2 comments about Hacienda Courtyards (Mexican Design Books).

1. Although there are plenty of photographs, they were of the same few properties over and over. I had expected more variety.



2. This book is the bible for Interior Designers who wish to follow through with interior spaces and make the patios and gardens beckon their clients to enjoy equally their outside spaces. This book is a must in every designers library.

No comments about Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery.

5 comments about Building with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): Strength and Energy Efficiency Through Structural Panel Construction (For Pros By Pros).

1. This book is a good primer for anyone who has doesn't know much about SIP's, but I found it quite basic. Also, there are passages in the book that show just how badly it is in need of an update. For instance, in the first chapter, it says something to the effect of "...with energy costs being relatively low, builders have a hard time selling energy efficiency and sacrificing the two story fake stone arch...' If this technology is to get a solid foothold in the building industry, MANY books should be written to provide builders with the resources they need to handle both high-end custom homes and affordable homes as well.
   
   In short, if you are just trying to get up to speed on what SIP's are, this is probably worthwhile. Otherwise, spend some time on the phone and visiting with your SIP dealer, talk to contractors who have used them, and look around online. I think you will find more detailed and specific (and UP TO DATE) information.



2. Excellent overview of SIPs construction basics and techniques. Author explains in ordinary terms so any layman can understand. Anyone considering SIPs construction should buy this book. It would be nice if a newer version (this one is 2002)were available to discuss the latest products.



3. Good book to explain the fundamentals and ideas behind why Structural Insulated Panels area a good building medium. Unfortunately, the solid information on estimating the costs or tricks to design that the interested party are looking for are not there.
   
   I look for someone to write the next book in the series.



4. this book provides a thorough and well detailed look at SIP anatomy and construction techniques. information on this construction type is extremely difficult to find from sources other than (possibly biased or glossed-over) information from SIP manufacturers. the content covers so many details of its construction that it could concievably be used as a primer/manual/textbook for contractors or others interested in using this construction type. any information needed to supplement the information found here will most likely be so specific that it will be material related to a particular manufacturer's product or information gleaned directly from materials testing reports. i have looked extensively, and not been able to find, any materials on SIPs that could compare to the value of this source.



5. Just a quick note on this book. My wife and I are looking to build an energy-efficient home. We are both engineers and very detail-oriented people. As part of our due diligence, we picked up this book after seeing a demonstration house built with SIPS as part of the 2005 Smithsonian Folk Life Festival (this was part of the US Forest Service pavilion - sustainable building approaches area). As noted in an earlier review, this book does have a bit of a promotional feel. However, it could simply be the author's enthusiasm for what appears to be a very good product. The book is also somewhat light in treating potential problems with SIPS. The failures of mutliple SIP roofing systems in Juneau, Alaska should have been addressed. In fairness though, these failures seem to largely be installation problems on the part of a small number of builders unfamiliar with the product. Overall, this book is a very useful and fairly detailed introduction to SIPS building. We would love to see a follow-up title that goes into much more technical detail on designing for SIPs use, as well as further exploration of lessons-learned from using SIPs in various settings and climates.

5 comments about How and Why to Build a Wine Cellar, Fourth Edition.

1. Very clear,with excelent ideas which I have not found in other books sofar, for the ones that really want to get to the bottom of it



2. This book has been extremely helpful. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed when I received it as it wasn't covered in color pictures of steps along the way, as other books include. However, in browsing other books they fail to address the details and precautions based on experience that the author's instructions provide. The author does a great job of defining the steps, yet allowing the reader to develop his own designs to suit his needs. Books with pictures would tend to sway the reader to try to build what they see. Thanks again for developing this guide.



3. I've used this book with great success, building two wine cellars of our own, and advising a number of other people on problems they faced in their own cellars.
   
   It's been vetted on a number of the wine discussion groups, in particular one the WineLovers Page where 25 to 30 different people have used it, and commented on it favorably.
   
   Folks might be interested in the sort of problems you may have building a wine cellar; from recent email correspondence:
   
   Hi Bob: Hope this finds you well and enjoying the holidays. So, I've got my wine cellar built and seems to be well-insulated, after adding a couple coats of paint on the interior walls and some molding, I'll be ready to bring the wine in.
   
   *****
   
   Hi ______: Let's plan to get together soon -- I'll send you some dates after the first.
   
   Two thoughts: go very slow with painting the interior of the wine cellar unless aesthetics are very important. In a closed space, you can get some incredible aromas from paint. I've lent out my copy of Gold, and can't remember his specific advice, but my vague memory is that he said don't paint. You might want to post on that question -- I don't remember anyone discussing it. We didn't paint either cellar but we didn't care about aesthetics. I do remember being at a tasting in Glen Rock where the paint smell -- especially with the high humidity -- persisted for years and clung to the paper in the bottles. Didn't affect the taste once I was away from the bottle, but it would have been unpleasant at the table. ...
   
   *****
   
   Thanks Bob. Unfortunately you got me just after I put a coat of primer in the room, and I was surprised just how much it stunk. (No, it was not discussed in my thread!) Fortunately we have glass sliders on the cellar, not far from this wine room, and it's a nice warm day (even here) and I'm hoping the smell can clear. At least there's no wine around for the time being, but now I'll have to figure on whether to put a coat of something else on there that can hopefully cover up the odor.
   
   *****
   
   Note: Readers of this review can find out what Gold has to say about painting inside the wine cellar by searching in the book on this page. In summary, he suggests that if you use drywall, paint with two coats of water based primer and two coats of water based paint. In the alternative, use a material other than drywall, and don't paint at all.
   
   *****
   
   Practicality is very, very important in the wine cellar world, and it's very hard to think of everything. Richard Gold becomes a very good friend indeed. As my friend's experience suggests, read the book first -- and often as construction proceeds. Even experienced builders make mistakes in this specialized field.



4. Richard Gold's book is the consummate cellar dweller's guide to designing and building a wine cellar for the home. Through detailed examinations of wall sections, insulation, cooling units, moisture and temperature control and other considerations, Gold evaluates a variety of techniques and technologies applying analysis and personal experience to highlight the most promising strategies. His generally noninterventionist approach to cellar design is a refreshing alternative to the propositions of the cooling unit manufacturers, reinforcing the importance of proper design and superinsulation strategies - which hold the promise of improved reliability as well as reduced dependence upon your local energy company. Needs some additional editing, but definitely a recommended read for anyone contemplating construction of a new home cellar.



5. If you are planning to build or are building a wine cellar you need this book, it is the source. Dr. Gold draws on his experiences and research in building his own cellar and offers clear explanations as to the "why's" and concise specifications for the "how's". I bought edition 3 for myself and my contractor to guide the construction of my passive cellar that has maintained a steady 54 degrees thru its first winter and 60 degrees thru the summer.
   Picked up edition 4 to see what's new - updates on newest construction materials and new information on sourcing wines and wine info thru the internet.

1 comments about Tricia Guild Flower Sense: The Art of Decorating with Flowers.

1. .... well... ANOTHER AMAZING BOOK FROM TRICIA GUILD!!! Priceless under my eyes! LOVE LOOOVE IT! The use of paper, layout and photography are stunning!!!! Thnx Tricia!!!!!!!

2 comments about Atmospheres: Architectural Environments - Surrounding Objects.

1. The book is written as a dialogue taken from a lecture, which has had minimal editing. This gives a good insight into Zumthors thinking and inspirations from the cuff,so to speak.
   
   The disappointment is that there is not a lot of grounding theory or thoughts as well defined like those in his essays in 'thinking archtecture'. My feelings are that some ideas are repeatative but presented from a different perspective.
   
   However if you are a true Zumthor fan, you would know that there is not a lot of published material so when its there! Get it!



2. Very happy with the book i bought! Great quality book either in contents and manufacture. I recommend!! Zumthor is the master!

4 comments about The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design.

1. As a senior vice president and firmwide sustainable design director at HOK, Mary Ann Lazarus combined her expertise with the professional experience of the other two design principals and leaders of sustainable design at HOK, Sandra F. Mendler and William Odell, in "The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design."
   
   "The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design" is one of the most comprehensive books on LEED and sustainable design. It is not a LEED AP exam prep book. It is a book to assist you in doing actual sustainable design. It covers checklists of actions and how-to information arranged by the LEED® categories (SS: sustainable sites, WE: water efficiency, EA: energy & atmosphere, MR: materials & resources, and EQ: indoor environmental quality), "Ten Key Steps" for the design process, specific guidance for sustainable design per building type, and 18 useful case studies from HOK's real projects.
   
   "The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design" has 480 pages and many color interior photos. It is a must-have for design professionals and one of the best books on LEED and green building design.
   
   Gang Chen, LEED AP, AIA
   Author of "Planting Design Illustrated"



2. Although I normally read books in twos and threes on the same topic to gain varied perspectives, this is the first time I am writing a single review encompassing two books. They mesh together so well that I cannot imagine studying this subject without having BOTH in hand.
   
   The two books are Sun, Wind & Light: Architectural Design Strategies, 2nd Edition and The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design.
   
   Start with the introduction in the Guidebook, which is blessed with a Foreword from Paul Hawken and see especially page 13 where the cost benefits are shown, with 48% energy savings for Gold, 30% for Silver, and 28% for Certified. See also the illustration on page 15 that I have reproduced in the image I am loading for both books: the old decision model was Cost at the top, with Schedule and Quality anchoring the triangle. the new decision model still has cost at the top, but Schedule and Human Health, Safety, & Comfort are on corners of this new pentagon, and the bottom is achored by Quality and Ecology, or what Paul Hawken would call in his books, "true cost" to the Earth and Humanitas.
   
   NOW shift to the Contents and the Detailed Contents of Sun, Wind, & Light. As one reviewer notes, this is a course book. I did not recognize it as such, I saw it as one of the most gifted complete collection of factors to learn and apply that I have ever seen for ANY topic of study. The content and organization of this book is nothing short of Nobel-level "wow." Finish going through this book.
   
   NOW go back to the first 218 pages of the Handbook, and study the checklists and varied helpful boxes and explanations. The rest of the book (217-459) is case studies of specific buildings, each a few pages, that can be left for last.
   
   At this point, I went into the Glossaries and Bibliographies of both books. Each is distinct, neither supplants the other. They must be taken together. I read Glossaries, and Indices, as content, and use them as a form of "second look" (in extremely complex books, this is actually where I start).
   
   NOW go back to the Case Studies in the Handbook, and read each from the point of view of what "take away" lessons are there for your own building.
   
   Reading these two books was a real treat. Outside my office kitchen is a deck with an 11 point system for attracting birds from bluebirds and bluejays to cardinals, gold finches, two kinds of woodpecker, and a flicker as well as the more common birds. I believe in diversity, and I believe that if we don't get our act together and start living up to the ideals of Natural Capitalism (see other recommended books below), our world will go sterile and dark before out great-grandchilden can share in the beauty of this planet. These two books are part of the solution, and I am in serious awe of those who made them available to all of us, and at reasonable prices to boot. Well done!!!
   
   Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It Coming
   Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution
   The Ecology of Commerce
   Ecological Economics: Principles And Applications
   For the Common Good: Redirecting the Economy toward Community, the Environment, and a Sustainable Future
   The Soul of Capitalism: Opening Paths to a Moral Economy
   Capitalism 3.0: A Guide to Reclaiming the Commons (Bk Currents)
   The Philosophy of Sustainable Design



3. I am a property owner considering LEED Certification for a building remodel. As a starting poijnt, I have read the LEED guidelines at the Green Building Council website. However, I was looking for something more substantial to help understand the process. "The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design" fills that purpose.
   
   This Guidebook is written by the HOK Architectural firm which has been one of the leaders in sustainable design. The book has three sections. The first chapters are a check list of design guidelines and questions that one needs to explore during the LEED design process. The second section looks at sustainability issues as related to certain building types and the final section are a series of short articles on LEED projects the firm has worked on.
   
   This Guidebook is on its Second Edition and is invaluable for all those interested in LEED certification. It is well written and clearly organized. It is an expensive book but well worth the price. It is a great introduction into what is becoming an important area of design. Highly recommended.



4. The most comprehensive book yet on sustainable design and green architecture. If you can have only one book in your library on sustainable design, this is the book!

5 comments about Basilica: The Splendor and the Scandal: Building St. Peter's.

1. This book was more than I had hoped for, and it made a very easy read. I couldn't put it down and hated for it to end. I will buy more books from this author.



2. I am disappointed in this book. The author's scattershot presentation of a subject that should be fascinating leaves this reader longing for either a scholarly approach or a personal one. This book tries to mix the two.



3. This book might better be termed an "epic" as opposed to a mere history, since it is a kind of saga in architecture that is as action packed as any in the history of art. First of all there is the cast of characters: Pope Julius II, Michaelangelo, Agostino Chigi (banker to the pope) Raphael, Bramante, Leo X, Paul III, Sixtus V, Paul V, Urban VIII, and finally Bernini. Any tale that packs in these powerful personalities is bound to frought with conflict and conflict there is. What is perhaps the most interesting thing about this book is just how the idea of what St Peters would become changed over time depending upon a variety of factors, mainly human ones. Scotti is not able to show us just the splender and scandal, but the changes in design that caused St Peter's to be one of the most expensive buildings ever to construct.
   
   The expense associated with the building was met by the sale of indulgences which as most people know led to the Protestant Reformation. It is rare that a building can change history before it is even built, but it happened and Scotti lays it all out for the reader in a very becoming manner.
   
   While this book does not shed any new light on the building of St Peters and many of the events have been recounted elsewhere, I do not think that the entire story has ever been presented in a more entertaining manner. Scotti knows how to tell a story and tell it well. If you are planning a trip to Rome or have been to Rome, this book will be an eye-opener.



4. This is a chatty, informative and thoroughly researched book about the construction of St. Peter's Basilica. It gives a wonderful insight into the lives of the popes, the artists and the architects of the largest church in the world. I learned a lot and it was a great read.



5. I will defer to the judgment of other reviewers who have found fault with some of the "facts" Scotti relates in BASILICA. This is a popular, not an academic, history of the building of St. Peter's in Rome. I found Scotti's depiction of the sequence of events and of the personalities at play to be consistent with what I've read elsewhere. And she does a good job of demonstrating how all actions have a multiplicity of consequences--good and bad. If she's a little guilty of playing a "what if" game (What if the popes had not committed themselves to building the grandest church in Christendom and used the selling of indulgences to help finance it, and what if a certain Augustinian monk had found less combative ways to voice his concern about the shortcomings of his church, and what if New World civilizations hadn't been pillaged and destroyed to provide silver and gold for the church's ornament...), at least she conveys a clear sense that history is a complex and intertwined thing. Also, her descriptions of the popes, artists, and architects who had a hand in bringing about an amazing worship space that took generations to complete are pointed but unelaborated (she does no "The Agony and the Ecstasy"-type of filling in the unknowable details). Everything she asserts about them can likely be supported from letters and diary accounts (even if incorporated via secondary sources).
   
   My regret is that I read this book AFTER visiting the Vatican. I'm sure I would have had a more meaningful visit if I had read Scotti's history beforehand. And as lively as her writing is, most people could easily finish this 269-page book during a 9-hour trans-Atlantic flight. Perhaps Scotti's final sentence sums up one's mixed feelings about a building that cost the world so much: "Gothic cathedrals reach up to heaven. St. Peter's--muscular, sublime, irrevocable--brings heaven to earth."

5 comments about BIG BIM little bim - The practical approach to Building Information Modeling - Integrated practice done the right way!.

1. I found this book informitive and useful in understanding this technology and how to integrate it into your practice. Whether you have a large architectural firm or a small one, this book will provide a practical guide for using Building Information Modeling in your workflow and how to approach your projects as a totally integrated practice.



2. BIG BIM little bim - The practical approach to Building Information Modeling - Integrated practice done the right way!
   
   This book hits a home run for all practitioners of BIM. It is relevant to both the neophyte just making the BIM decision as well as the mature BIM organization looking for what is next. The buildingSMART Alliance in North America is working the BIG BIM issue and I believe that it is a very rich environment for significant transformation in the way we do business. There is significant return on investment at every step of the way for all stakeholders. Finith has done our industry a great service in pointing out this very concept. We all will be implementing BIM for many years to come and this is a great starting point. The book is replete with excellent first hand experience based guidance and real life case studies, the kind you are more likely to come across in your own practice. I heartily recommend this book be part of your mandatory reading as well as a reference on your bookshelf to re-visit as you prepare to bite off more and more BIM opportunities to ensure you are keeping to the principles. It is also good to see some very good BIM books coming out and so far, we seem to all be supporting the same principles which will help reduce the confusion factor generated by the vendors supporting only their current capabilities.



3. Can't say what I expected when I bought this book. It's all over the map and I'm expecting PBS to pick this guy up as an architectural self-help guru.
   
   I have never seen so many numbers thrown around as the "4Site" system that is best used with the 80/20 principle that then moves on to the Power of Sixteen Concept that can then be better handled with the 400% Rule (page 136). I am seriously paraphrasing here, but it can be daunting trying to keep with the threads.
   
   Having cleared my system of that I will say that there are a number of things that can be taken away from this book (failing fast is my favorite). It is on the extreme end of the "architecture-is-a-business" end of things, but as is so often pointed out in this book, it is what is so often left out of an architects' equation. And an omission that, if not tended to, will push architects further to the fringe of the construction industry.
   
   Mr. Jernigan, I have no doubt, knows what he is talking about--it's just such a difficult read.



4. Professionals in the Design Field will love this book! The organization/heirarchy of discussion points add to the features in this book. In addition, there are many diagrams and much theory to support all that he has written for design and along with the "Toyota Theory" he has created a well-rounded book for us all to follow and to keep as a reference in our libraries.



5. To most people, BIM just means "Building Information Modeling." For Finith E. Jernigan, AIA, BIM is "Beyond Information Modeling."
   
   "bim (lower case) is used to represent applications-focused topics; i.e. ArchiCad, Bentley, and Revit are bim tools." Finith E. Jernigan, AIA wrote, "BIM (upper case) is the management of information and the complex relationships between the social and technical resources that represent the complexity, collaboration, and interrelations of today's organizations and environment. The focus is on managing projects to get the right information to the right place at the right time."
   
   "BIG BIM little bim" is one of the best books on the subject of integrated practice. It covers framework for success (four phases to integration: initiate, design, construct and manage phases, seven steps guide your way), the process day to day (certainty is your mantra, validation, design and construction prototypes, procurement, construction, operation & maintenance, firm, people, time, benefits and cautions), and proof that integration works including a number of case studies like Fire Headquarters and Station 16, Capital Improvement Program, Children's Theater of Delmarva, and Armory Community Center.
   
   Finith E. Jernigan, AIA discussed many useful and creative ideas and tools, like design and implementation can work in parallel, forewarned is forearmed, Facility Development and Operation (FDO), Facility Specialty Alliance (FSA), Onuma Planning System (OPS), Web Feature Service (WFS), Theory of Constraint (TOC), Toyota Production System (TPS), 4SiteSystems, etc. There are also some useful appendixes at the end of the book, including "Recommended links" and "Toolkit."
   
   "BIG BIM little bim" has 295 pages and many diagrams and screen-shots. It is a must-have for students, architects, landscape architects, urban planners, engineers, owners, facility managers, and contractors.

5 comments about The Elements of Color.

1. as Tellez noted previously, this isn't an easy read. fortunately, the reward is worth the effort. Itten does not dumb down his perspectives for the sake of the reader, rather he puts it all on paper for the devoted color theorist to decipher.
   that said, it is for the most part approachable and relatively short reading. I re-read this book every couple of years to keep my busy mind fresh and focused when working with this most essential component of my work.



2. The information in this book is interesting, but the color in the color wheels and all color samples are very pale and washed off. Very disappointing.
   
   If you need to use the color wheels or scales as references, this book will not be helpful.



3. I purchased this book because I wanted to understand colors, color schemes and theory(ies) better in order to apply to my necklace designs. It's a good book to have in your library, but it won't answer all the questions you may have about some applications. Itten's other books however cover pretty much everything; try The Art of Color, for example, if you'd like learn more about color effects on moods/feelings.



4. It's been difficult to give a balanced critique. On one hand, "Elements of Color" has a wealth of information, but on the other, it takes serious committment to fully understand and comprehensively apply the information Itten presents. There is much valuable data, but it's interspersed with almost stereotypic, outmoded "Teutonic" concepts; e.g. assigning "Blond Types" springtime, bright, vivid colored topics, while "Dark Types" should be assigned "Night, Burial and dark room" topics. There is much valuable, technical information, but it is like digging through hard stone to find the gold; overwrought and culturally centered, judgemental statements are very common ("red expresses intermediate degrees between the infernal and sublime"... what's this?!?!). Other statements seem value-laden, i.e., "sentimental blue", "angelic pink", "blue reigns supreme"... Some excuse may be found in realizing the concepts in this treatise may have been developed before the Post Modernist Age, which accepts cultural and ethnic diversity, that accepts art and the use of color as being open to various interpretations, that color is certainly relative and greatly subjective, that many statements about color are only opinions... and that there is no absolute truth as to what color is "right" or "wrong". Unless the reader is studious and very serious about trying to unearth the information contained in this book, he or she is much better served by studing Albers or others. Too bad there is no editing, no index, and no glossary. What would Itten think of the book, "Chromophobia"? ... Pablo Tellez



5. Itten, himself is one of the greatest color theorist of our century, and the masterful mind behind the Bauhaus School.
   
   In this book Itten describes his color theory and the facts of his famous "Color Star", which is one of the most strongest tools for color harmony for designers and alike.
   
   Most color books have samples of color harmonies you choose from when you design, or talk about complementary colors, but cant tell you why u use such combinations or so.
   
   If you have an analytical approach to design, rather than just copying what others do, you will love this book. You will begin to understand the language of colors.
   
   Have u ever heard of "the Seven Color Contrast", if not then it is time for you to get familiar about it.
   
   This book is an evaluation of Ittens masterpiece "Art of Color". The chapter on subjective experience of color is very limited in this book.
   
   If you are willing to invest more on color matters buy "Art of Color"
   
   If you are happy to stay with the basics then this book is adequate for your purposes.