No comments about Miralles Tagliabue Work in Progres.

3 comments about The Architecture of Paris.

1. This is above and beyond any guide book i have seen. The Michelin Green Guide, Paris, has good introductory essays and synopses of all significant sites, whereas Ayers gives extensive historical, architectural, construction and descriptive detail of every site in every arrondissement as well as 18 Ile de France destinations, not just the 16 pages on Versailles; all presented with a definite, though unobtrusive, aesthetic point of view (or maybe i just happen to agree with him). In addition, there are masterly synthesis essays on urban development, housing, metro/RER, arcades and passages, bridges and street furniture. Not for quick reading or casual tourism, despite its "intended use in the field ... [or] the armchair," this book is suitable for upper division undergrad and graduate courses... or anyone who really loves Paris.



2. As an architectural history major, I find this to be a seminal guide to the architecture of Paris. Besides the in-depth descriptions that tell you more than just "built in 1860 by Charles Garnier," the book is helpfully organized by arrondissement (neighborhood) to make any self-guided walking tour an educational itinerary of your choice.



3. Paris is so blessed with wonderful architecture, be it from the time of Louis XIV or Chirac. This guide is very current and well researched and the images really pop. Paris is layed out so well and its buildings take advantage of the sight lines. Paris had been relatively lucky with modern buildings, for the most part they have not infringed on Paris's great historic buildings; thank you La Defense. Thank God, after the hideous intrusion on Montparnasse of that huge modern tower, the city set up stringent rules and created La Defense on the western city limits..ah the French, they are great at the aesthetics. If you have any interest in this singular city, then I highly recommend this wonderful book.

2 comments about Early Art and Architecture of Africa (Oxford History of Art).

1. This book is a very well rounded and well written review of the art and architecture of Africa. It is very eye opening about the artistic abilities of these ancient people. It even goes beyond what we know about their construction. You find that awe-inspiring palaces were not confined to Egypt and the rest of North Africa, but advanced societies had flourished apart from the rest of the world. I really don't want to give away any of the details, but you won't regret the purchase of this book.



2. book was in good condition well packed

No comments about Covering + Exposing : Coop Himmelblau.

2 comments about San Luis Obispo: A History in Architecture (CA) (Images of America).

1. Clear, succinct writing - interesting the way she weaves history through the stories. A talented writer with a promising future...will look for more of her work in the coming years.



2. I have lived in San Luis Obispo for over 19 years and have never seen a book this detailed about our cities history. Everyone that picks it up wants to buy a copy for themselves or for one of their friends or family members. My favorite part of the entire book is the fact that Ms. Franks included the address' of many of the homes so that you can walk or drive by and see them present day. And the pictures of the downtown area are amazing. If you haven't bought it yet you will want to as soon as you get a copy in your hands.
   Bravo Janet!

1 comments about Ozark Vernacular Houses: A Study of Rural Homeplaces in the Arkansas Ozarks 1830-1930.

1. First, I must admit to a certain amount of biasness concerning this subject. I have been traveling and photographing old houses and barns in this area, the Ozarks, for over fifty years now. I wish I would have had access to this book in the late 50s and early 60s.
   
   That being said, I can pretty well assure you that this is the best work that I have encountered addressing this subject, i.e. rural home places in the Ozarks of Arkansas. The information contained in this book is quite relevant to the homes found in Southern Missouri also. This work contains over 160 photographs, drawings and locations of home sites located primarily in the Boston Mountain region of N. Arkansas. Some of the photographs are old, some new, all in black and white, which, I feel, make them much more effective than had they been shot in color. Most of the photographs are quite detailed and not only include the subject dwelling, but give a wonderful feeling of setting and cultural impact.
   
   The chapters in the book include an Overview, Ozarks as a Geographical and Cultural Region, State and local history, house types in the Arkansas Ozarks, barns and outbuildings, the house and the Ozark landscape, construction methods and materials, and living in the Ozark house. The text is quite well done and is extremely readable, even the technical portions. The text is very detailed and the footnotes are great, something I personally appreciate. I found not one page in the entire book that was not informative and absolutely fascinating! Of equal importance to the photographs and information on each dwelling featured, the author has stressed, over and over gain, the absolute isolation of many of these homes. One who has not travel the Boston Mountain Region cannot fully understand this, but must realize the fact of this isolation. While this is one of the regions in the U.S. that is not as well know as some other, it is, never-the-less, one of the most beautiful areas in our country, but, my goodness, some of the places are hard to get to. I have spent many hours, indeed days, wondering around, completely clueless as to where I was going and where I had been.
   
   I have had the pleasure of viewing many of the locations, and indeed, many of the homes in this book. These dwellings are quickly vanishing from our landscape, more are gone each year. Many are being replaced by developments and even more by trailers and the like. Much of our heritage is simply either gone, or will be gone within a few years. We are lucky to have works such as Ms. Sizemore's which accurately record how it was, what we had and what we have lost. I cannot recommend this one highly enough. It is one you will want to purchase for your library, if you can find it.

1 comments about Colonial Houses: The Historic Homes of Williamsburg.

1. This book gave alot of interesting information of the colonial houses in Williamsburg. The pictures compared with stories are werry enlightening. A good book to read for all who are interested in traditional american architecture.

No comments about Mies van der Rohe - Lake Shore Drive Apartments: High-Rise Building / Wohnhochhaus (Mies Van Der Rohe Archive).

2 comments about Best of American Dream Homes: 30 Outstanding Homes.

1. It seems like enormous houses are everywhere these days. I try to get out to see them as much as I can, but sometimes I'm just really grateful for a book that brings them to me. That's what the editors of this book do. I like how the book is arranged (by geographical location, not by size.) The editors have also done a very good job of filtering out small houses and boring houses. Siglag and Hyoun (the editors) really know how to dream.



2. This gives you a view into the homes of the rich and famous. Some of the homes are just remarkably beautiful. It's fun to dream.

No comments about Islamic Architecture In Cairo: An Introduction.