No comments about Architectural Drafting: Residential and Commercial.

5 comments about Tokyo: A Certain Style.

1. This book is a visually compelling, interesting, and insightful look into Japanese urban living. While the book is physically small (something that surprised me, despite having read the many reviews saying as much) it is jam-packed--much like Japanese apartments, come to think of it. The photography is not beautiful, but it is captivating and it serves its purpose. Besides, given the subject matter, one could hardly ask for "beautiful" photography. You will be disappointed if you're looking for a book on Japanese design, because this is certainly not it. We're not looking at luxurious, spacious apartments by hip Tokyo designers, nor are we looking at serene, "zen" houses. We're looking at the real homes of real people, and thus your expectations should be adjusted accordingly.
   
   I know that some people have complained that there is a lack of information about the people living in the apartments, and it's true that the writing is sparse. However, I felt that the pictures adequately told the story without having to be further cluttered with text. That's what makes this book so interesting--it allows us to draw a comparison between the way ordinary Japanese people live and the way that we ourselves live without the distraction of too much explanation.
   
   The text that the book does have sheds some light on cultural differences without being overbearing--the fact that many Japanese apartments do not have their own bathroom, for example--and is a welcome look into normal people's lives without being intrusive. Because of the author's unobtrusiveness, we are offered a truly objective look into the lives of Tokyo's citizens through their homes--sometimes messy, cluttered, and cramped though those homes (and lives) might be.



2. It's a small book filled with pictures of real people's apartments.
   Also, all of them are small apartments (probably located on japanese cities like Tokyo), in everyday situations (read very messy).
   For the japanese culture curious/entusiast. The book adds nothing in knowledge, but it's interesting to see how real people live in real japan today.



3. If this book were in larger format, I would love it. It is an afront to the western understanding of Tokyo design, showing how real people live, not high design. An interesting subject matter, but it is difficult to look at the photos since the book is so small (just like the apartments, I suppose). At first opening, the binding cracked and the cover partially separated from the spine. The format has done the subject a disservice!



4. Its good to see how other cultures live, the style of types of living spaces that the Japanese have as a posed to that of America and Australia etc. Certainly an eye opener.
   
   The photography is nice the light is pretty much all natural. There were a few photos where I have been able to make out some titles of manga that the people have and found some that I own.
   
   If you are interested to see how other people live day to day and thing your house is small (and its rather large) get this and see how it compares.



5. The photographs are so well taken, I have never been a fan of small packed rooms, but these rooms in the book are gorgeously messy. However I would give it 10 stars if the apartment owners were photographed too.

5 comments about Comfortable Country.

1. As a fan of modern country, I still find this book very appealing, years after I bought it. It's warm and cozy. These are European country homes, very unlike ours here in the U.S., but I like picking it up from time to time, enjoying the pictures of fabrics, color choices and how things are displayed. Some of the exterior photos, with the stonework, just floats my boat. It's definitely one of my favorites. It's fantasy living. If you are into decorating by nature, you will probably love this book as much as I do.



2. The cover picture is the only one I like. The decorative style is far too primitive and junky for my taste.



3. Comfortable Country by Enrica Stabile
   
   I have the large version, and the photography is beautiful! I like decorating with worn items with a history, but some of the rooms look downright dirty. Example - the kitchen on page 54. I don't need new expensive appliances, but I couldn't live with this kitchen. Some of the rooms are charming, but others are sad, with the stuffing coming out of the pillows, rotting wood, and peeling paint ~ possibly lead-based. Sorry, but it's a little MORE comfort than I need!



4. 
   I love this book, though I needed a magnifying glass to read it. Please beware that many Sellers sell the very tiny version of this book. (Most buyers will not know that two versions were issued of this book). Thus, I did not think to check the "SIZE OF THE BOOK" when ordering this decorating book, therefore when it arrived I was shocked to find it was only about 5 inches big. Yieks! It can fit in my wallet!
   
   I think that had I ordered the regular book sized version of this book ,I would have enjoyed it more.
   
   Other than the tiny itsy bitsy size of this book, the photos were wonderful and inspiring!



5. This is the very best deorating and idea book of the year (and in the longest time)! Since I operate my own Country Cottage Decor Store, I hunt for every new book in this category, but none has surprised me more positivly than "Comfortable Country". Wonderful journey from page to page;- Imagine the smell of crisp linens and snuggling into poofy, down pillows! You have to look through it over & over and still see new details. The reading part is also very informativ! WOW-Those pictures are true inspiration! Possible to recreate, no matter what size your budget, home and own skills! Hope to see more from this gifted author;- soon!

5 comments about Luxury Apartment Houses of Manhattan: An Illustrated History.

1. The book arrived in a timely fashion and was in perfect condition. I would definitely order from this person again.



2. buildings there are until one reads this essential history of some of the greatest buildings in the city.



3. Architectural historian Andrew Alpern takes the reader through a survey of luxury apartment buildings on Manhattan Island. There are 34 chapters, of which 28 are descriptions of particular buildings, their histories, and their unique features, each illustrated by one or more large b&w photographs. The book includes four floor plans. Buildings discussed include the Majestic, Century, Ansonia, London Terrace, Beresford, Osborne, and Alwyn Court. There are also six chapters dealing with more general topics: British 'antecedents of American apartments,' famous courtyard buildings, office-to-residence conversions, classic buildings of Fifth Avenue, double-height studios for artists, and changing fashions in floor plans.

   There is substantial overlap with Alpern's earlier book, 'New York's Fabulous Luxury Apartments,' although the two books were clearly separately written works. That earlier book is aimed at the reader whose interest is mainly in floor plans, while the reader who is more interested in detailed narrative descriptions might prefer 'Luxury Apartment Houses.'




4. An interesting overview of the design and evolutions of apartment bulidings in NYC, originally published as the very hard to find 'APARTMENTS FOR THE AFFLUENT.' Cretainly good fun for todays real estate conscious New Yorker with photos, floorplans and even original selling prices of NY's tonier buildings.



5. An interesting overview of the design and evolutions of apartment bulidings in NYC, originally published as the very hard to find 'APARTMENTS FOR THE AFFLUENT.' Cretainly good fun for todays real estate conscious New Yorker with photos, floorplans and even original selling prices of NY's tonier buildings.

2 comments about Digital Design and Manufacturing: CAD/CAM Applications in Architecture and Design.

1. I have been enjoying the breadth and depth of CAD/CAM Applications in Architecture and Design for the past few weeks. This book does an extraordinarily good job at covering not only the current state of the art in CAD/CAM work, but provides a captivating look at the development of various mechanical production solutions dating back from power looms and early machining tools.
   
   As an educator at Carnegie Mellon University, this book provides a remarkably useful overview of most aspects of this field - an area that is sure to define the future of architecture, since 3D imaging is only recently able to be directly fabricated with machines that permit tolerances of complex forms to within thousandths of an inch.
   
   We are surely entering a new era of production with tremendous implications for architecture. Those familiar with the techniques possible will be able to create forms that were hitherto only imagined. This thoughtful book is an excellent introduction to those curious about this phenomenon.



2. I've been waiting for a book like this to come along! Finally a comprehensive report on knowledge of building techniques that exploit digital tools. This textbook will be a required resource for both engineers and designer/architects. Excellent for anyone trying to grasp the creative implications of the new tools. Full of excellent case studies in product development, architectural design and structural engineering that show behind-the-scenes photos and sequential diagrams. In addition to the cutting-edge technologies, this book surveys the more tried and true manufacturing processes too.

4 comments about Magnificent Italian Villas and Palaces.

1. This book shows large, ornate villas and palaces. It has some great interior and exterior pictures and good text. It is an excellent book if that is what you want. I wish that it had some floor plans and more photographs of the gardens. I really wanted something with all sizes of villas with some floor plans as well as photos. Sometimes, there is no substitute for thumbing through a book before you buy it to see what you are getting.



2. This book has a fabulous collection of Villas in Italy. The photography is wonderful.



3. Great Pictures. If you really enjoy old world architect, you'll love this book.



4. Shakespeare's words define the extraordinary structures in this elegant Rizzoli book MAGNIFICENT ITALIAN VILLAS AND PALACES. This is one of those massive tomes to spread on the table or before a nightlight fire and enter another far more beautiful time. Massimo Listri is the gifted photographer who captured the exteriors, landscapes, interiors and art of these places of wonder throughout Italy. With an informative and entertaining text by Cesare Cunaccia, who in addition to being an architectural historian is a frequent contributor to Architectural Digest, this sampler of some of the various interesting villas and palaces found in Italy is one of the finest books of its kind.
   
   The sights and environments of the areas in which these estates exist are captured as aperitifs for the actual examination of each building. The two creators of this book spread their travel from the Villa Borghese in Rome to the Doge's Palace in Venice, including Tuscany for the Medici Villas and the Pitti Palace in Florence and the stops in Siena, to Lombardy (Lake Como and Lake Garda) and Naples, and even Sicily. Each structure is examined for its architectural details, its history, its gardens, and art treasures.
   
   Rarely has a book on architecture felt so comfortable to read and view. The flow is a fine mix between word and image and both Cunacci and Listri are exemplary in their presentation. A magnificent coffee table volume, this. 'We are such stuff as dreams are made on...' Grady Harp, November 05

3 comments about Adobe and Rammed Earth Buildings: Design and Construction.

1. This book is full of great information and is well worth purchasing. For the average consumer it is all you will need. However as an engineer, I wish it had more technical information (shear capacity of adobe walls, etc). I've looked for such a book, but I don't think it exists.



2. This book is for the individual who wants to and is able to build his/her own home. The details are geared towards someone who is already familiar with building techniques and jargon. If you're planning to design your own adobe home but have a contractor do the actually building of it, you probably don't need to know this much and will be overwhelmed by the information provided.



3. This book is easy to read and understand when the author explains adobe and rammed earth buildings. The book seems to be a bit more focused on the details of adobe brick making which is great if that is what you want. The rammed earth sections are very informative but lack some of the construction details. I would have liked to have seen more detailed decriptions with better drawings of forms, for example. The author also has several table having containg soil composition that was a bit too technical for practical use. Overall,I believe this book is well worth the money for an introduction to adobe and rammed earth buildings. Additional books would be needed to learn enough to build one yourself though.

3 comments about Contemporary World Interiors (Phaidon).

1. This is a pretty good book. Written with a general audience in mind and published in a large format with big pictures. I did not expect anything much more than a great set of pictures. But surprise surprise, the text could easily hold up on its own. I have not had time to read the entire text yet but it is obvious from my browsing that the author knows her stuff and communicates it in an illuminating and disarming way. If you know nothing about contemporary interior design and want to, this would be great introduction. If, like me, you have taught design students for many years the book is still engaging, up to date, and very enjoyable.



2. This is the Mother of all coffee table books. This is a wonderful comprehensive compilation of design interiors of residences and all kinds of buildings, including art museums. Each page is chock full of amazing photos. This is a great book to look at and get ideas for interior design and to plan your next travel destination. I wondered how one woman could write such a comprehensive book. It is truly amazing and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it.



3. This book has many different photos with designs from around the world. First of its kind that has such a variety in designs.It is put together in an organized way and easy to read.
   I really enjoyed reading it and looking thru thousands of very tastefully chosen photos.
   I will recommend this book to anyone , not only designers.

No comments about Forties Screen Style: A Celebration of High Pastiche in Hollywood (Architecture and Film, 4).

5 comments about The Architecture of Delano & Aldrich.

1. Delano and Aldrich were remarkable architects whose achievements include the Dutch Reformed Church in Brookville, LI Oheka, the largest home in the country, Willard Straight Hall at Cornell and other buildings too numerous to mention which you probably count amont your favorites whether or not you know about architecture. The photos and text of this book show their range and informs about the kindly and sophisticated personalities of the men.



2. While I agree this is the best available source right now on Delano and Aldrich, the book has some major problems. I especially do not like the fact that you need to search three different parts of the book for photographs and images of any particular project: color photos grouped at the start of the book, then small images alongside the main text, and then larger black and white photographs grouped at the end of the book.



3. I wish all books on noted architects where this good. Mr. Sterns preface at the beginning of the book is astute. This book is a perfect combination of archival and current photos and the history of the buildings are well researched and thorough. The color photos are vivid and well executed and the archival photos are well chosen. So many of these books just give you archival photos and are not researched as well as one would hope. This book is a blueprint for how these type of books should be presented. This beautiful book is well worth the money and at these prices that's high praise indeed.



4. I highly recommend this definitive work on architects Delano & Aldrich. The book is amazingly well-researched and well-written as well as beautifully illustrated with both historic and contemporary photographs. It's a must for the library of anyone interested in architecture!



5. I have been interested in the work of Delano and Aldrich for a number of years, and this book provides the best information I have been able to get so far.

   The descriptions are deep and serious. I also liked the great pictures. The impact of their work is historic to say the least.

   This is a must read.