1 comments about Project Management for Design Professionals.

1. Who would have thought that learning about project management could be so entertaining? Ramroth has included numerous examples, illustrations and commentary to propel readers through what would normally be a rather bland subject. I laughed out loud while reading and surprised not only myself, but also my napping children!

2 comments about The Farmhouse Book.

1. I love this book, the photos and stories within are charming. It demonstrates how the North American farmhouse came to be. There is a fictionalized account of a day in the life of a farmhouse of the late 1860s, when the pace of progress was fast; it may seem almost idyllic, even enviable. The follows a heavily illustrated section on how farmhouses took shape, how they developed, how they operated, and what it is like to live in them. This section leads to how people can adapt to living in farmhouses today, in hopes that some of the character of these buildings will remain unchanged and their redundant parts (turned into workrooms, studios, bathrooms, and so on) will retain their proportions and history. If you're looking for information about the historic architecture of farmhouses, this is the book.



2. I love books about design of all types and from all over the world. This one, however, details such old and rudimentary buildings that it's just not "stylish" enough for me. I like to imagine myself living in these places and I wouldn't want to live in any of these. No offense to the author. It just wasn't a book for me.

2 comments about Realism (Style and Civilization).

1. Realism was a major movement of mid- to late-19th century art, literature, and architecture, and has left a lasting impact on the culture of the 20th and 21st centuries. Before realism, most painting dealt with either historical or allegorical subjects, but afterwards, almost all art has primarily been concerned with contemporary subjects, and allegory is close to unheard of. As Nochlin shows, Realism is not merely a mimetic recreation of what one sees or photo-realism. The Dutch masters and especially Vermeer had produced paintings of great verisimilitude to real life, but they have little in common with 19th century Realism because of the overall social context.

   Realism has the unusual distinction of both being a school and not being one. Although many painters could be said to be realists, there is not an easily identifiable school of realist painters like with the Impressionists, who were, in fact, some of the leading exponents of realist principles. There were self-consciously realist writers, like Zola, but as a group they did not actually attach themselves to the label as long as one might suppose.

   Nochlin does a great job of explaining precisely what was unique about realism by examining the way that several painters--in particular Courbet, Manet, Monet, Degas, Renoir, and a few other key figures--expressed realist values in their paintings. Her strategy is to do this by discussing realism in the context of several themes. First, she surveys the ways in which realist painters dealt with death. This primarily consisted in the demystification of death, stripping it of the metaphysical, mythological, moralistic, and religious trappings with which it had traditionally been treated. Second, she deals with the question of contemporaneity, which in many ways has been the most influential aspect of realism. As mentioned above, after realism historical painting became increasingly suspect. Finally, she discusses what she terms "The Heroism of Everyday Life." This is the celebration and elevation of everyday activities and people as acceptable and laudable subjects of paintings. The book ends with a Epilogue that takes up the question of realism in architecture, and what this could mean in the context of the 19th century.

   Some understanding of realism is essential for understanding both 19th century art, and the development of post-impressionist and abstract art (since these had very different understandings of what was "real"). Like everything that Linda Nochlin writes, this is of the utmost interest not merely to students of art, but to anyone interested in the aesthetic values that went into the making of modernism. I would very much like to see a new edition of this book come out, hopefully with updated illustrations and graphics. It is hard to imagine a stronger introductory treatment of 19th century Realism than this excellent volume.




2. In this 283 page book Linda Nochlin examines the artistc genre of realism under a microscope. Every point that she raises is cleary supported in great detail. The chapter "The Heroism of Modern Life" outlines a very intersting thesis regarding the changes in subjects chosen by artists in the 19th century. It is fascinateing becuase Nochlin uses support from both the Art world, and the litterary world of realism. This is a must own book for your Art reference library.

5 comments about Leisure Architecture of Wayne McAllister, The.

1. If you love the architecture of post-war America, then this is the book for you. I am a huge fan of Wayne McAllister's work and this book gives you the lens with which to view the progression of his buildings which began early on and literally exploded in the 1950's.
   
   We all remember restaurants and hotels and some homes with this man's 'signature' all over them: rock exteriors, large sheets of glass, inset lighting, and brick planters. Some decry this look as cheap and tasteless. But in reality it wed form and function with a certain aesthetic quality that will never be duplicated.
   
   Today, everything from buildings to cars all look alike. That 'certain something' is missing. Still, it is great to look back to a time when restaurants, hotels, motels, and cars looked cool. This book is a walk down memory lane and I return to it often. Well done, Chris Nichols!



2. This book was a delight to read. The illustrations are beautifull and informative. The research that has been put into this book is of great value. This book is of great lasting value for Baja California history as well as California and Nevada.



3. If you are into architecture books, books about Vegas, 1950s car culture, or anything retro, this book will be one you enjoy. I really like it as a coffee table book, because it has great pictures, but it is also a great read and seems well researched.



4. Nichols presents an interesting look at many of the historic landmarks of Los Angeles and Las Vegas, painting the picture of times since forgotten. Being in my 20s, many of the landmarks I knew in name only, although I have seen and been to some, but in both cases, Nichols' book manages to evoke feelings of nostalgia and longing. The book is obviously painstakingly researched, and the sheer number of rare and hard-to-find photographs are enough to make any architecture or food history buff go ga-ga.



5. Nichols gives a nostalgic retrospective on the long live and prodigious output of Wayne McAllister. In no small part, the book walks the reader back through the last 60 years of urban commercial architecture in the southern California region. McAllister lived a very long time, and he was responsible for designing iconic landmarks that at least in the hazy afterglow of memory, epitomise a classic time.
   
   The book is replete with many photos and illustrations, the cover being an example of the latter. The most common image, if not exactly the most enduring, is Bob's Big Boy. I remember in the early 80s, when I arrived in Los Angeles, how these fast food restaurants and their mascots were everywhere. Even getting a cameo role in Terminator. Alas, as the years wore on, the Bob's Big Boys got steadily deprecated. Not many left.
   
   Another type of McAllister's work has also fallen into the tar pits of history. He designed many of the drive-ins that dotted Los Angeles. And which were an indelible part of many teenagers' experiences. Sadly, most are long gone, brought down by the VCR and its successors. At least in the book, you can see several as they once were, at the peak of their glory. Actually, no matter how pretty the architecture, the sound was often bad, the food dreadful, the movies second rate and the nearby cars often had loudmouths.
   
   Great book. But for some readers old enough, there is a certain bittersweet tinge to all this.

2 comments about Easy Cottage Style.

1. At first read,I wished I'd just gotten this book from my local library. It seemed unlikely to be a book I would refer to for inspiration and ideas. Some of the interiors were downright dingy and depressing (the kitchen from all scraps and found materials just looked like you'd expect it to look-cold, uninviting and plain ghastly). The cover picture is the most fetching / captivating photo of the entire book.(I considered returning this book weighing cost of shipping back vs. money already spent and decided on keeping).I have since reread it and have to admit the author has some gem interior decorating insights--who new pink/rose walls could be a warm neutral? I like the emphasis on using old and found/recycled materials. If you are a fan of the Shabby Chic series this book may greatly appeal to you, and unlike the author of the Shabby series, this author is much more humble and does not feature or focus primarily on her home, business and associates. Underwhelming but with some valuable interior decorating insight



2. I was surprised that this book was more "country" than "cottage". However, getting past that - I found that there were great pictures with good descriptions and decorating advice and they pointed out why they did things. There was nothing fussy and their ideas could be done with a good eye, some book guidance and a low budget. With this book you don't have to be a designer. You can do it yourself and have fun without worrying about the cost. The homes (not cottages) shown are to die for! And, this book brings out skills used to enhance their little quirks. Unlike some other books in this class, the text matches and explains the pictures without running over the page so you are not continually flapping forward and back.

1 comments about Architecture: Residential Drafting and Design.

1. This item is also a workbook that is useless without the textbook it coralates with.

1 comments about Thomas Hope: Regency Designer.

1. This is a truly excellent addition to the rather small literature on Thomas Hope. Every facet of his career and talents from Interior design,collecting and travel, furniture design, drawing and writing is discussed, as is his -and his family's - history. The catalogue section presents the history and significance of items designed and owned by him and his family. A worthwhile purchase for anyone interested in interior design, collecting or simply the lives of extraordinary individuals.

No comments about In Detail: Cost-Effective Building: Economic concepts and constructions (In Detail (englisch)).

5 comments about Creating Your Own Japanese Garden.

1. I think this a good book for someone ready to start digging now to create their Japanese garden, someone who knows exactly what they want to do. The beginning of the book was interesting, and provided good information about and reasons for the different elements of a Japanese garden - such as water, stone lanterns, bridges, and plantings.
   I was hoping for a little more inspiration through photographs and seeing more examples of gardens people have created. This book gets down to the step-by-step details of building fences and dry riverbeds for example.
   The book does have a nice materials/plant/planting guide in the back which I took a few notes from. But I'm in a brainstorming phase with my garden not the brass tacks phase, so I did return the book and will look into a book that is more photography-based and example-based, than how-to.



2. After reading this book most of the way through, I thought it provided a lot of good information. My intention was not necessarily to design a true Japanese garden but wanted to create a garden and atmosphere that reflects the feeling and general appearance of a Japanese garden while still maintaining my herb and vegetable garden. The book gave a lot of pictures that were helpful to create that atmosphere in an American environment. Most if not all of the design elements were explained as to why and how they help to create the desired effect. Additionally there was a full chapter that described the history behind Japanese gardens, and I found that very helpful. Since reading that chapter I have picked up and English translation of the books described in that chapter. I felt this book was really helpful and plan to use it to landscape my backyard.
   
   One thing to keep in mind, is this is not a step by step how to book. It is designed mostly to give you an overview and an understanding of what elements to use, and how to use them.



3. Have many books on Japanese gardening - this is the one that finally helped me begin to answer the "but how will I design and situate one in my space?" question. Nicely written, direct, and just enough examples to help you get moving!



4. My daughter was recently proposed marriage to in a japanese garden. They are planning to build a similar garden in their backyard,so this book
   was a Christmas present.
   She was thrilled and we went thru the book as she mentioned several
   items in the book that were relevant.
   It has alot of very nice illustrations and "how-tos",more than some that I looked at.This author was careful to include all aspects of the japanese garden. Plenty of detail.Very happy with my purchase.



5. This book provides useful guidance in planning a Japanese Garden with well written text and beautiful photographs. It inspires one to find a way to incorporate the concepts into Western style homes.

3 comments about Bamboo Style: Exteriors, Interiors, Details (Icons).

1. . . .photographed very well. This is a 'picture book' meant to stimulate the imagination in finding ways to use bamboo creatively. If you have one, and just enjoy great photography and a homage to the beauty of bamboo, this is the book for you!



2. For anyone interested in design who wants to see examples of what others have done, this is a great book - lots of excellent pictures. For someone who wants lots of explanation of what they are looking at, it is a disaster as there is virtually zero text (whole book has maybe 1 page, pictures have no titles or descriptions of any sort, no idea of location, anything. So for the artist, designer who has a need for visual stimulation (like going to an art gallery), it is great.



3. I was given this book as gift by Joerg Stamm a famous bamboo builder. It is one of the most popular books in our library in our sales and design office. Shot mostly in Bali area (I think) it is a great photo essay of design possibilities using bamboo materials. Since it is what we do for a living we are always looking for ideas to help us create new tropical sanctuaries for our customers. I recommend it highly for design ideas, and a fine coffee table book filled with delicious images sure to inspire.