4 comments about Green Architecture (Architecture & Design).

1. Lots of ideas,concepts,inspirations at 1/10 the price. Well worth the money towards architectural environmental consciousness.
   However the discussion remains as an introduction without too much depth into project details



2. At first glance this seems like an excellent introduction to green architecture. James Wines has assembled an impressive collection of photographs of some of the eco-architecture that has been built over the past 30 years. But, a closer examination reveals numerous holes in the narrative. Wines has put together a grab bag of ideas that held my attention but left me scratching my head as to why he left so many important architects out of his survey, and included some of rather dubious distinction.

   Wines holds Frank Lloyd Wright paramount in his pantheon of ecologically-minded architects, alluding to his concepts of "The Natural House" and "Organic Architecture," as virtually the only texts written on eco-architecture at the height of the Modern movement. Wines likes Wright more for his aesthetic vision of ecologically sensitive architecture than for any great technological innovations in the field of eco-architecture. Wines laments the fact that eco-architecture is driven too much by the latest technology, and not enough by aesthetic concerns.

   He brushes over the Modern movement, which did offer a number of technological innovations, such as Buckminister Fuller's Dymaxion House and geodesic dome, and did explore traditional patterns in design, as in the work of Aldo Van Eyck, who was a contributing editor for Shelter. Wines wrote off Le Corbusier, ignoring the architect's later work, which was very site specific.

   However, the most glaring omissions are contemporary architects like Ralph Erskine, Glenn Murcutt, Samuel Mockbee, and Ken Yeang who have all given a great deal of consideration to environmentally responsive architecture. You certainly can't call them "eco-freaks," as their work has been readily accepted by the mainstream architectural community.

   But, Wines does offer a number of engaging examples from which to draw from, including his own work with SITE. Perhaps the most interesting examples are the "prophetic visions" such as an Ozone-maker by Jeffrey Miles, seemingly inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, and Michael Sorkin's "Shroom," which has a wonderful kinetic quality like that of Kiesler's "Endless House." Great photos and illustrations, but read this book with grain of salt.




3. This book questions the way architecture affects the environment, and encourages architects to ask the (W)right questions themselves to help remedy their destructive ways. I am disappointed that certain architects where left out of this book, for example there was one photo of a Malcolm Wells house, but no essay was done on him!? An essay on earthships would have fit into this book nicely also. I could go on, and on about all the Green Architects that where left out, maybe the author will include more with a new version 10 years from now. You need to be careful that you question all that the author tells you. For example the author seems convinced that Christians are bent on destruction because of their belief that the earth was made for them, therefore they have the right to destroy it, but in reality the Christian's point of view is just the opposite in that the earth was made for them so therefore it is their duty to protect it. What's with the photo taken in B.C. Canada, I never knew there where palm trees in Canada!? I bought this book for some of it's photos of unusual looking buildings, but have discovered there is allot more to the book than photo's. Read it, enjoy it, question it, question yourself.



4. Our basic way of thinking and living must change in order for the human species to survive and evolve on a sustainable planet. We already possess the knowledge and the technology to rebuild paradise on earth. We now need a growing, global conciousness and the wisdom necessary to move forward.

   This book gives an excellent historical and philosophical account on the shifts of human settlements and explains the imperative necessity of a change in attitude towards our built environment and its intrinsic relationship with its natural context.

   Many examples and a variety of projects, attitudes, perspectives, and approaches to the environmental problems back Mr. Wines view that there is no alternative, that a green architecture must become a basic constant and not remain a mere superficial trend.

5 comments about Oscar Niemeyer: Houses.

1. simple the best book of houses....for the modern architect as I am!
   Thanks amazon.. sorry now I must to go work!
   See you soon
   cordiali saluti
   Federico



2. This has to be one of the worst books I have ever bought. I was expecting inspirational works - what I got was some trashy looking houses.
   Maybe they are better when seeing them live, but this book does not inspire me to go seek them out. Out of the numerous houses/flat in the book I could say that only 2 or so were inspirational - the rest trash.



3. Detailed images to show Niemeyer's thoughts on living. Choronological spectrum of his works and constant re interpretation of his own architecture.



4. I saw some of his work in real, but the pictures of those that I didn't see are awesome! Houses designed by a communist, for the capitalists... But we don't care



5. This is a marvelous edition of a particular unknown facet of Oscar Niemeyer (Houses). He is a Brazilian architect that built an international reputation because of public spaces solutions. This book offers a detailed timeline view of private houses projected by him.

1 comments about Piet Boon: Beach: Beach.

1. I am a huge fan of Piet Boon and have poured over his previous books. The cover of this book is innovative and neat for the coffee table... but unfortunately the content isn't as inspiring or plentiful as in his past books. I really wanted to love this, but it left me wanting much more.

2 comments about Architecture: World's Greatest Buildings, History and Styles, Architects (EYEWITNESS COMPANION GUIDES).

1. Ultra helpful!!! I bought some for xmas presents and everybody was really happy! In particular, I think this book is the best! If you like Architecture or like to travel or simple you enjoy beatiful photos, Buy it!!!



2. For my neice who has recently become interested in architecture, this is the perfectbook. It not only provides a world perspective of architecture, the actually pictures are great. Fantastic buy!

No comments about Earthship: Evolution Beyond Economics, Vol. 3.

2 comments about Louis Kahn: Essential Texts.

1. When one reads Kahn, one finds a hope. This hope is a hope that promises
   growth. His last and best philosophical claims, "Silence" and "Light"
   invites reader to the "unmeasurable" dimension. It's the dimension of
   vertical sublimity and archaic gravity that he saw during his travels in
   Egypt and residency in Rome.
   
   Reader is surprised by the fact that Kahn composed Kimbell and Dakka
   by poetry long before actual buildings were built. His individual rooms
   form a community ,,, his material reveals the story of construction ,,,
   his light brings life to every corner of the building.
   
   Steven Holl used to say that he wanted to work for Kahn right after
   schooling because he was the only architect (except one landscape
   architect) who has a thought. In Holl's words, "Kahn had an idea
   that brought about phenomena."
   
   I sometimes wonder what makes me come back to Kahn. For long, I thought
   I was under the spell of Vincent Scully. Then, I thought Exeter/ British
   Art Gallery/ Kimbell mesmerized me. Few years ago, I was thrilled to
   see Kent Larson's unbuilt projects' renderings. Recenltly,
   Nathaniel's "My Architect" shocked me.
   
   Reading this book, now I know why I stick to Kahn.
   It's his words. Words that can only be spoken by a person who dares
   to pick up burning charcoal. Words that can only be charged by a
   person who lives solely on proselytizing architecture.
   I hope Kahn's powerful words wet your thirst and silence your
   worries as well.



2. I was required to purchase this book for a class on Louis Kahn, and have found it to be an indespensible source of inspiration in everything that I do. I took the class as an art history major who has an intense fascination with architecture, and a love of all things Kahn. The book is a serries of lectures and conversations between Kahn and his students. Some of the questions posed are questions that as creators we all face, and Kahn's answers which may not always offer a perfect solution, make the reader aware that the questions we cannot answer are the source of passion in design. Kahn has an amazing ability to enliven the art of architecture. Because of several events in my life I have chosen the path of design for my future, and one day that road should include architecture. I keep this book close at hand, for days I feel overwhelmed. Kahn's simple words sooth the soul and sometimes make a heart skip a beat.

5 comments about Building Big.

1. This book is outstanding! It's informative, yet easy to read. I have used it as the textbook for my high school engineering class for two years, and the students love it!



2. I bought this book for my 6 year old son who is an avid builder. I knew that the text would be above his head, so I read the book before giving it to him so I could summarize the paragraphs for him. He asks to look at this book every night and loves it. This is not a picture book as it has a lot of text, but the pictures are well done, and he has gained some basic building concepts that he uses with his Legos and blocks. He likes to look at the book about how they build a structure (he is really fascinated by the Hoover dam and Petronas Towers) and they we look online at the completed pictures. It's a great book for older children (or if you want to take the time with a younger child to explain it) and I recommend it.



3. I gave this book as a gift to someone who loves and understands architecture. He found it most interesting. It contains many facts that are not generally know about large, historical structures.



4. David Macaulay takes the reader on a tour of some of the really big civil engineering structures of our time. Building Big has sections on Bridges, Tunnels, Dams, Domes, and Skyscrapers. Each part of the book describes the design and construction of from four to ten outstanding examples of the structure highlighted. The examples in each category are described in chronological order with some going back to the time of ancient Rome. The drawings that accompany the text are excellent at focusing on the details and techniques described. The integration of text and graphics is wonderful. In each case, Macaulay describes the design objectives, the interplay between the structure and the environment, and the engineering solutions used to bring the structures into being. This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in structural engineering and design. I have not seen the related PBS video series, but I can say that the book stands on its own very well. Highly recommended.



5. Macaulay fans are going to be amazed and impressed by this, his best book yet. It's a companion to the PBS series that's better than the films! A must see and better yet, must buy.

5 comments about Urban Country Style.

1. I bought this book thinking it would be perfect inspiration for decorating my urban condo. I love country style, but my condo lends itself to a more modern design. I got the impression the book would seamlessly combine them both, giving each the same amount of detail. However, it mostly played up the modern part of the design, while the "country" was just an afterthought. Picture after picture showed very hip, urban living spaces, complete with minimalism, plastic chairs, and loft lighting. Then, they'd throw in one cowhide rug, and old chest, or a painting of some hay (shown in one very modern bathroom), and BAM, called it "urban country." There were probably about three pictures that really defined the title, but I was still left feeling very disappointed.



2. This book has a little something for everyone, whether you rent, own or are planning to build. You can be inspired by the creative uses of old and second hand objects for something unexpected and functional. The spaces are all very unique but in a simple and useful sort of way.



3. This is a physically beautiful book with many illustrative pictures. I have been simplifying for about two years and have been moving from the 'country' look toward more of the 'loft' or modern style. This book came at the right time with it's simplified style which complements some of the older furniture. The book has some good ideas but you have to be adventurous to try many of them. I wish they had included more older homes, the majority seemed to be pretty modern. I'm keeping the book and plan to refer to it as I renovate and remodel.



4. I saw this book in a Wash Post review and thoroughly enjoy flipping through it - the photograpy/styling is so crisp and clear and makes it look like you could actually DO this with stuff you alreay have. All the furnishings are really attractive - manage to combine modernity and nostalgia. Simple but not simplistic layout and clear, easy to follow philosophy (or so it seems - we'll see). It encourages you to be bold and I do think confidence is the key to dressing yourself or your house. A bit of moxie goes a long way! Really an attractive book and looks great on your coffee table even if you never get aroudn to styling it!



5. You dont have to be a design expert to read this book. Gent and Hickman have managed to write a book that appeals to the novice as well as the expert. They use language and terminology that the average person will have no problem understanding. The photographs are very descriptive and help the reader to understand the concepts. There are tons of pictures and they're BEAUTIFUL! I have never read a design book that speaks to all ages and tastes. This concept is for today what Shabby Chic was years ago. The book is amazing and I highly recommend it. You may want to pick up two - one for the coffee table and one to dog-ear and get dirty while you're taking it with you while you shop. Trust me, you wont be sorry you did!

No comments about 150 Best Loft Ideas.

2 comments about High-rise Manual.

1. This is a great book for anyone interested in high rises because it includes information on every topic required. The book tackles various subjects such as development, management, site, soils, structural design, facade, building systems and fire protection. in general, it is a great resource book and i highly recommend it!



2. This book features great technical information and is very thorough. I was hoping for a few more floor plans showing the design of cores and their relation to floor plates. Nevertheless, very useful to have.