1 comments about Architecture in France (Architecture & Design Series).

1. Although I have quite a few other books by Jodidio (amoung them the Architecture Now series - great, by the way), I didn't have any expectations for this book. I was pleasantly surprised. The book covers some of the work of smaller name architects (at least from my perspective in N. America). Very interesting work covered. I especially liked the simple, but brilliant "Tower Flower" by Edouard Francois - large built-in greenery on a nine- story apartment building. However, some of the complex and convoluted buildings could have used a floor plan to help understand the scheme of the building a little better. A few architects' work(s) are simple computer generated models of works in progress, but they effectively portray the buildings. Given the state of architecture in general, I was pleasantly surprised to see a strong representation of women in this group of architects. Does this represent the "Architecture in ... " series by Jodidio, or does it represent France? I will be getting more of this series to see what new and interesting in the other countries covered. I like the three language format as well, allowing me to maintain my French and German while enjoying architecture. No complaints about the quality of the physical book either (paper, binding, printing).

No comments about Biddle's Young Carpenter's Assistant.

2 comments about Antiques in Italian Interiors Volume 1.

1. Absolutely stunning photographs. A gorgeous compilation of flawless homes.



2. This has to be one of the most beautiful collection of photographs compiled under one binding.
   Absolutly worth adding to any serious library. Get lost within its lush images.

No comments about False Flat: Why Dutch Design is so Good.

5 comments about The Inner Harmony of the Japanese House.

1. Badly written, disorganized, minimally illustrated, far less poetic than the subject matter. More historical than harmonious.



2. On of the few architectural books that is actually a pleasure to read, simple and direct, explains with no fuss the characteristics of a Japanese Home. This book is indeed a Bible on the understanding of the Japanese architecture's historical evolution. This book would be almost perfect if it had better pictures and more examples, all photos are black and white, and very few. In spite of the lack and quality of images, the book is a pleasure to read, let's hope the editors reconsider their inclusion of more examples for a future re-editions.



3. Bought the book thinking it would show ideas on how to decorate with Japanese furniture and art. All the pictures are in Black and White. Gives more information on "What a Japanese house is", then decorating ideas.



4. What a fascinating book. I bought it because I am interested in Japanese architecture, but found so much more. The reasons and explanations of the construction gave me a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
   I liked the book so well that I bought it for my daughter, who is also a
   lover of Japan.
   
   Diana Van Vleet



5. The original title in japanese was "The Japanese and the house" and that should have been the English title. Don't expect a sales-advertisement trying to sell you japanese architecture as the world's most perfect, showing you only the most perfect examples, like most books on the subject do; this book was written by a Japanese for the Japanese, so it's not trying to fool anyone. Instead, it addresses the good, the bad and the (very) ugly of Japanese architecture in the 1970s, and gives a lot of recommendations for future development. In this sense, this book feels a lot like "A Pattern Language", from Christopher Alexander.
   
   I finished this book in a weekend. Unlike many other translated books on Japanese architecture, it is written in clear English and talks about daily life issues anyone can understand, and does it with a good (sometimes hilarious) sense of humor. It does not go high on insipid philosophical discussions, but goes deep into the roots of current day virtues and vices of Japanese architecture.
   
   Don't expect color photographs, floor plans or sections; this books was not illustrated by the author, but by the editor. The original work is text-only. Even if it were to be stripped from the b/w photos it has, it is still a very entertaining book, that reads almost like a novel, and will make you learn a lot of things about the realities and problems of Japan while having some good laughs. It's really refreshing to find a book on architecture that talks about real life needs instead of difficult-to-understand philosophical concepts.

2 comments about A Concise History Of American Architecture (Icon Editions).

1. I was amazed at how well this classic treatise on architecture has held up over more than 25 years. It's a thoroughly engaging history of architecture with something to please anyone interested in building and design.



2. Allthought not the best book ever written on American Architecture (Learning from Las Vegas, etc), it does provide a good overview of the evolution of architecture in America from the functionality of house forms in the early colonial times to asthetic forms of the 20th century. The book focuses on the regional influences which dictated the building forms of the early periods from materials to climate, which are often overlooked in broader surveys. Much has been written about the Segrams building in other books, but this book will give you a better understanding of why houses in the South are brick with external chimneys and New England houses are clapboard with internal chimneys.

No comments about Wonderful Houses Around the World.

No comments about Indian Style: Landscapes, Houses, Interiors, Details (Icon (Taschen)).

No comments about Cool Shops Berlin (Cool Shops).

2 comments about Florida Architecture of Addison Mizner (Dover Books on Architecture).

1. I noticed the other review and felt it did not do this resourceful book as much justice as it deserves. My husband and I own a house designed by Addison Mizner, where we live half of the year. We had to renovate an entire back portion of our house to bring it back to the original design. During the 1980's a former owner did an odd renovation to a small portion of the house and a substantial addition to the house without respecting the original design. This book provided much insight into the original interiors & architectural details of Mizner's architecture. Two books by Donald Curl: Mizner's Florida: American Resort Architecture, and his other book, Palm Beach County: An Illustrated History were of extreme help and importance in renovating our house. Also, of great help in understanding Mizner's architecture was the large collection of archives available to the general public at the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. Since Mizner supplied furniture to many of his clients it was wonderful to see photographs of many of the interiors in their original glory. When researching Addison Mizner's interiors I found the interior photographs in this book to be the most resourceful photographs of all books or archives that I could find. Also to note of much importance is that there are photographs of homes that have sadly been demolished. Thank God for the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach!



2. A thoughtful, and general overview of the work of this eclectic and influential resort architect. While the text is well written, the total lack of any siteplans, floorplans, and elevations cause this book to provide only a partial understanding of Mizner's work. All photos are black and white, and while this serves to keep the book modestly priced, it also severely limits the reader's enjoyment. Still, for the cost a worthwhile bargain.