an encyclopedia style rundown of facts (in other words, boring). The book comes off as a cold report on what is in fact a fabulously exciting and inspiring region.



3. The pictures are pretty but the book is a boring read.



4. Extremely beautiful and informative. Finally a substantive look at the style of the southwest.



5. I do NOT find this book limiting; when searching for decorating style of the SW; there is so FEW out there, it is refreshing to find one that covers such a broad area of the SW. I LOVE THIS book...Normal decorating books have so LITTLE of this area and for those of us who LOVE IT, the book is wonderful. REFRESHING and NOT CUTESY! At present I live in the Midwest of America and it is so limiting to NEW ideas so often. Our local library had this book, and I was searching to see how many others were out there, not many... so I MAY end having to OWN this book.

   Thank you for carrying this as well as several others pertaining to this area of the USA.

4 comments about American Houses: The Architecture of Fairfax & Sammons.

1. This is a classic architecture monograph. The photography is excellent, and the text really serves to frame the photography and declare the design philosophy of the firm. The portfolio of structures is mostly residential rather than institutional, though Fairfax and Sammons have put together (and included in the book) a plan for Marion Square in Charleston that will probably never be executed but is still beautiful.
   
   The houses contained within are all luxury accomodations with stunning classical details of delicate proportion. These architects practice a restrained neo-classicism that is both pure and original, and gives the neo-classical revival the quality it deserves. You're not likely to tire of these houses the way Robert A. M. Stern can leave you overwhelmed and then bored. Their work is like that classic song that fails to get your attention on first hearing, but becomes an all-time favorite after awhile. The work of Fairfax and Sammons reminds me very much of the classical masterpieces of Norman Davenport Askins. All the sites are located along the East Coast, where this type of architecture fits the historical context.
   
   The only reason I rated it 4 instead of 5 is that I find these books to be vastly overpriced, much the same way art folio are overpriced. Since books like this are meant to be browsed and enjoyed, and do not serve as technical manuals or textbooks, I find it hard to justify the prices. That said, if you can find this one for a nice discount and you appreciate fine neo-classical work, you'll enjoy this book.



2. OK, the book is very beautiful... just as described. However, it arrived with a torn dust jacket, several ripped pages and something gooey smeared on the back. Of course I returned it, but there was no comment space in the return screen. Amazon asked no questions as to why I was returning the book. They just gave me my money back. Buy the book; it's wonderful. I've never before gotten an Amazon book in this condition (this WAS a "new" book, not used). Oh well.



3. Fairfax & Sammons have designed a series of modern day homes that build upon classical American architectural appearance but combine with the need for modern day convenience and construction techniques. Many of the twenty four houses depicted in this book would not have appeared startling to the founders of the country (until, of course they saw areas like the kitchens). These are not Frank Lloyd Wright style buildings. They belong out in the country with a lot of land around them.
   
   At the same time the architects have been active in downtown city development where often small and unfunctional builds have been remodeled into dwellings meeting the unique requirements of the owner.
   
   The exact style of the buildings it hard to define as the different structures borrow from various styles that integrate together to form a unique body of work. This is a great idea book for anyone interested in modern houses with a classical American look.



4. Really a nice book on two very talented residental architects. I must confess, prior to getting this book I had never heard of them, but after getting a real education on their talent, I am now an ardent admiror of their work. This book has insightful text and vivid, well crafted images. If you have any interest in grand estates and beautiful classic styling, then i can't imagine you being disappointed in this book, and if your looking for ideas for your own home, all the better. Christ, the reviewer above is such a snob, I mean dropping the names Lutyens and Wallace Nutting does not make you erudite, get real. As far as wilting flowers and drugged dogs, I must confess, when looking through this book I didnt demand a tox screen for the pets and water for the plants..LOL..Ive gotten three not helpfuls on this book review, so I guess maybe im in the minority on this book, so be it.

No comments about The Not So Big House: Home by Design (Susanka).

3 comments about The Architecture of the City (Oppositions Books).

1. It is a fundamental piece of work on the theoretical study of architecture and cities. The topic that Rossi documents and discusses is far from being concluded, which demonstrates the relevance of this publication edited for the first time about 40 years ago.
   
   I'd recommend this lecture to those involved in the formal study of architecture and urbanism, who might be looking for a solid theoretical basis towards the definition of a "urban science", or simply as a reference to understand the new "urban artifacts" ("urban facts" would be a more accurate translation in my opinion) that occur in our days cities.
   
   As it has been mentioned, this is an excellent book, although I-would-not recommend it as a first approach to the subject. The topics are treated more with academic rigor than practical value, this might be disappointing to anyone who only wants a simple, easy-to-read book about cities and their construction.



2. The practical work of Aldo Rossi is known to may, and has attracted a great number of followers for its common-sensical approach to architecture, at a time (the 60's) when Modern architecture ran out of steam and fell into a vacuous "play of forms" without sense nor content. Yet the theoretical foundation of the Rossian work remains fairly unknown, and it is distilled into 2 works: the paradigmatic "Architecture of the City", which was a serious attempt to readdress the role of architecture in the urban context [something ignored by most Modernists]; and the "Scientific Autobiography" which is a witty essay of a great architect's discovery and experience of architecture and life... This work,the "Architecture of the City", is definitely the more scholarly of the 2 books translated into English, and despite some of its contestable aspects [the romanticization of the Mietskaserne in Berlin for instance], it still presents itself as one of the key documents on urban thought in the twentieth century, along with Corbusier's "Urbanisme" and Koolhaas's "Delirious New York". Definitely recommended for students of Architecture and Urbanism...



3. i liked it and would recommend it to a friends family

5 comments about Churches.

1. I rated this a 2 because it's a '4' for style with a 'minus 2' for being intellectually dishonest.
   
   Dishonest - because the author has wrapped her book in examples of traditional form and beauty, but the package inside discloses an iconoclastic agenda for church architecture.
   
   A powerful example of her iconoclasm is evident in her treatment of the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. The church is reknowned for its adornment with mosaics, yet she fails to depict or even make mention of the monumental mosaic of 'Christ in Majesty,' the largest mosaic of Christ in the world. The author's refusal to depict and discuss the architectural focal point of the basilica diminishes her own point of view.
   
   In her narratives about her selections of modern church architecture she is always completely positive in her treatment. In contrast, her narratives about the traditional Catholic churches repeatedly include some type of negative critique of the Catholic Church or Catholic culture. As the author identifies herself as Catholic she positions herself as a sort of 'inspector general' prosecuting her own brethren.
   
   She could never get people to publish or buy a coffee table book on modern church architecture.
   
   So - she appropriates the beauty of the traditional Church forms - and uses that as a platform to praise formless modern churches. Some of those which she presents do have a peculiar beauty - but these typically are cold and uninviting - some are pretentious - even repulsive. The spawn of these modern archetypes are mediocre and ugly, and a typical example is her own parish church depicted at the end of her book.
   
   In sum - the author doesn't seem to appreciate the beauty of enduring church forms - instead - she seems infatuated with the novelty of modern architecture.



2. I am very glad I purchased this book.
   
   There is a wide range of eras and styles covered, and the photos are superb. The architecture and artwork is the focus, but the author never loses sight of the fact that these are places of worship and sanctuary.
   
   I was quite pleased that the book included an unusual Oriental church and a few others that were unconventional.
   
   The only thing that kept it from getting 5 stars was that I wished it had included at least one old-fashioned country chapel/church (stone or wood/timbered) and also that it had included the ancient church at Brixworth (which, if my memory serves, was built in the 700's and is the oldest still-standing church in England)--it's beautiful as well as historic.



3. I purchased this for my mom a couple of years ago. She loves to travel Europe, is interested in history and religion, and likes art and architecture. This book was the absolute perfect gift (if I do say so myself), and just so happens to be one I grab now and again whenever I visit my parents. Other "coffee table" books have come and gone, but this one constantly bobs back to the top of the proverbial stack.
   
   The photography is wonderful, and the text descriptions are no slouch, either, offering a great historical perspective on each church and its locale. The variety of churches is quite admirable, as well, covering most continents and many denominations (christian and unitarian, just so you know...no mosques or temples here, unfortunately - but that would be a 500 page compendium, not this more specialized look).
   
   For any afficionado of religion, art, or architecture, this book will be pored over and enjoyed quite vigorously. I can't recommend it enough.



4. The pictures are great, and the recapitulation of the history that follows the construction of these structures is wonderful. This is no small book. The length is over 16 inches and the width is over 12 inches. Thus, the pictures featured here have greater impact on the reader than other books which display smaller images with details that are barely perceivable. The author must have known this to have made the size of this book an issue before the "print" phase came along.



5. Book has many fine pictures, and an innovative format, highlighting multiple photographers capturing a wide variety of Churches worldwide. Clear, hi-definitition pictures of one church are followed by archived material, giving a full range of historical impressions of these fine churches. Nearly a masterpiece.

3 comments about Waddesdon Manor: The Heritage of a Rothschild House.

1. This book is wonderfully put together. The photos are vivid and the history of the house is facinating. This is truely a grand English Estate, even if done in the french style usually favored by the Rothschilds. This first family of banking always lived in the most amazing homes, like the home of the U.S. ambassador to France and the Rothschild estate in the south of France. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves European elegance; just a beautiful book. Now if someone would just do a book on Felieres, outside Paris, the ultimate Rothchild grand estate.



2. For anyone interested in beautiful things, especially houses, I highly recommend this book. It is very informative and gives a lot of insight into the Rothschild family. I loved the pictures of which are beautifully shot. I also believe that the price range is very good considering it is a great book to own and of the finest quality. I have read it thoroughly many times and it does not come apart ike other books that I have.



3. Waddesdon Manor: The Heritage Of A Rothschild House is a gorgeous coffee table book, filled cover to cover with fabulous full-color photographs depicting an extraordinary house in the English countryside near London and its 125-year history. Showcasing romantic gardens, a superb private wine cellar, a wondrous aviary and much, much more, Waddesdon Manor is an incredible tour through culture, time, architecture, and interior design. The detailed text, drawing from previously unpublished research, memoirs, family and retainer reminiscences, takes the reader on a step by step tour through rooms and eras alike in this classical volume recommended for students of architectural history.

3 comments about Another 100 of the World's Best Houses (Architecture).

1. This is a great book for resedential design. This book surpass its predecessor. This book is must buy.



2. This book is great for someone who is curious about the different styles of houses throughout world, regardless of one particular style (ie. modern, minimal, etc.) The pictures are very well scaled and the project desciption featured in the index is informative although they are missing the essential date of completion. The title of the book is subjective so it is up to the reader to determine if these really are the "best" houses in the world, but they do give a introduction to the different style of residential designs realized throughout the world.
   
   www.hjlbookreview.com



3. Not just another object for the coffee table, this book takes architecture seriously. The descriptions are clear and concise and the photographs illustrate each home in fine detail. For anyone who enjoys learning about great contemporary residential architecture, this is a very fine book.

No comments about Superb Cabins.

2 comments about Housing As If People Mattered: Site Design Guidelines for the Planning of Medium-Density Family Housing (California Series in Urban Development).

1. It seems that a great number of architecture books of this type exist solely to promote the author's personal design philosophy. This book, however, is full of design guidelines based on feedback from residents of both public and private high-density housing. Many (if not most) of the guidelines could be applied to almost any housing type (from low-income public housing to high-end private developments.) At the very least, the book gets designers thinking about how people use and perceive the buildings in which they live.



2. This book is both a call for better designed medium density housing and a source book on how to achieve that end. The great thing about this book is that it provides simple design and layout advice for housing projects based on detailed research and post occupancy evaluations. This book sets out what works in housing design. I think every planner or designer should have this book close at hand.