No comments about Construction of Architecture: From Design to Built.

5 comments about Residential Landscape Architecture: Design Process for the Private Residence (2nd Edition).

1. I bought this book for my Landscape Design class going toward my Horticulture degree. I looked through this book many times when I was stuck and unsure on what was supposed to be done. It's a wonderful book for beginners even if you are just designing your own home garden. Even if you aren't going to be a landscape architect it's a wonderful book to read through and learn the principles of design and what goes into to making a great design.



2. If you want to learn how to do landscape architecture, this is the textbook for you. Don't let the word "textbook" turn you off with thoughts of back when you were in school wishing you were elsewhere. While it is not full of plant lists nor pretty photographs of inspiring gardens; it will, however, teach you how to create your own inspiring gardens. The multitude of graphics will help you to even better understand the well-written text, which is not in the least dull. I doubt there is a better book on the market for the purpose stated in its title. I highly recommend it and am using the principles gleaned from this book to design my own garden. How well I'll do is yet to be determined. But it has given me the skills (I hope) and courage to try. If I fail, at least I know what to look for in a professional.



3. I am in love with this book! It is clear, concise, well-written, and has wonderful graphics. I am a landscape architecture student at UCD and this book has taught me more than any of my teachers combined! Highly recommend.



4. I am a student at Kansas State University in Landscape Design, and this book is wonderful for getting ideas, symbols, and disign techniques. My professors own this book, and constantly approve and recommend this book for sudents. Although it is titled for a private resident, professional landscapers use this book also. This is one book you should add to your library.



5. This book is great, but you might like to know that a 4th addition of this book is now available. Type in - "Residential Landscape Architecture: Design Process for the Private Residence (4th Edition)" and check it out.

5 comments about Classic Greenwich Style.

1. Although there is indeed a style that could be called Classic Greenwich, this is not it. This book is filled with newly-put-together interiors by a local decorator, no doubt married into money, trying to emulate a style of Established Old Money. While the interiors are not horrible, they are not particularly great either. A hint of what is to come is given in the one paragraph Forward by famed decorator Bunny Williams and her peak-of-chic antiques dealer partner John Roselli; it says nothing. Rather than buy the book, just take a flip-through at the bookstore.



2. This is one of the most beautiful books I own. This book is filled with gorgeous pictures of rooms that invite you to linger in order to examine every detail. The homes are elegant and classic but they are also very livable. The book provides examples of ways to use color and texture in new ways to highlight classic furnishings and architecture. Even though I have seen several of the images from this book in other publications, the pictures take on a new feel when mixed with images of previously unseen venues. I particularly like the fact that this book provides a mix of classic styles detailing both formal and relaxed settings. In addition, the images depict a freshness that is appealing. Many books on this topic lead one to believe "classic" styles are only for fuddy-duddies. This book clearly demonstrates that classic styles have a timeless charm that appeals to individuals of all ages. I plan to give copies of this book to friends that appreciate a decorating style with staying power. Another book that I highly recommend is Great Traditional Style (published by Meredith Books, Des Moines, Iowa).You can't go wrong with either of these books.



3. Brilliant overview of classic timeless style and decorating. The written excerpts are well worth reading, with excellent tips and information.



4. Good book though photos not so great and the printing above all is not good.



5. The title creates visions' of grandure; however you could probably find a better book at HomeDepot.

1 comments about Reinventing the Skyscraper: A Vertical Theory of Urban Design.

1. THis book is so amazing. I have read it cover to cover And several of my friends have borrowed it. I actually had to buy a second copy. Ken Yeang is an inventive architect who is a pioneer for sustainable design. The drawings and diagrams explain his theories and ideas from conception to detailed plans. The thought process it there and i think this is rare in an architectural book. Many others seem to guard there creative knowledge and Ken shares his brilliance.

2 comments about Grand Central: Gateway to a Million Lives.

1. This is one of the bests books about grand central and its surroundings ever published, not doubt you'll be 100% satisfied with it.



2. This is a wonderful book on a magnificent building. This book has wonderful period photos as well as recent images and the text is highly informative. It's hard to believe that this building was once slated for demolition, thanks to New Yorkers like Jackie O, Grand Central was saved. Everyone who visits New York City should venture into this singular station, it embodies New York and you get a real feel for Gilded Age grandeur. If you have any interest in magnificent buildings or just good books in general then I believe you will not be disappointed.

2 comments about Metapolis Dictionary of Advanced Architecture: City, Technology and Society in the Information Age.

1. This book has an interesting thrust behind it; to understand current ideas of urbanism and architecture theory, don't produce a timeless resource; instead, construct an index committed to the moment, that is destined to begin its obsolescence the second it's printed. It's best quality is its cluttered, jumbled design which floods you with imagery and conceptual points of departure.
   
   Sadly, it seems that 2/3rds of architecture education is deliberate obfuscation; people muddying their waters so as to appear deep. Like much of the worst theory, this operates from a "We're so clever, that what we're saying can't be summarized." viewpoint that complicates simple ideas. If you're not into theoretical hair-splitting you're in for a rough time.
   
   The books worst quality is it's fetishing of neologism. For complete annoyance you could look up these idiotic entries: 'benidorm' or 'mmm.' Other one-line entries for epic concepts that don't even offer fundamentals, are so broad as to be useless; look up 'colours!' (Say... that was useless!). No this isn't the book I'd turn to for a deep understanding of color but why include an entry at all?
   
   At it's worst this is a coy, academic in-joke that worships jargon, in an attempt to influence the lexicon. ('delynneate,' get it? Greg Lynn...). At it's best it's an exhilarating look at ideas that may have a shelf-life of decades or a few months, relievedly free of blob worshipping.



2. As an architecture student, I have found this book to be a valuable resource in terms of idea generation and development of design concepts. My professor, who practices architecture and makes use of the book on a professional level, recommended it to my classmates and I - I have used it ever since. Not only does it link terms with architectural concepts developed by well known and celebrated designers, it includes a number of interesting colour images. I highly recommend this to design students and professionals in any field, especially architecture. Happy reading!

2 comments about LEED CI Sample Exam: Commercial Interiors.

1. It is a great reference before taking the real test but it is actually easier than the test. The style of these questions is similar but easier. And it is too expensive for just one set of practical test for this price. I took online practical test with little less money than this and they offered 4 sets of practical test. Online test was harder than an actual test. That was very helpful, too...



2. A good study guide, particularly due to the detailed explanations in the answer section. It covered all of the pertinant sections, and demonstrated some of the "tricks" in the exam questions. I used it to study, and I passed the test on the first attempt.

3 comments about Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian Houses (Wright at a Glance Series).

1. This is a nice 'little' gift to give to a Wright fan, but it is not comprehensive enough to tell you what the whole Usonian thing was all about.
   It would have gotten more stars if the price was a couple of dollars less.



2. This is a tiny hard cover book. "At a glance" is an over statement. More like a drive-by book. The pictures can be found elsewhere (larger and more complete) and the historical info is nil (and also found elsewhere.) Had I know this I would have not wasted my $10.00 on this.



3. This is a beautiful short introduction to the late and often smaller houses built by Wright after 1935, appropriately published in a purse-size book (part of a series). While less well known than his Prairie houses, these Usonians are the houses that YOU and I could afford! (Well...the smallest gem, Goetsch--built for $7,137.23--just sold for c.$225,000.) You will see here the beginning of many cliches of "modern houses:" single storys, open plans, lots of glass, dinettes, carports, etc. Only, these look beautiful! Why? Some idea of the awesome power of integrated design, inside and out, even at a tiny scale, is given in the small pictures of rich color. No "interior decoration" for Wright! Carla Lind is an extraordinarily evocative writer on Wright, and distills deep aesthetic insights into a brief focused text. If you like the magic you see here, then be sure to get Sargeant's book (Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian Houses) to understand how these are designed and built (or seek Susan J. Bandes, Affordable Dreams. Kresge Art Museum Bulletin 6. Michigan State University. 1991). Enjoy.

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.