5 comments about Interior Design Illustrated 2nd Edition.

1. This book is a great book. no color pictures but only scetches. This book is about scale, orientation, symmetry, proportion, shape of objects and interiors etc etc. You get the idea. I recommend you buy this book.



2. No regrets for having bought the book. Excellent illustrations, something you can refer to over and over again!



3. I got this book earlier than i expected and it is everything i expected.



4. I am currently getting my degree in ID, and I think that this resource is invaluable. The drawings are great and they really help with perspectives and rendering.



5. The auther is fantastic, the book is well written otherwise he wouldn't have got the 4 stars, the book covers the subject from A to Z literally speaking, a must have, BUT it is too much outdated.

5 comments about Materials, Structures, and Standards: All the Details Architects Need to Know But Can Never Find.

1. This book is so helpful in my studies. I would highly recommend it to anyone in the profession, or students trying to get an edge in class.



2. architectural graphic standard ALWAYS checked out in the library? and all you need to know is how wide the turning radius needs to be for this stupid parking lot? yea i've been there billions of times. my friends at school all started buying this book as a quick reference and it has great information inside. it's by no means exhaustive, but it definitely has enough to get a student by. the information is written and organized in a very accessible way. i highly recommend this book



3. I purchased this book because I had experience borrowing a copy of a friend. It helps when you want to keep working, but need to get specifics. This was you don't have to fish through the Internet for standards, they are easily available in the book.



4. The person who reviewed this book and gave it two stars was definitely unaware of what the book was meant to be. I would NEVER replace graphic standards or any other set of architectural data. However, it is a WONDERFUL quick reference guide for people just starting out in the field. It gives some easy ADA info, some AIA sheet numbering, and other easy to use reference material. I agree with the person that said an architecture student and intern would get the most use out of it. That said, it should be on every student's and intern's studio desk.



5. I am a licensed architect, and have been in professional practice now for 15 years. I thought this book was going to offer me some of the common reference tables I need, or perhaps some of the general ADA measurements that must be exact, but it fell well short of my expectations.
   
   It's not really suitable for anyone in the design profession, and I think much of the book is littered with detailing and CAD standards that are not necessary for your normal do-it-yourselfer or home builder. I think it may be appropriate for architecture students, however, it really does not have sufficient information to instruct students, and much of the material selection information and detailing is flat elementary.

5 comments about The Fifty Dollar and Up Underground House Book.

1. I bought this book based on other reviews and was disappointed in the author's narrow mindedness and intolerance for anyone who thinks even a little different than he does. The author gives ammunition to the very people he despises to rightfully call him a "wacko". It's sad that he can't just let people see this for the beautiful idea that it is and not a political statement. Still, if you look past the seriously disturbed rantings, this is an interesting "how I did it" book with some consideration for how you can do it too.



2. I enjoyed this book very much and used it as a basis for designing an underground building for my plantation resort in India. Mike goes into good detail concerning how to build an inexpensive home using his techniques and there are plenty of pictures to help you understand the procedures. I haven't seen anything else out there as good as this for underground building...if you do please let me know.
   
   Michael Skowronski
   Author of Unforgettable: A Love and Spiritual Growth Story



3. If you are looking for DIY instructions to build a basic inexpensive underground structure, this should fit the bill nicely.



4. The book is fine, if you can wade through all the rantings of the author. He's a little hard to take, within the first ten pages. Not really practical information about the 50.00 dollar part, but there are some really interesting larger and more expensive drawings and house building ideas that helped me along. I give it three stars because of that alone...the rest of the book is hard to read, and confusing.



5. pretty good book. Lots of good illustrations,ideas, even if the home you decide to build is not underground. Interestingly written, worth the money.

5 comments about Serious Straw Bale: A Home Construction Guide for All Climates (Real Goods Solar Living Book.).

1. This is a great book and for anyone thinking of building in a damp climate a must have. Great information about the various ways of doing things, allowing the reader to make the best choice for their site, budget and level of skill. Covers wet weather considerations better than most other books. A good addition to your straw bale library.
   
   One warning, in this book the straw bale slab system is detailed but has since been shown to be a not so good idea so I would reccommend separate research on that subject.



2. I've been doing research for a house I'm hoping to build in 5 to 10 years, and straw bale is one of the wall systems I'm seriously considering. This book was extremely informative. I confess I often skimmed past sections dealing with cold, wet climates (I live in Arizona), but sometimes I read through them just because they were so interesting. If you're considering using this wall system for your own project, this book is a good place to start.



3. Everything you ever wanted to know about building a straw home from the ground up can be found in this manual.



4. I recommend this book with certain caveats. There is certainly some good information in the book and led me to some ideas that never occurred to me before, but the information is uneven, more than a little poorly organized and requires the reader to make some connections to pull the whole together.
   
   The authors give an overview of many ways to do things, but almost never come to any conclusions on how things should be done. Many systems are discussed, some in detail and some not. The interactions of these systems the readers are considering should be explored as well as certain combinations are sure to cause problems in construction or in the life of the building. Of course as the authors note many times this style of construction is experimental and that is half the fun but I am buying the book to get the benefit of others experience.
   
   The authors' ideology is evident in many parts, as well as an assumption that their readers have similar opinions. This can get a little annoying as they wax rhapsodic about the spiritual connections to the materials and decry modern industrial techniques. In some cases they probably make good points, but for those to whom straw bales are a means to an end- comfortable, efficient and non-toxic housing- space in the book would be better reserved for technical opinions than spiritual ones. Thankfully they do everyone a great service by disabusing fellow travelers of a few romantic illusions about straw bale and other edgy building techniques.
   
   Illustrations in the book are an annoying aspect. Some are good and clearly depict what the authors words have trouble with. Other times they will start talking about a technique without defining it, or when they did define it I found my self wishing they just gave me a good picture.In a few cases, they give a picture, they give a discription, but are missing a label or other indicator that would easily tie it together and make sense. A well detailed sketch is worth at least a page of prose.
   
   Finally for a book that extols the beauty of bale construction, they would do well to get a better photographer to do their pictures. Most of the photos in the book are awful and if readers are not already familiar with some bale buildings they may be more scared than attracted. One might get the idea that bale buildings are dark, dingy, dreary and populated by scary strange people. They are not (usually).
   
   Sadly, this book is more useful than most on the subject of straw bales. If you are considering working with bales, I would recommend this book before starting any project... just don't let the pictures scare you away.



5. Let me just say that if you are going to buy only one book on straw bale home construction, this is the one. It is very comprehensive and enlightening. I am very happy with this purchase. This book is written for us who plan to build our own homes, step by step, begining to end it is all here. Not just a collection of pretty pictures but the real deal. Also I think the price very reasonable considering the amount of information, insight, tutorials pictures, advice and encouragement given. Delivery from Amazon, as always, was fast.

5 comments about Home Work: Handbuilt Shelter.

1. followed by several days flipping through again and again, searching for my favorites...beautiful pictures. I could have done with more "on the road" pics and less (what I would refer to as) "normal" houses...I can see those kinds when I look out the window...but that's just a personal preference....I wish he'd take all the extra stuff he said he had and put it on a website or publish another book. I'd buy it!



2. MUST HAVE FOR ALL couchpotatoe MALES, and anyone who has dreams! This is such a fantastic book: inspiring and creative and so marvelous to see so many passionate people out their DOING THEIR THING! Get up from your desktops, ladies and gentlemen, stop the online dating circus and do something satisfying: BUILD YOUR OWN SHELTER. Lord knows I want to after pouring through every inch of every page and these great photos and life stories. Thanks, Mr. Lloyd!



3. this book is even better then the other books by Lloyd Kahn, and i didnt think that was possible. The photographs are outstanding, the text interesting, informative, and captures thoughts, people, homes and places of times past, present and some that look futuristic! This book is for anyone who has a passion for architecture, and culture. a great coffee table book.



4. This book is absolutely stunning. I spent hours poring over the pictures. It's mostly pictures of creative, unique houses people have built, with a few stories about builders' experiences and techniques.
   It will put into perspective the amount to which we have limited ourselves when it comes to traditional housing. It shows how a house is not just shelter, but art, expression, and passion as well.
   This will inspire you!



5. This book has been sitting on my toilet for about a month. its one of those. you can reread it and look at those photos many times before you get tired of it. plus this book gives you many links to other sources or information. which really is its strongest point. you look, find a style you like, and then can look up more books on the subject.

5 comments about Country French Kitchens.

1. I am thrilled that this is not yet another showcase of photos of kitchens in France, rather this book shows you numerous country french kitchens that are authentic and absolutely true to the style, yet there is no sacrificing of practicality. The book stands on its own if you just want to see beautiful and inspiring kitchens or just like french country style, but goes the extra step for readers who want to see how the style can be creatively adapted to kitchens in which real people actually cook, entertain and congregate with their families here and now in the US. I also was impressed by the quality of presentation and photographic excellence.



2. I love French Country style, and was happy to learn about this book. My happiness didn't last. After I bought it, I was stunned to discover that not one photograph in the book was taken in France, and in fact there is not a single authentically French kitchen anywhere in its pages. The majority of the kitchens seem to have been photographed in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New York. Instead of true French style, this disappointed reader discovered clichéd American takes on French style -- large ceramic roosters, ceramic rabbits, a wall emblazoned with the word `EAT,' built-in cabinets painted with flowers...
   When I bought this book, I looked forward to being inspired by real French kitchen design, with photographs and text that captured the charm and individuality of a kitchen in the French countryside. Instead I discovered garishly hued suburban American kitchens masquerading as French. Many photographs, including the cover, have a yellow cast from electric lighting. This book is going back!



3. "Carolina Fernandez has done a remarkable job of selecting a wide range of real kitchens from real people who clearly have a real passion for what is arguably the finest room in the home. There is no question that the kitchen is the place where family, friends, great food and conversation all come together, and Country French Kitchens is testament to that. Thank you for opening these doors and inviting us into your world and perspective of what will surely become a go-to book for everyone's favorite room."



4. Carolina Fernandez's Country French Kitchens" is a beautiful book. With stunning photography and attractive layout--no holds barred by the publisher here!-this is an exquisite addition to my design library. Fernandez's writing, polished and professional, transports the reader to each kitchen. Every artistically selected design detail has you wanting to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee with her. For anyone thinking of renovating a kitchen...or simply wanting to vicariously peek into someone else's...this is a dreamy way to accomplish both.



5. As I sat in my bland, contemporary kitchen reading through Ms. Fernandez's lovely table top book, I realized it was time for a change...I allowed the windmills of my mind to spin. I saw for the first time such great potential inspired by the many innovative, functional yet beautiful designs that the author included in her colorful, informative, well-written book. I highly recommend Carolina Fernandez's, Country French Kitchen book to spur your own thoughts and imagination or to give as a gift to complement someone's already designed kitchen. I trust you enjoy this book as much as I!

5 comments about The Arcades Project.

1. "La huella es la manifestación de una cercanía, por lejos que esté lo que abandona. El aura es la manifestación de una lejanía, por cerca que esté lo que la motiva. En la huella nos apoderamos de la cosa; en el aura ella nos domina." Esta sentencia de Walter Benjamin en LA OBRA DE LOS PASAJES/THE ARCADES PROJECT hace pensar en el proceso acelerado conque la industria a partir del siglo XIX instaura una época caracterizada por la manifestación de esta cercanía debido al consumo y a la accesibilidad masiva de los objetos considerados antes lejanos como el arte culto, por ejemplo. El Passagen-Werk está dedicado a hacer una arqueología de la cultura moderna a través de un diagnóstico sobre la historia y conseguir ver la actualidad del siglo XIX hoy y Benjamin encuentra el origen de la cultura de masas contemporánea en el París del siglo XIX. Así, en el siglo pasado se consiguió, de manera creciente, la destrucción de las relaciones simbolicas y la progresiva desmitifcacion de lo antes considerado sacro mediante la producción creciente de mercancías para el consumo inmediato como la masificación del arte; pero, también, en el siglo pasado, se restableció también nuevas relaciones míticas en el ensueño colectivo de la sociedad de consumo: la glorificación de la industria en las Exposiciones Universales, en los Pasajes, la concepción populista de la política, la exhibición del progreso nacional y la novedad mercantil. Lo simbólico se transformó en fetiche porque cuando antes la legitimidad provenía de la naturaleza tanto en el arte como en las relaciones sociales, es decir, la tradición que progresivamente transforma las convenciones en órdenes naturales; en la industria, la legitimidad proviene precisamente de la idea del progreso, la transformación de la vieja naturaleza mediante la técnica y su consecuente vencimiento para la comodidad de los hombres. Sin embargo, la sacralziacion de la experiencia industrial que se consigue con el consumo mercantil y con la concepción positivista e historicista del progreso informará tanto la ideología de masas como la filosofía culta: el positivismo de Comte y el historicismo de Hegel. La idea de la evolución social, en efecto, glorificaba el curso empírico de la historia humana y daba, en el siglo XIX, justificación filosófica al ordo capitalista. Tomando de Darwin, los filósofos de la época transformaban su teoría de la selección natural en dogma social por el cual, la competencia, en este caso, de clases, era, por supuesto, un hecho natural. Este ejemplo ideológico es excelente para demostrar la reauratización de la vida social. La naturaleza, negada y vencida en la industria, vuelve como referente de legitimación. Sin embargo, bajo el progreso aparente, se esconde la barbarie más profunda, puesto que un estado prehistórico de salvajismo se transcribe en el medio económico de la competencia. La huella trata de encontrar los orígenes históricos del presente; el aura, al contrario, trata de instaurar una naturalización del presente; así como aquella trata de volver cercano el objeto que va desapareciendo en la historia pero para mirarlo con otros ojos, ésta última intenta volver lo presente, lejano, inaccesible, investido con el aura del fetiche mágico. La huella intenta historizar la naturaleza, el aura, naturalizar la historia. Esta dialéctica aplicada a la mercancía se formularía así: en el aura, la mercancía se entiende como alma, fetiche; en la huella, como proceso industrial por el cual los consumidores se identifican entre ellos. La huella no es solamente polemizar contra la barbarie sino demostrar que, aún más, la nueva naturaleza es más transitoria que la anterior. En la huella la discontinuidad del tiempo histórico es afirmada en el sentido que ésta trata de actualizar un objeto que está siendo consumido por la tradición histórica para revelar lo actual que éste posee y, de esta manera, demostrar que la originariedad de los fenómenos modernos residen ya en los objetos despassés. Esta busqueda por las huellas ideologicas de la sociedad industrial avanzada es el objetivo central de Walter Benjamin en esta obra monumental.



2. As the U.S. begins more and more to embrace a cultural, if not yet explicitly political fascism, it's particularly important to look at the response earlier generations made to fascism. Walter Benjamin is a good place for us to start now, and not just because of his fascinating life and tragic death (read about it in the apparatus to The Arcades Project). Benjamin is at his best in examining the allegoric and metaphoric qualities of commercial objects and trends. He tries to understand what products and displays mean. We now live in a culture of declaration rather than fact (WMD in Iraq, the morality of torture, the chorus of creationists on the school board...); even our public discourse works like declarative advertising copy, like propaganda.
   
   Walter Benjamin's interpretation of 19th century Parisian commerce gives us some tools with which to crack the contemporary code.
   
   Stylistically, The Arcades Project works brilliantly. The layering of quotations and themes evokes a dream world, which is part of Benjamin's point: capitalism lulls whole social bodies to sleep, like a narcotic, like an addiction, and provides a phantasmagoria complete enough to keep consensus reality in place. Benjamin's prose sparkles; ideas pop from the page. More good news: you can effectively read around in The Arcades Project; you don't have to read through it cover-to-cover to get the point.
   
   Finally, if you want to understand the impulses of those who are actively transforming the beautiful United States into styrofoam Walmartistan, I humbly suggest that the reader seek out Deleuze and Guattari's study Anti-Oedipus, which examines in detail the ways in which one can desire fascism (and desire in a fascist manner).



3. In the fifth of his "Theses on History" Benjamin mentions that "every image of the past that is not recognized by the present as one of its own concerns threatens to disapear irretrievably." This work represents a significant way of not forgetting. It is fragmentary...but it reminds us that the texts we read are all fragmentary, and we assemble and contextualize them as we read them.



4. This book is a nihilistic, incoherent work, and I dare anyone who reads this review to argue to the contrary. Admiration for this book is humbuggery in action. The emperor has no clothes.



5. Herbert Muschamp, the NY Times architectural critic, has written an interesting article about Benjamin and his Paris project which appears in the Arts & Leisure section on January 16, 2000. While not strictly speaking a book review it nevertheless offers some observations as to the cultural importance of Benjamin's chef d'oevre. Another book on the Arcades Project is Susan Buck-Morss's 'The Dialectics of Seeing' (MIT 1989, 1991, 1997).

1 comments about Walt Disney's Legends of Imagineering and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park.

1. i was talking to my friend a disney imaginner and he sent me a copy of the book and its pretty cool

5 comments about Tuscan & Andalusian Reflections.

1. The impression I got from this book is comparable to one of those American restaurants with a name like 'Mexican American' and all the cooks are from the US. The title of the book says 'Andalusian' but there is nothing about it. The decoration in all houses is pretentious and over elaborated with objects filling all spaces. The houses scream 'fake' to anybody with direct contact with the real Andalusian style. Don't buy the book looking for Andalusian style. The only thing I saw related was the use of Mexican saltillo tile in a few floors. If you want Andalusian look for books with Moroccan style, like whitewash walls, 'albero' (ocre) colors on details, lots of Moroccan style tile, ery little furniture, baked clay tile on floors, etc. Some houses on the book did have courtyards but none had the Andalusian style.



2. My husband and I are building a Tuscan style house, and we were looking for a book to give us more ideas on design as well as decoration. This book is excellent for that. The houses are beautiful, the decoration is very tasteful, and the pictures are great. This is a great book for someone wanting to build a Tuscan style house in America. My only regret is not buying this book BEFORE beginning our project.



3. I must admit, their use of natural stone, brick, and the way they are able to manipulate concrete to create their desired effects is very impressive. Also, I'm sure these homes fit their particular market niche and are just what their clients are looking for -- no doubt they have the business and marketing end of things right on the mark. For this I will give them 3 stars. However, being a design book, I do have some criticisms. While many of the exterior elevations are extremely impressive, I found the interiors somewhat out-of-touch with true Tuscan style. I realize that is why it is called "reflections", but in most cases, they seemed way too "modern" in spirit -- they somehow lacked a European feel. They also seemed quite glossed and sterile -- almost soul-less. Although they seemed to have lots of room for a party, the way they were decorated would be monumentally disturbed or destroyed by even light revelry, not to mention if there were children or pets in the house. In some respects the design was outright dishonest, as one house had two garage entries whose doors were completely landscaped over. Now, maybe the landscaping is hardy enough to endure being driven over on a daily basis, but the broken impression was that they were trying to hide the garage access with landscaping and 'natural stone sidewalk, even though the garage doors themselves made no effort at all to conceal themselves. It seems very strange and un-natural. I would like to see a book with alittle more of the spirit of the design in it, not just all the, admittedly, beautiful building materials and craftsmanship which is clearly manifested in these houses -- and maybe that's it right there: these struck me more as expensive houses than as homes. I am glad I bought the book; I will definitely use it as a reference. I'm also glad I bought it from a used book dealer at a discount.



4. Buy this book, its cheaper than an interior decorator!
   Awesome ideas and the floorplan is included for every single home.
   This book showcases the marrige of modern home and old world feel. Its a perfect blend and you could practically hand a page to an architect and say... I want that! Great source material for inspiration.



5. This book is beautifully presented and features some truly amazing HUGE American houses. To me it's just a bit too glossy though. The golden lighting and hosed down grounds and roads to make everything that little bit more shiny goes against the gritty, rustic, traditional houses I was looking for from Tuscany and Andalusia.
   
   If you're looking to build a house, there's some great floor plans and architectural notes though.

5 comments about Mid-Century Modern: Interiors, Furniture, Design Details (Conran Octopus Interiors).

1. This book is filled with spectacular color photos of mid-century modern home interiors. Lots of ideas here for color schemes, furniture layout and incorporating mid-century aspects into any room of your home.



2. An absolutely stunning book & a must for any mid ce
   ntury enthusiast. Fabulous photographs & narration.
   Very inspiring.



3. this book is very good if you are interested in retro, modern design. I highly recommend this book.



4. Great overview of MCM style, but not as complete of descriptive as I expected.



5. Could someone possibly put together a better tome on Mid-Century Modern interiors than this exquisite piece by Bradley Quinn? They'd have one helluva tough time trying.
   
   This book is fairly short and slim, yet every single page and photograph has relevance. Each photograph is of some aspect of a home interior and is absolutely fantastic. Not a single wasted shot. I'm assuming that the majority of people interested in this book are admirers of 1950s decor and would like to incorporate elements of this into their homes. What is so wonderful about this book is that the pictures themselves are of contemporary homes that have been decorated in that Mid-Century style, resulting in achieving that look without appearing dated - certainly the effect that I'm striving for! You want elegant beige lounges or loud primary colored kitchens? It's all here. And you just gotta dig the living room on p.42! Wow - have red and yellow ever been used to such devastating effect in such circumstances? And this is just one example of many.
   
   Although it's doubtful that people buy books like these for their text, I think in this case, they'll be glad they did. Quinn discusses at great length the various components that made up the Modern style, providing tremendously useful ideas for home decor. He doesn't get into tedious sociological analysis like so many of these type of books do. Instead, he goes straight to the interesting stuff - how mid-century modern arose within the history of design, the components of the architecture and the lifestyles of the homeowners back then. Each chapter is broken down into a different aspect of decor - color, materials, lighting etc. Why can't all interior design books be arranged in this way?
   
   I can absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for '50s ideas for their home. I doubt I'd ever need to buy another book on this topic. Unless Quinn sticks in more pictures for a second edition.