2 comments about The Queen Anne House: America's Victorian Vernacular.

1. Generally, books of this type fall into two categories - either they are dense textbook-like examinations of a particular style of architecture that lack visual appeal, or they are beautifully illustrated with minimal text that amounts to fluff. This book is a triumph in that it combines the best of both. It is at once visually appealing and informative. Both the professional and the layperson will find it useful and enjoyable. What an exciting concept!



2. Really a well done book on one of the great American house styles. The text is highly informative and the images are crisp and well executed. Overall, I was pleased with the houses chosen, some are quite reserved and some are massive and grand. I do wish the author had chosen one of the great Galveston Queen Anne style mansions, instead of the simple quant home chosen to represent Galveston, the city has some spectacular mansions in this style. Though having said that i still highly recommend this wonderful book, if you have a love for Queen Anne, you will not be disappointed, unless you happen to be a Galvestonian.

4 comments about The Projective Cast: Architecture and Its Three Geometries.

1. There have been times when after reading an assignment from this book, my students will ask me how the subject-matter was pertinent to what we had been studying. I tell them: in no way. I just want them to read Robin Evans so that they can learn how to write. No one writes like Evans.



2. While Translations from Drawing to Building is perhaps Evans' more often referenced publication, The Projective Cast is even better.



3. This book is a must read for any architect interested in the geometries and shapes of buildings (which I hope is every architect) If you have second thoughts about buying it, buy it... it is informative, entertaining the diagrams and pictures are beautiful and it will take 2 (amazing) months to go through it.



4. Robin Evans has a knack of getting right to the point of many a subject with expertise. Extremely versatile and knowledgable, he uses this base to write profoundly. Evans takes criticism to another level by getting to 'the obvious' quickly, then building on pre conceived theory with frightening clarity to form an original alternative view. This is a marvelously laid out book with fantastic illustrations and plates from Renaissance history to Eisenman. He is not caught up in the hype of self-preserving discourse or traditional methods of interrogation. The book has a wealth of information that acts like a reference book. So easy to read and so refreshing in opinion. RIP Robin, this is a classic work.

3 comments about Buildings of Earth and Straw: Structural Design for Rammed Earth and Straw-Bale Architecture.

1. Learn how to build with earth, and straw. The one thing I didn't like about the book is that there are no photo's of finished projects.



2. This book educates the lay builder of "earth and straw" about the technical side of the mentioned building methods. This technical lingo is explained clearly for the person's understanding. This book bridges the gap between building inspetors and the "alternative" builder by increasing the technical knowledge of basic building structures and forces.



3. This book is definitely the funniest structural engineering book I have ever read. It is also useful for the professional, intelligible to the general reader, and attractively illustrated. King includes California's straw bale code, a comprehensive wish list for further testing, and a useful list of references for both stabilized earth and straw bale. Included are equations for the engineer who is ready to start designing right now, and a glossary for the lay reader who isn't quite sure of some of the terms. A valuable book which is also enjoyable to read. This is not always true of engineering texts!

2 comments about Earth Sheltered Housing Design: Guidelines, Examples, and References.

1. Earth Sheltered Housing Design: Guidelines Examples, and References- Universty Of Minnesota ~ ISBN: 0442288212
   
   318 pages, well done, many examples and styles of sheltered and underground designs.
   
   Fabulous technical guide to earth sheltered (underground) housing.
   
   Chapters include site planning, architectural design, energy use, structural design, waterproofing and insulation, building codes, illustrative designs, cold climate designs, warm climate designs.
   
   Includes photos of homes, design details, backfilling, solar gain, roofs, and many real world examples shown including Davis Caves, solaria and ecology houses.
   
   Appendices include energy calculations and comparisons, financing issues and references.
   
   Architects represented: Don Metz, the Winston House and the baldtop dugout; John Barnard, ecology houses; Carmody and Ellison, the Jones House; Michael McGuire, the Clark Nelson House; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Karsky, the Karsky house; Joe Topiv, the topic house; Andy Davis, the Davis Cave; Big Outdoors People, big outdoors dome (concept only); Malcolm Wells, solaria; Ron McClure, rousselot house; Coffee & Crier, bordie residents; William Morgan architects, the Dune House; David Wright environmental architects, the sundown house at Sea Ranch; Roland Coate, the Alexander house; Philip Johnson, the Geier House; Herman DeJong, Terrasol (unbuilt). Terrific photos of this midcentury modern concept.
   
   In-depth references and bibliography.
   
   B&W images and illustrations.
   ___________________________________________________
   
   From The Back Cover:
   Before the use of fossil fuels was commonplace, man often turned to the earth for protection from the elements and extremes of climate. Now, with fuel supplies dwindling and fuel prices rapidly rising, it is time to reconsider the benefits of habitation below the earth's surface.
   
   This book of guidelines offers homeowners and architects a comfortable and economic approach to underground housing based on modern construction techniques. It provides plans, details and photographs of existing examples of earth sheltered houses from around the country, and shows how to design homes using such low cost natural resource and energy-saving systems as layers of soil insulation and passive solar heating. Many of the homes illustrate how the designs can be adapted to take advantage of specific natural surroundings.
   
   Avoiding the use of technical language whenever possible, the authors give clear-cut explanations of energy performance in earth sheltered homes, as well as helpful hints on selecting materials and equipment. The reader will find basic information on warm climate and cold climate designs, including detailed coverage of plans, site selection, waterproofing and insulation, as well as zoning codes and other public policy issues that relate to underground construction. Essential advice is given on systems which provide maximum protection from wind chill, unwanted infiltration, and direct heat loss. All the facts are here on creating a durable, low maintenance structure that is not only economical, but also as comfortable as a conventional home. Detailed appendices offer precise information on financing, building codes, and product information.
   
   Forward-looking homeowners, architects, and planners will value this comprehensive and timely study. The AA Journal calls it "The first comprehensive underground design manual."
   
   The Undergound Space Center:
   A comprehensive research program studying problems relating to resouce utilization, the Center draws upon the efforts of numerous experts of the scientific community at the University of Minnesota as well as professional engineers and architects working in the areas of innovative residential design and energy research.



2. This book is an "must have". It contains complete formulars that help the average person consider the design requirements.

No comments about Hardscaping : High Style, Low Maintenance Outdoor Spaces (Home & Garden).

1 comments about Forgotten Chicago (IL) (Images of America).

1. This book also brought back many fond memories of places I had visited when I was younger, & showed me some places that I had heard of but never got to visit.

2 comments about Building a Century of Progress: The Architecture of Chicago's 1933-34 World's Fair.

1. This book is that rare combination of first class photographs and illustrations surrounding a first rate work of historical scholarship.



2. This new book discusses in depth the building of the 1933-4 Chicago World's Fair. With astute attention to detail, the managers succeeded in making a profit while presenting both a science show and avant garde architectural display during the depths of the depression. From the breathing dome of the Travel and Transport Building to the all glass block Libbey Owens pavilion, all kinds of innovations in architecture were presented. Ms. Schrenk does an excellent job in describing the numerous innovations in addition to providing good illustrations. One is also informed of why Frank Lloyd Wright was not repesented and his campaign in response. From pre-fabrication to Fuller's dymaxion car (which could move sideways!), all the new construction and technical innovations of the time are here. In sum, a fascinating read for all those interested in Chicago history, architecture, and the "Can Do" spirit of America during the depression.

No comments about Wall Design (Design Books).

5 comments about Small Barn Plans for Owner-Builders.

1. It was a good book to prepare for a small barn building project.



2. Only basic info on planning a project and included plans are just a teaser to get you to purchase complete plans. There are much better general barn/shed books.



3. It's marginally useful with hand drawn, black & white diagrams. You do get a sense of what building a horse barn or shed is all about. There are other reference books out there that deal with the subject in a more polished way though.



4. I found this book to be an excellent source of information. It has greatly helped me do the planning for the construction of my barn.



5. The cover bills it as 'complete' plans for 12 different barns- actually, to get complete plans that would be needed to get building permit do construction or buy materials, you have to order a set form the authors website. The book has nice practical ideas about working with subcontactors, and the designs and sources are quite useful.

2 comments about Readings in Planning Theory (Studies in Urban and Social Change).

1. The autors present a superb choice of classical texts on the field of urban planning. I recommend it to all of those who want a good reference on some of the most important ideas that have shaped this field until now.



2. This book is a very good beginning for a student interested in urban and regional planning. The selections are great, one example is the classic article from Lindblom "The science of muddling through", with several arguments in favor to 'incrementalism'. Another classic is Davidoff's "Advocacy and pluralism in planning", and the text from Beauregard, Krumholz, Healy and Harvey.