5 comments about The Works: Anatomy of a City.

1. The work that goes into designing, developing, and maintaining an infrastructure for a city like New York is perhaps one of the greatest feats on mankind. The amazing part of it all is that the detail, the science, the engineering genius, and the reliability of all things that keep a city running go relatively unnoticed to the uncurious. But if you are the type that has often wondered how a city really works, how power is supplied, how water is brought in and sewage brought out, how communication and transportation systems are organized, then this is the book for you. The great thing about this book is that it is readable for ages 9 and up. Great illustrations, graphs, diagrams, and easy to read explainations keeps this book light and breezy as a Richard Scarry book. I loved it and highly recommend it.



2. This book is filled with how everything in the New York City infrastructure works. EVERYTHING!!



3. Induldge your inner nerd and buy this book. The sections are well laid out with excellent and clear graphics and the sections are small enough that you (or your visitors) can either take one bite at a time or just browse through the thing till you find something that interests you (and you will). Describes detail in a way that's accessable to everyone and without getting tedious. My wait at the dentist's office would fly by with something like this to while away the time.



4. This is an awesome book for anyone who ever questions "How?"
   
   In the similar vein of "How does it work?" This is simply the book of "How does New York City work?".
   
   I'll never forget a live video/music piece on Sesame Street while I was growing up entitled "Where does the trash go?".
   
   This book answers that question and so many more! From the sewer system to the stop lights and traffic flow. Anything most of us have ever wondered about, regarding the day to day minutia of city, is in this book.
   
   This is a book for anyone from 9 to 90 and beyond.
   
   Enjoy it, and savor it. Share it, and understand it.



5. If you want to know about how New York City works, this book is worth reading. It's well-researched and well-written. Kate Ascher is a very smart woman and her book is a real achievement.

5 comments about The Ghosts of Berlin: Confronting German History in the Urban Landscape.

1. 'The Ghosts of Berlin' was a great overview of the urban history of Berlin. The main argument of the author is that German history is apparent in the urban landscape of Berlin. The book was easy to understand and had a lot of relevant photos and maps to show Berlin throughout the ages. A turnoff about this book for me was that Ladd was repetitive on some points and really drove home his opinions on the many roles the Berlin Wall served (a whole chapter doesnt seem like much on such an important subject, but most of the chapter seemed to repeat and restate the same information). However, in general the book provided a great start for researching the complex history of architecture, city planning, and urban spaces in Berlin. I chose to read this book as research for an architecture project I am designing in Berlin & it proved to be a very good decision. It is especially helpful if you have been to the city and have seen first hand some of the spaces he describes. I would recommend it to anyone with interest in Berlin, architecture, history, or urban design.



2. I read The Ghosts of Berlin for a college course. When Americans say "this place has such a rich history," it brings a chuckle from me and is reinforced by books such as this.
   
   The book focuses on the last 125 years or so of Berlin's extremely diverse and chaotic past. Ladd writes in a very detailed, yet concise manner. Berlin has had virtually every type of government known to man rule over it and an entire chapter is devoted to the most vital eras in the city's history; namely, the Imperial City from the late 19th century until the end of WWI, the Weimar republic in the '20s, Nazi Germany from 1933-1945, the divided city during the Cold War (with an entire separate chapter dedicated to the the Berlin Wall), and the capital of a reunified Germany. The focus is as much on the changing architectural styles as well as the social and political outlooks of the day. There is much symbolism in the buildings Ladd writes about and we get a great interpretation of what they mean. Ladd illustrates his work with some nice black and white photos, so we do not have to rely on his descriptions alone.
   
   While this book isn't quite a tour book reagarding which restaurants to visit or tourist attractions to avoid, it is a great book to learn about one of the most prominent European cities. So why only four stars instead of five? Well, I did have a deadline to meet and had to rush through this book in about 2 days. Maybe I didn't appreciate as much as I should have.



3. This book was required reading for my university geography module "Geographies of the European City". I thought it would be long, dull and confusing. I was very wrong! It is one of the first academic books that i just couldn't put down!

   Intresing, mind opening and detailed, yet written in a simple and accessible manner. I learnt not only a lot about the history of Germany and Europe and the Second World War but also about how we view cities, how they are formed and their role in the world today.




4. This book was on the short list of texts my German language/culture study abroad course required. As far as the architectural culture went, this book was all you needed to taste the essence of the capital. It was better than any guide book out there, especially relating the tulmultuous past with what you were seeing with your own eyes as an urban landscape.

   Berlin is complex, historically and culturally - from its imperialist days to Hitler's capital to the scarred divided city just now seaming together. Germany is the embodiment of ambiguity - which is made abundantly evident by its very structures throughout the wide city. Brian Ladd's photography is unobtrusive and tasteful, illustrating his thoroughly researched work. He compares an old photograph to one taken recently by him to study, at one point, how unchanged some parts of the city have been in the midst of constant upheaval in the last century.

   It is remarkable how entertaining the book is, as well as its vitality in its examination of Berlin. It was, quite simply, such a pleasure to read. The Ghosts of Berlin takes in the large picture, of a country uniting, political ideologies - past and present, and the significance of massive structures - standing and ruined. It also encompasses details in exquisite ordinariness, like street corners, department stores, and public transportation. All this is told in an appealing style that is accessible (so you don't need any background in Germany or Berlin), but not overly casual (Ladd is informed and comprehensive).




5. This is a brilliant book that looks at a remarkable city after the fall of the Berlin Wall and asks the question: How to come to terms with the monuments of the past? The Brandenburg Gate? Hitler's Bunker, etc. Should they be torn down, the stories they embody erased? Or should they stand as a legacy of German culture, however tainted it may be. A remarkable book about a remarkable city. Do read it.

5 comments about The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture.

1. I bought this book as a gift for an architecture student, couldn't be more perfect.Its size may be a plus but it also makes it sometimes hard to look at. Still is a must have for all architects.



2. This is really a first rate book Even though it has been out for two years it offers the most comprehensive account of world architecture yet.



3. It is a good book not only in content but on the fact that it is one of the few (atlas) dedicated to contemporary architecture



4. i fell in love with this book couple of years ago
   back in poland i could only dream to have it
   if you have anything to do with architecture you know you have to have it



5. i am really very pleased with this book. i think it is a -must have book- for every architect. this is one of the finest collections of contemporary architecture. as it says on the book; it is really the only source of its kind. - when you have the book in your hands (it is very difficult:)) you forget the problems about the delivery.
   
   ayse gokbakan yildiz, architect

5 comments about The Timeless Way of Building.

1. The book was in fantastic condition. I received it very quickly as well. And so far has been a fantastic read. thank you!!



2. We are in the process of designing a home. This book was recommended as being good food for thought in planning a future home. It is not an easy read but well worth the effort. It,along with another from the same author,is required reading for college students in architecture. This book establishes the "language" for describing all the elements inside and outside buildings, neighborhoods, towns, etc. "A Pattern Language" is the sequel which explains in great detail how to apply this language. I would recommend both to anyone who is planning a future home - especially a custom-built home.



3. In many ways, The Timeless Way of Building remains the best book by Alexander, as it is easily accessible to all readers and provides a wonderful, thought provoking look into building traditions. Alexander searches for examples of a more humane architecture that took its proportions from the nature of building materials and the context in which these structures were built. The book is evocatively illustrated with black and white photos and thumbnail sketches. It has a look and feel like that of the Everyman's Library edition of Tao Te Ching, and in a similar way represents the building blocks of architecture through an insightful series of meditations on place. Alexander built on this series with A Pattern Language and The Oregon Experiment, and has since come out with a new series of books on The Nature of Order, but for many this is all you need to appreciate the sense of balance and order Christopher Alexander finds necessary in the built environment.



4. He is a very whimsical writer. Take time to browse through the 'Search Inside' to see if you really need this long introduction. For content you can actually work with, check out his other book: A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction (Center for Environmental Structure Series).



5. One of the most intriguing books I have ever read, The Timeless Way of Building is one part complexity theory, one part architectural and city-planning theory, and one part spiritual treatise. It makes a great contribution to any class on Aesthetics, and resonates with people far and wide. I wish this book were in every library in America.

5 comments about Transmaterial: A Catalog of Materials That Redefine our Physical Environment.

1. Wish that there was more information on some of these pages. You see an interesting material and you get an address. And little else. Perhaps some inkling of the cost would be useful. Or add another little picture? Not sure what the best use of the space is, but blank areas are probably not it.
   
   Still, the materials in here are a revelation. Perfect for any architect and for many artists.



2. The subtitle of this book is "A Catalog of Materials That Redefine Our Physical Environment" and a catalog it is, albeit a very interesting one. The book is divided into 10 sections: Concrete, Mineral, Metal, Wood, Plastic-Rubber, Glass, Paint/Paper, Fabric, Light, and Digital, and each product's entry contains a brief description that reads like a press release. There is some basic information such as applications, sizes, etc., and contact information which includes websites.
   
   The introduction describes seven "trends" which may apply to a given product. Some of the trends are self-explanatory (i.e. "ultraperforming" and "repurposed"), while others are less familiar (i.e. "transformational", and "interfacial").
   
   I enjoyed the photos and the fact that every time I pick up the book, I learn something new. I do wish, though, that the photos were much bigger; there is but a single band, approximately 2" x 6" , reserved for the products' photos. A few manufacturers split the space in two; most squeeze in 3 or even 4 pictures, which is impossibly small and left me yearing for a larger format for the pix.
   
   Overall, I found this to be a worthy reference, providing a terrific review of up-to-the-minute materials and technology.



3. Great Book, I love it, has contact info for all the products, great photos, gave me a lot of new ideas as well.



4. I have already used this book as a reference in a few of my studio projects for school....I am a junior architecture student at Woodbury University. I look forward to buying other Transmaterial books in the series.



5. Overall, it is a very good catalog for material types and technologies. I wish they also had some pricing information.

2 comments about Tom Kundig: Houses.

1. In a world of inflated egos and misplaced priorities, Tom Kundig rushes in with a clear view, a warm heart and an undisputable eye for beauty. His whimsical but exact and gorgeuos designs display a playfulness that catagorizes a true professional who does not "take himself too seriously" and works to infuse joy in his client's life.
   I had the same exhuberant reaction to his work that I had the first time I saw a Jean Michel Basquiat painting up close and personal in 1987...a true artist, an undisputed original.



2. I own many books dedicated to a single architects work. Often times these type of books display two or three rooms of a house and never get into the nitty gritty of a project. "Tom Kundig: Houses" is different. This book leaves little to the imagination, offering sometimes up to 15-20 pages to a single project. The pictures are very clear and tell a lot about the concept of a house as a whole. The only knock I'd say is that every project is so similar to the next that it becomes hard to differentiate. But if you admire his style, that shouldn't be much of a problem.

2 comments about Julius Shulman: Palm Springs.

1. this beautiful book is a wonderful tribute to the world's most famous architectural photographer, the photographs speak for themselves and the book is lovingly assembled and very well executed



2. Excellent new book on Palm Springs architecture. The final statement on John Lautner's contribution to Palm Springs architecture finally does just to this exeptional architect. For a book of this quality the price is obscenely low.

5 comments about Builder's Greywater Guide: Installation of Greywater Systems in New Construction & Remodeling; A Supplement to the Book "Create an Oasis With Greywater".

1. This was exactly what I'd hoped for. Very informative and readable by the lay person.



2. You must buy "Create an Oasis With Greywater" since this SUPPLEMENT refers to the book often!



3. Good general reference for planning a greywater system. Especially like the section on systems that don't work. Nice not to have to reinvent the wheel. Information in the book correlates well with my own experiences with greywater over the last 30 years in various parts of the world. A "must have" reference for anyone considering installing a greywater system.



4. I am not a builder but I am planning to build GREEN.I wanted to be as informed as possible, so I could research the building requirments, communicate as intelligently as possible, hire the right people, choose the right architect, etc. This book gave me 98% of all the info I needed on a graywater system, even though I'm building in Pennsylvania and author is a Californian. I have "Create an Oasis With Graywater" also. These books have made my life much simplier.



5. I recommend that you get the 3 companion books on greywater treatment "Create an Oasis", "Branched Drain Greywater Systems" and "Builder's Greywater Guide". The information in these volumes will keep most of us far more informed than most of the regulators, the system builders, and the experts-in-theory. These volumes are real-world gems.

   Art Ludwig has cut to the core of wastewater issues. He's obviously done all of his homework, mulled-over the variables, and come up with a common sense, economically reasonable, environmentally responsible approach to wastewater. I expect to save money that I would have spent on a post-septic tank, aerobic unit that would seemingly have been ecologically responsible; but because of the technological overkill, ultimately that system would have defeated my altruistic environmental concerns.

   The sheer volume of information in each of his greywater books puts other sources to shame. Each volume is very well written, being clear, amusing, and concise. I can't imagine improving these books, other than keeping the information updated with future editions.

   These books talk the talk and walk the walk better than anything else that I've seen. Buy a set for yourself, a set for your neighbors, and a set for the regulators.

5 comments about On Garden Style.

1. You can look at a garden in many different ways. As a renown interior designer and president of one of the country's leading interior design firm, Bunny Williams views gardens as outdoor rooms. She applies the universal design principles that are common to architecture, landscape architecture and interior design to her garden design and achieves amazing results.
   
   "On Garden Style" has five parts that includes 15 chapters. It covers a number of topics including imagine (personal style and putting your dreams to work, etc.), good bones make good rooms (garden walls, floor and passageway, and roof overhead), furnishing the garden (containers, ornament and furniture), planting with style (inspired planting, kitchen garden, and maintenance), the gardener in winter, selected gardens, garden guides, plant lists, and container planting schemes.
   
   In "On Garden Style," Bunny Williams and Nancy Drew explain complicated design principles in plain and simple English and introduce them to ordinary garden lovers.
   
   "On Garden Style" has 288 pages and many beautiful interior photos. It is a great garden design book in plain and simple English.



2. I love Bunny Williams but this book is a big let-down. Maybe I was spoiled after reading "Affair with a House".



3. This book is a must read. It is fabulous. Lots of helpful information. Makes you see your yard in ways you never thought of before.



4. A typical garden of the rich who are possessed with image and lack of originality. The photos are very nice.



5. ON GARDEN STYLE is as fine a volume on understanding the land and the particular space that surrounds our living space and how to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Not a book of exotic places rarely related to the practicalities of even the most dream-oriented gardener, this book lovingly looks at land, at space, and at the personality of the owner and outlines and demonstrates how a space of meaning and contemplation and beauty can be accessed by even the most minimal area.
   
   Bunny Williams, Nancy Drew, and John Roselli combine their talents in sharing ideas mulled by avid devotees of the garden and then divide this fine book into chapters that address flowers and plantings, trees, gateways, sculptural additions, colors, paths, pools - all of the aspects of creating the kind of garden about which we all dream. The photography is splendid and is well accompanied by drawings (Roselli) that transform dream into reality. The running commentary and words of wisdom by Nancy Drew are close to natural poetry.
   
   Yet despite the very artistic aspects of this volume it is in the end a resource for transforming inspiration into reality. That is a trick few writers and illustrators have achieved. This is a must own book for every serious gardener. Grady Harp, December 06

5 comments about The French-Inspired Home, with French General.

1. Bring the look of French decorating to your home. I love this book, never having been to France and only seeing limited books on French decorating, I find this to be one of the best, it is kind of a more laid back decorating approach than the more formal French decorating books I have seen, it is well done and gives you some projects you can tackle as a beginner sewer. This book looks at french tickings and uses for them throughout your home, if you have ever come across French tickings and the like, you will find they are so versatile in your home, and you will keep wanting to get more. A 5 star book.



2. A beautiful book--if you like shabby chic, it's for you. Good ideas, but not always practical unless you have access to a lot of estate sales and flea markets where dealers don't price themselves out of the market.



3. I cannot tell you how disappointed I was with this book. Having read the glowing reviews, on receiving the book, there is really nothing in this book of value, creativity or the "oooh" factor. This one will be quickly dispatched to the second hand book store!



4. I read this book from first page to last right after I opened it from the mail. It is filled with inspiration, helpful hints, decorating ideas, and an archive of full colored images that you can scan into your computer and use yourself. I love how she does not force her shop onto the reader, she states that you can find the items that she is explaining at flea markets and antique sales all over the world. I would rate this book 5 stars, for helpful insight into creating a "french inspired home." Cant wait for the next one!!



5. I must say I was disappointed in the book. I thought that it would have been more ideas of what furniture and fabrics to use to create a French inspired looking home.
   I am in the processing of trying to create a French looking kitchen and I had hoped that would be inspiring.
   But unfortunately for me it wasn't.