1 comments about Schaum's Outline of Structural Steel Design.

1. Schaum's is the greatest educational series, ever. Exactly what I expected from Schaum's regarding structural calculations.

1 comments about New Urbanism and Beyond: Designing Cities for the Future.

1. This book, which brings together an impressive array of 67 leading thinkers in urbanism today, is likely to become a classic resource for students, instructors, professionals, policymakers, activists, and anyone who is fascinated with cities and their future. It is also a rewarding treasury of ideas, drawings, photographs and case study information, offering a delightful browse or more careful study.
   
   The book, an outgrowth of a 2004 conference at the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, presents a provocative range of thought from many of the most legendary thinkers of the last half-century on cities, architecture and urbanism, including Christopher Alexander, Bill Hillier, Peter Hall, Leon Krier, Jan Gehl and many others. Its specific focus is the movement of New Urbanism, and key founders present their case here (Peter Calthorpe, Andres Duany, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk et al). Critics also have their say (Edward Soja, Ayssar Arida et al) with additional thoughtful analysis from many in between (Emily Talen, Christopher Alexander et al).
   
   The discussion goes far deeper than the usual stereotyped discussions that often pass for informed debate about a movement that Herbert Muschamp of the New York Times called "the most important phenomenon to emerge in American architecture in the post-Cold War era" - in large part because it challenges the view that architects are "incapable of collective action." Editor Tigran Haas argues here that that importance is now global, and therefore it's even more important to understand and to discuss its merits and shortcomings in a more incisive way.
   
   Moreover, the book's scope does indeed go far "beyond" the professional movement of New Urbanism per se, taking into account broader contemporary issues in sociology (Robert Putnam, Ray Oldenburg, David Brain), economics (Robert Gibbs, Christopher Leinberger), ecology (Tim Beatley, William McDonough), engineering and street design (Allan Jacobs, Rich Hall) transit-oriented development (Robert Cervero), complexity and connectivity (Michael Batty, Bill Hillier), gloablization and sprawl (Richard Florida, Dolores Hayden) and much, much more.
   
   Editor and conference leader Tigran Hass argues that the New Urbanism, thanks to its inter-disciplinary nature, offers a very useful lens with which to examine these broader issues. As he puts it in the introduction, "This is not an anticipatory work, a book of dreams, or a nostrum for the future design of cities and our communities; it is simply a solidly grounded collection of ideas and thoughts addressing our urban condition (and beyond) written by an exceptional group of individuals never before assembled in one place."
   
   [Disclaimer: The reviewer is one of the 67 authors featured in this work. But the above remarks may be applied solely to the other 66!]

1 comments about New Seaside Interiors.

1. The book is just great. The pictures in this book will take you to bomb-shell destinations around the world.All the pictures are innovative.Since there is side by side translation in French , you can take a free course in French too at no extra cost.
   
   Dr.Jayan Thomas
   Cannanore, Kerala, India.670001

3 comments about Maison--Christian Liaigre.

1. Everyone should have this on their coffee table. Superior design and broad range of ideas for all nationalities.



2. Christian Liagre is an artist beyond the usual confines of space filling. He always considers the architecture and site before anything else. And even though his work is immediately recognizable, he never repeats himself- there is nothing formulaic.
   
   Nothing ever screams money. The finishes, the light, the mix are always beautiful and comfortable.
   
   So while I got the book hoping to see a substansial review of his work, I was dissappointed in the chopiness and lack of ability to "see" the house and rooms shown. The designers work saves the book, because it is so complex and interesting. Poor choices in views and cutting off of vistas and lack of detail make the book fail.



3. Christian Liaigre. If the name is unfamiliar, the French designer's style-or at least a popularized version of it-is ubiquitous. His palette of warm browns, rich creams, and calmly varied neutrals is the color scheme of a thousand-and-one stylish hotel lobbies, and his sexy low-slung furnishings have been copied for mass consumption by furniture makers worldwide. Yet, if you think you know the man by the knock-offs, you've got another thought coming.
   
   Herbert Ypma's sumptuous MAISON: CHRISTIAN LIAIGRE is here to set the record straight. Weighing in at 256-pages, and featuring 550 color and black & white illustrations, the book quite eloquently makes a case for Liaigre as "possibly the most important-certainly the most copied-designer of our time."
   
   Author Ypma--he of Thames & Hudson's stylish Hip Hotel and World Design series--co-designed the lavish volume with frequent collaborator, Maggi Smith, and the book features the pair's now signature blend of breathtaking one- and two-page spreads of interiors and landscapes, punctuated by checkerboard layouts of myriad architectural details and textures.
   
   These design elements have never been employed more effectively as in this book, and they convey the quiet majestic sweep of a room or garden on one page, while focusing on the smallest of details on the next, all combining to present a vivid and comprehensive representation of each Liaigre's diverse residential projects.
   
   Ypma, a worldly and witty writer, as well as a sensitive and skilled photographer, is responsible for all of the shots documenting eight of Liaigre's recent domestic design projects featured herein. This lends the book a pictorial consistency rare in design literature, and affords the author/photographer opportunity to focus on the formal integrity and quiet constancy of Liaigre's design ethos, as well as its diversity and adaptability. After reading this book, you'll never again think of Liaigre as a "minimalist."
   
   The photos, layout and text quietly conspire to transport the reader from a sunny beach house in Galicia, to a picturesque Bavarian retreat in Tegnersee, to an unconventional pied-a-terre in the quintessentially bohemian Montparnasse district of Paris, as well as to other intriguingly beautiful rooms in other intriguingly beautiful places.
   
   The book is unconventional in many ways: it doesn't attempt a career-long survey of its subject's oeuvre, and neither does it focus on his celebrated commercial projects. It lists no honors, awards, timeline or bio. Moreover, it contains not a single photo of Liaigre. Yet, the book and its richly evocative photos and amusing and insightful text offer as sophisticated and sensitive a portrait as its subject could ever hope for.
   
   In a neat twist on Matisse's aesthetic of "luxe, calme, volupte," Ypma expresses the "luxe, calme, moderne" quality of the work of this quietest and most authoritative of contemporary designers.

5 comments about More Small Houses (Great Houses).

1. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the small home movement! Like its predecessor "Small Homes" this book is full of great ideas and wonderful photography of details and explanations of building theory. The book presents each building as a case study and looks at cost per square foot, obstacles in the building process, energy efficiency, and architectural details.



2. I am going to build a small house and found great ideas in this book. I like this book a lot.



3. If you want a picture book to leaf thru, I guess it's okay. As far as practical ideas, forget it. Most of the homes here are very site-specific, and most are multi-story. I didn't really see any innovations or adaptable ideas that I could actually use in my own home construction, which was why I bought it.



4. Fine Homebuilding does a great job of highlighting unique architecture. My only wish is that it wouldn't get recycled over and over again in hardcover. My plea is for Fine Homebuilding is to keep searching out fabulous homes to keep it fresh. My admonishment is to Taupin Press for boring it's very attentive audience. I now look through a book before I purchase it, I usually find that I already own 20-30 of the pics that I find interesting.



5. I just love the small(?) houses in this book. I'm one of those people that dream of one day being able to build my own home, and therefore have numerous books and magazines with house plans. This book is the best by far that I have. The plans and pictures in this book are just brilliant. I love the fact that most of the houses are different to the normal square or rectangular shape that is so prevelent these days. All though most of the houses in the book aren't really that small, at least not to me, there are some wonderful designs. The detail provided about each design is thorough. The Energy-Efficient Houses and Craftsman-Style Houses books are terrific as well.

5 comments about American Country Building Design: Rediscovered Plans for 19th-Century Farmhouses, Cottages, Landscapes, Barns, Carriage Houses & Outbuildings.

1. If you have an interest in house plans from times gone by (perhaps you'd like to build a modern home with old plans to get that special quality that only old fashioned houses possess) this book is a great resource. I have read the majority of the victorian era (1840-1900) house plan books which are available (Bicknell's Victorian Buildings, etc) and found the plans in those other books to be so fanciful and so devoid of useful details (i.e. dimensions, materials lists, etc) that they were of no use except as inspiration. This book still does not offer the level of detail that you would need to build a modern home from the old plans, but the plans it provides are more practical and were created by everyday folks who wanted to build a comfortable, smoothly-functioning home that still possessed style and grace. If you are looking for the reason why old homes seem so comfortable, this book will provide the practical explanations of why those old designs still work today (i.e. hallways centrally located provide efficiency and ventilation). This book is a good buy.



2. There was a nice range of different types and styles of buildings, but VERY sketchy information. Just wasn't quite what I was looking for.



3. This is a cool book. My wife and I are buying a 10 acre farmette with an abandoned 1880's style farmhouse, that believe me is in very rough condition. We are planning to renovate the house and construct an additional second story/wing.
   
   This book compiles many different architectural floor plans from the early to mid 1800s. By reading this book, we have a better appreciation for why the house was designed the way it is. For example, the small room off the kitchen on the main floor we determined was actually a "birthing" room (or nursery). Most of the bedrooms were upstairs but this room was on the main floor not only for easy access during the day, but also for warmth (the kitchen generally being the warmest room in the house). You will also note as you peruse through the various plans that room layout was constrained by the need to have access to the chimney/fireplace in selected rooms.
   
   It makes truly fascinating reading. There are several narrative descriptions of the room layouts as they were published in the mid-1800s, giving the viewpoint of the layout in terms of life in that era. One thing that could improve the book is additional narrative for some of the plans from their original published magazines (and why I give it only 4 stars).
   
   Our house did not have a bathroom when it was built, and most of the floor plans in this book do not either. This is not a book for those who are looking for a "new" plan that has an "old" look to it. Most of these plans would just not work well in this day and age (who needs the dairy table room and the ice house off the kitchen anymore?). But it may give you ideas on how rooms were traditionally laid out more than 100 years ago. It is more of a "fun" book than a "working" book, but for our purposes, as we delve into our restoration, it really makes enjoyable reading as it gives a window on architectural design at the turn of the century.



4. I was very disappointed in this book. Ever since I learned that the house I grew up in was built in 1752, I've been fascinated with early American architecture, particularly old farmhouses, outbuildings and barns. I was hoping to discover the original floorplans for some of these sprawling farmsteads I've seen through the northeast and midwest. None of the houses included in this book look like any of the farmhouses I've seen. What about the huge two-story farmhouses meant to hold the dozen or so children farm families had in order to work the farm? Most had a large central hall at the entrance with a large staircase. Some had the kitchen in an ell so the whole house wouldn't be heated by the wood cook stove in the summer, or even had a separate summer kitchen. There is no mention of saltboxes or sprawling capecods with the sheds that connected to the barn. Plus every barn shown has the animals housed on a floor below ground level! Most of the old barns I've seen house the animals on the main level and have a loft for the hay. If you're looking for original floorplans of old houses you're familiar with, look elsewhere!



5. This was exactly what I was searching for....a history lesson on how to properly plan a site for a home with ancillary buildings on anything over an acre.

5 comments about Greene and Greene: Masterworks.

1. A superb look a the Greene Brother's masterpiece ultimate bungalows. It includes some of the best Greene and Greene photography I've ever seen, and has a very good look at the details of the architecture, and the internals of the Greene and Greene houses. This book focuses more on the houses themselves, and the fixed appointments therein, rather than the furniture itself. Influences on the Greenes are coupled with a well laid out timeline give you a real view into the evolution of their style.



2. Excellent! The best book on this subject I've ever seen...



3. Superb photoraphic illustration depicts the design genius of the Greene brothers. A comprehensive study of leading architects of the Arts & Crafts movement...a high compliment to the monumental craftsmanship of those who executed their designs.



4. The book is beautiful, filled with both architectural ideas and furnishing ideas for items done in the craftsman style. I purchased the book for these ideas and was delighted with all the pictures. Some of the stonework illustrated is breathtaking in its beauty.



5. We were very disappointed at the quality of printing, inferior paper stock, and lack of clarity in the photographs. At the "coffee table" price we were expecting much higher resolution in the color photographs and better quality paper.

5 comments about Broken Buildings, Busted Budgets: How to Fix America's Trillion-Dollar Construction Industry.

1. A decent book and well written but it is thin on solutions and alternatives. Changing the construction contract is the theme of this book and the only relevant solution proposed.



2. I was disappointed by this book. It started out very well, with a promise to unlock the mysteries of a horribly inefficient industry. Hoping to find a manifesto for change, I instead found the proposed solution quite underwhelming.
   
   The authors laboriously breakdown the current system in great detail, setting the stage and mentally preparing the reader for the great unveiling. And I kept waiting for that moment to come when the "ah-ha" would happen and everything would click into place. I had to double check that I was done when I reached the Notes section to make sure that there wasn't any more. "Is that it?" I thought.
   
   It does provide a fascinating look at the inner workings of the industry. It is a good read for anybody in the construction industry, whether as an owner, contractor, or design professional. The authors certainly do give you a lot to think about, but little promise that it can be adopted industry-wide.
   
   I recommend reading this book, but do not expect it to be world-changing.



3. Barry LePatner's essay on the state of the failed construction world in the US reminds us that not all things are created equal. The concepts of financial leverage, specialization of trades, diffusion of risk, and vertical/horizontal integration are explained so the lay person can grasp the intent of the book. The essential truths of "time, price, and quality" have been replaced by "time value of money" and this theme is quietly woven throughout the book.
   
   No single volume can elucidate the myriad forces affecting an industry some call the `second oldest profession,' but Mr. LePatner's admirable attempt to uncover the sources of inefficient and cost overrun construction makes us want to understand more. It used to be there was an `art' to construction that matched the glorious designs of prolific architects and what was built was a source of pride for all. Mr. LePatner's book is both nostalgic and forward thinking; it offers us glimpses of the malaise that characterizes the antiquated design-bid-build business model.
   
   Not since Dana Cuff's "Architecture: The Story of Practice"--the exposé about the esoteric underpinnings of the architectural profession--has an essay attempted to exorcise the silent demons lurking in the counterpart profession of construction. If asymmetric information is a source for unequal footing at the outset of every project, perhaps the economic context of construction too is antiquated.
   
   I appreciate the boldness with which Mr. LePatner argues his position. As a developer and financier of high-end real estate, I empathize with each scenario illustrated. The lessons and practical advice to owners to overcome false starts and overbudgets are put forward with a studied determination guided by good intentions. Will Mr. LePatner's book single-handedly be the catalyst to fix the construction industry? No one can predict the future, but we can't say he didn't warn us. -Roy R. Pachecano, Real Estate Columnist, BUILDERnews Magazine



4. LePatner is a lawyer and he sees a lot of nightmare projects in his practice. Unfortunately, LePatner doesn't see the successful projects, the ones which are finished on time, on budget and the clients are happy.
   
   I'm seeing a growing division between what happens in the field and what happens in the office. Technology has made the office more efficient and also more dependent. My fellow arm-chair managers are constantly at our desks, buried in e-mail, and married to our computers. We've invested time to learning mountains of software applications, but we've sacrificed our hands-on knowledge.
   
   The traditional career path for project managers has also changed, the old days of putting your time in the field has changed to putting your time in college, then starting to manage projects. From my personal college experience, I didn't spend much time bolting things together. We are transferring more of the coordination process from the office and moving it into the field.
   
   As things move to the field we're starting to deal with a lethal combination: rising labor costs and dropping productivity. Simply put, things are arriving in the field, but their not ready to be installed: now every minute is burning money.
   
   LePatner offers advice, which is dead on: an owner needs a qualified person to decipher the mountains of information and technical complexities, but I think it's time for the industry to start getting back to the basics: good projects come from great builders.



5. This book will not make contractors happy, but anyone in the business for more that few years will recognize the author's critique. Our industry has not grown from craft to professional management. We resist improvement and defend the status quo. The author points out the flaws in our industry, provides valuable history lessons, and then suggests, in principle, that equal information for owners and builders might help balance the scales.
   
   I don't know that these suggestions will amount to more than so many other attempts to bring construction into the 19-th (let alone 21st century). But looking at the truth straight on seems to help one resolve to do better; for the owner it serves as a caution. A bit repetative, but insightful and most certainly worth reading. My compliments to the author for good research and blunt talk.

4 comments about The Cottage Book: Living Simple and Easy.

1. I finished this book in a day. I found it easy to read and very inspiring. Just looking at the pictures gave me ideas about how I'd like my home to eventually look. Not a how-to or a book offering advice - it's a book to relax with, enjoy reading and use as inspiration!



2. Not so much a how-to book as it is a collection of homes to aspire to, The Cottage Book: Living Simple and Easy's combining of photographic examples and Carol Bass' prose transport the reader right into the cottages and their surroundings, with experiences beyond the visual alone. This is escapism at its asthetic best, a vacation-in-a-book. The title of the book is perfect, as are many of the featured rooms. Highly recommended for those who long to be close to nature and in touch with the past, with beauty all around as well. This is simply the best decorating book I've ever experienced. Inspirational!



3. Fresh and "reader friendly".

   The varied cottages presented by Carol Bass have soul and depth of character. And, they have a usefulness, charm and vitality that makes you want to re-create those kinds of spaces for yourself.

   What does the American cottage, camp or bungalow tell us about what we add to our life when we have a little time to get-a-way? This book gave me a chance to peek into special homes that show a sense of multiple generations beautifully layered into one place at one time.

   What feels very timely today is the bold use of color and the variety of different styles and materials to make a place personal.

   The book is useful in creating a meaningful home.




4. Reading The Cottage Book is a vacation in and of itself. Tons of windowsill sunlight, fresh indigenous flowers, classic patchwork bed quilts, exposed cupboards textured with china patterns from generations past and present, a perfectly positioned telescope, clothes line dried in the fresh air, vintage tablecloths draped over a table offering ice tea and croissants, and porches inviting us to spend a leisurely day enjoying the outdoors--all these things remind us that every cottage has a story worth living! Each cottage in this book is presented as unpretentious and practical, yet bright and beautiful, highlighting the simplicity, comfort, humor, and traditions found there. Particularly unique is the author's note of vibrant color introduced in each cottage room, either through unique fabrics or pieces or furniture. The book demonstrates clearly that the colors around us can have a powerful effect on our feelings and even outlook on life. A touch of vibrant color should be a basic element of any cottage home.

5 comments about The New Modern House.

1. It's fun to look at nice houses on the cutting edge of design and this book contains plenty of those. The downside is that you don't get to see each house in much detail and the book contains a number of concept houses that are just mock-ups and haven't been built.



2. I was somewhat disappointed as a current homeowner and builder of a new contemporary home, I (like many people) was trying to get ideas. This is more of a text book for architecture students, showing them the far reaches of art. Very little ideas could be had as far as conceptually and practicly speaking...



3. Me encanto este bendito libro ! Ya que se lo compre a mi pana full RICKY !! SI CHICAS RICKY !!
   
   
   2 meses mas tarde..... BEST SELLING BOOK OF THE YEAR !!
   
   JE JE .. kkkkkkkkk



4. Mr. Jones really needs to give his photographer a bonus because his images really make this book, not that the text is not well thought and out and researched. Most of these homes are just spectucular, I love the use of glass, steel, and rich woods, it's so clean and elegant. You really come away with a new appreciation of current architectural styles as you puruse this wonderful book. Frankly, I could not live in many of these homes, but all of them radiate beauty and inovation. Highly recommended, if for no other reason than to get some ideas for your own home, uh, but you better have some stock in Apple.



5. Contemporary and very different modern designs by top designers and firms are the profile of Will Jones' The New Modern House, which packs in color photos of all kinds of structures, from seaside homes to complex, multifaceted layouts for flat landscapes. Accompanying discussions survey architectural intentions and design options, but it's the photos which capture attention.