2 comments about Designing Filipino: The Architecture Of Francisco Manosa.

1. This book shows the work of a brilliant architect. It is not only worth the price, but I think the book might even be underpriced. If you love architecture, you'll love this book.



2. A well written book. Based on the architectural images provided in the book, it provides the reader a clear perception of architectural space and its environs. Although I have practiced architecture in the United States for over 28 years, I have been reminded again of what makes Philippine architecture unique. Architect Francisco Manosa captured the essence of indigenous tropical malay architecture and the only missing elements are the aromas coming from the kitchen and you feel you have actually lived in these houses. Congratulations on a well documented project and I wish Mr. Caruncho all the encouragement to continue writing on projects such as this.

No comments about The Victorian House.

4 comments about Liang and Lin: Partners in Exploring China's Architectural Past.

1. Wilma Fairbank catched my nurves of impression this time,when I found out there is a book described Liang and Lin's acheivement in English,the only one,an expensive one,but it worthes it.I decided to continually followed Lin's way,to do some research of classical Chinese architecture.I'd never said no to those difficulties since the obstancles always mislead my mind.There is one thing I hopefully didn't lost,a resoluted heart,nothing can move it.I don't care make more money or not,at least I mostly convinced myself to be a person have a pursuit of dreams.You could call me a freak,and I am still on the way to success.Lin and liang are the partners worked together to reach a goal.Unfortunatelly,I am an indepandent loner also emerged in the amazement of exploring a lost world.Thanks for Wilma's book,I could come trough the tunnel of history again.



2. Lin & Liang are forrunners of contemporary Chinese architecture. Like most idealistic intellectuals of the period, they went out to learn from the west and returned back home to contribute what they had learned.

   This is an important trend in modern Chinese history. The long list of intellectuals includes Sun Yat Sen, Liang Qi Chao(the father of Liang)Chao Yuan Ren, Zhou En Lai, Tang Xiao Ping,.... It was a traumatic period for modern China. It was a time of possibilities, opportunities and frustrations.

   One could not imagine the archievement and contributions of modern China to the world without these intellectuals.

   The stories as told by Madame Wilma Fairbank is descriptive, touching and informative at the same time. Mrs. Fairbank(wife of John Fairbank) is a poet and historian at the same time. The book (text and images)is western journalism at its best.

   The most difficult period for Lin & Liang is not Sino-Japanese War period. Although physically, Lin suffered from fleeing around and illness, but their spirit were high and friends were always around.

   The most difficult period was after the liberation. Lin & Liang were destined to work with Chairman Mao, the founder of PRC. Based on their fruitful research and intellectual mind, they come up with the conclusion and dedicated their lives to the preservation of Chinese artefacts, and in most cases, Chinese architectural heritage.

   As detailed descripted and well put by Madame Fairbank in the book, Lin & Liang travelled all over China and had produced hundreds and thousands of research papers with surveyed plans and photos. Wilma should have known, she joined and lived with them more than once. The Liangs' ideal and proposals to preserve holistically the ancient city of Beijing must had been in conflict with Chairman Mao's ideas. As the founder of PRC, Mao of course, would have his own plans. He believes, to me wrongly, that "Man would defeat Nature". He would like to see factories and other new buildings rising on the horizons of Beijing, Nanjing and everywhere in China.

   This should be a matter of opinion. But as we all know, for a long period of time in contemporary China, a different opinion with Mao would be interpreted as a revisionist liner against the Communist Party! That's why Liang suffered so much and Lin died too young to suffer with him.

   This is an important historic lesson that we, as a human being should all learn and study. Through the process of modernization, how should we deal with our heritage and nature? Liang proposed to preserve Old Beijing holistically. Beijing, as observed by Liang rightly, is the most complete form of an ancient city in the world! He is not an old man keeping only the 'Olive Tree'. Lin and Liang are genuine Chinese Architects. They proposed to preserve the old city walls and towers so that they could become civi open spaces and landscapes. People can enjoy history and live in history walking through.

   Liang's second wife, Madame Lin Zhu said recently,"In the civic society, Liang is respected by many." Well put Madame Lin. (Lin Zhu's piece is included in the book also very moving.)

   The problem is, it takes a few thousand years to build a civi society and a civiization, only takes a few second to destroy them. Should we not give deep thoughts to it.




3. Anyone who want to know more about Liang Si-chen and Lin Hui-yin and their firends should read this book.

   To be honest, I feel what make this book so interesting is the life story of Lin and Liang and their friendship with friends, especially the Fairbanks. The Architecture contents are good too, but the life stories of Lin and Liang, two most important pioneers in Ancent Chinese Architecture studies, make the book very charming and worth of reading.

   You will know more about the history of 20th century China, before, during and after WWII. You will see how communists grab power in this used-to-be-great country and gradually turn these respectible scholars' life upside down. How they were changed from eager supporter of Chairman Mao's so called 'New China' into losing the minimal hope to live on. This is a great book, written by John F Fairbank's wife, to memorize their true friendship with Liang and Lin.

   This is not just another book about architecture. This is a book written with life.




4. when two people decide to join hands and make something happen,that kind of unity becomes so powerful. i think that's what makes Liang and Lin memorable. and Mrs. Fairbank's close relationship with them made their life story vivid to the readers. a great book and great people in it.

No comments about Bohlin Cywinski Jackson: Farrar.

No comments about LA Climbs: Alternative Uses for Architecture.

No comments about Ulm Design: The Morality of Objects.

No comments about Kisho Kurokawa: Metabolism And Symbiosis.

1 comments about Salmon.

1. A beautiful book on the works of this outstanding Colombian architect, whose highly elaborated work among the years has been constantly growing in richness and prowess. The book features fabulous pictures of the main built projects of Salmona's career, and some short yet beautiful texts written by Salmona himself, accompanying the pictures. I would have liked to find more biografical information about him, more sketches, some brick details, more information on the design development of the main projects, not just the finished, nice results. But I understand that the book was done exactly as Salmona's personal philosophy in life and architecture is said to be: that he believes the architect as an individual is not an important subject to talk about. That the works of the architect say it all. The book is done according to this thought.

   Felicitaciones a Rogelio Salmona por su admirable trabajo de tantos años. Felicitaciones a Ricardo L. Castro por su libro y a Villegas Editores por la calidad en la elaboracion del libro.

No comments about New Scandinavian Design (Designpockets).

1 comments about Jim Thompson: The House on the Klong.

1. Well, "book is a reminder." I guess that's the most that comes to mind about this book. Whether you should purchase this book depends on what you're looking for. I purchased it in preparation for a vacation to Thailand, because I was going to be shopping for Thai style household items and wanted to get informed. Plus, I'm a sucker for a decorating coffee table book that everyone else doesn't already have. I visited the Jim Thompson House while in Bangkok, and so that's why the only thing that now comes to my mind is: the book is a reminder of what I saw.

   Tepid impression now, I suppose. The book gives some background on Jim Thompson and how he revived the Thai silk industry, as well as information about the rare antique Thai treasures that he collected in his home, which is now a museum. If you're really interested in this aspect, in particular, this book may be for you. If you're interested in Thai style, I'm not sure I would recommend this book as a starting point. There are other Thai style books that I reach for again and again, while this book sits on a shelf, untouched. It's a nice book, but more of an expensive souvenir.