5 comments about Event-Cities 3: Concept vs. Context vs. Content.

1. This is an amazing book for anyone looking for insight as to how modern architects go about the practice of their profession. Tschumi provides many sketches to show the necessary rigor and logical progression of design developement. This is a must have for any architect or aspiring architecture student!



2. Item recieved well packaged, on-time, and as described. Will do business with again.



3. If the architecture of Frank Gehry, has been described as a movie composed entirely of special effects, then Tschumi's is like special effects that don't quite come off. Herbert Muschamp, the modernist cheerleader who is the architecture critic for the NY Times, began his review of Tschumi's Lerner Student Center at Columbia University by saying "By now, everyone knows that Bernard Tschumi's new Lerner Hall is a dud." And City Journal described his work as ""an agitated, irrational mix of limestone, brick, metal, and glass... giving the impression of a building on the edge of a nervous breakdown." Journalist Robert Locke has written, ""Tschumi's theoretical writings, the basis of his reputation, are a tangled mess that alternately induces dizziness and puzzlement as to whether the author actually knows what philosophy is, or merely heard it described by someone in a bar once ...... The worst of this stuff is so self-evidently empty as to defy attack". - It only remains for you to ask yourself whether you are one of those fools who will be taken in by this confidence trickster who has ruined the cities we live in, or whether you will move on to more intelligent reading. [Hint: Try Louis Kahn. It's a good start!]



4. this book is phaaaat. You know like a cold ice cream on a summers day. Man it is better than poppie's chicken. dogg



5. This monography of Tschumi is very interesting and show well the conceptual approach in his works. the design of the book is also made by Tschumi himself. We can like or don't like these esthetism, I mean the black and white pictures with low resolution. But nevertheless, this book is a full monography of all the project until the beginning of the 90's. there is a new book planned to follow this one "Event-cities 2". So I believe these two books would be good to have in your own library if you want to have a full coverage of tschumi works.

5 comments about One Thousand New York Buildings.

1. This just might be the most awesome book about my hometown of NYC. The artwork is fabulous and this book is put together so well. Its shown me things I never saw. I think being a tourist in your own town is great.



2. I'll disregard the book's one glaring omission--Saarinen's TWA Terminal at JFK is not included--and give it a five. Well written.



3. The title might have been 1,000 of the BEST buildings in New York City. No city in America, and few the world over, contain the mind-boggling ensemble of outstanding urban architecture, both historic and modern, as does New York City. This city is a national and world treasure, and all of Manhattan SHOULD be a UNESCO World Heritage site, but, alas... There's simply no comparison possible. This book is a survey of 1,000 outstanding structures in the city, properly chosen in my opinion, each including a black & white photograph and short descriptive essay. With so much wonderful material from which to choose, the book is a real feast of architectural goodness! Because it isn't as exhaustive as White & Willensky, it is more thorough in coverage of the selected buildings. It's well put together. Good buildings. Nice photography. Well written short essays. Covers the five boroughs well.
   
   America's peninsular cities; San Francisco, New York, Charleston and Boston also happen to contain the best architecture. Hmm...



4. and come back and sit and look at this book.
   
   Bet you missed a lot on each street.
   
   Then go out again and do it all over.
   
   A real treat.



5. Every once in a while I'll walk down a street of my busy city and spot a building that I'd never seen before, or, if I had seen it, never paid it much mind. But something about it--its age or its architecture--tells me that there's a story to be told about it. Judith Dupre, Bill Harris, and photographer Jorg Brockmann in their monumental book, "One Thousand New York Buildings", fill in the gaps left behind in the AIA books.
   
   There are hundreds of buildings that, for whatever reason, have escaped landmark status and/or the attention of New Yorkers. Although "One Thousand New York Buildings" does discuss the familiar structures, like the Empire State Building, the Woolworth Building, and Grand Central Station, it also devotes equal time to those that have been ignored or overlooked. What are those tiny, Colonial style houses on Harrison and Greenwich Streets? How old is that building at 2 White Street? Who lived in those somber buildings at 130-132 MacDougal Street? "One Thousand New York Buildings" answers these and hundreds of other questions. In this sense, this book is much like "New York Streetscapes: Tales of Manhattan's Significant Buidlings and Landmarks" by Christopher Gray and Suzanne Braley, in as much as it pays equal tribute to the famous and not so famous structures.
   
   One last note, this is a solidly put together book. The binding is sturdy, the paper thick and glossy, and the photos are clear and intriguing. It as well constructed as the buildings they pay homage to.

5 comments about Asmara: Africa's Secret Modernist City.

1. I spent six years living and working in Asmara and was fascinated by its architecture. To compliment Asmara the city, are its citizens, the Asmarinos-friendly, dedicated, hardworking and very proud.
   
   Looking through the pages of this book brought back great memories of my time in Asmara. I was able to view the dedicated work of the Cultural Assets Rehabilitation Project (CARP) in the inner, historical quarter of the city. To see these old buildings come back to life was a joy to behold; especially the devotion to restoring the buildings authentically.
   
   Anyone who has visited this timeless city will be captivated by the journey through the pages of this book. Originally aimed at people in the architectural business, the book reaches out to any reader with its photographic portrayal of one of the world's unique cities.
   
   An extremely well researched and written book; the authors have devoted a great deal of time into their research with getting every aspect of Asmara's development history correct. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and commend it to anyone who has ever visited Asmara. Asmara tsibuk alo!



2. Anyone who was in the Peace Corps in or near Asmara or stationed at Kagnew Station would appreciate this lovely book.



3. Edward Denison, Guang Yu Ren and Naigzy Gebremedhin's ASMARA: AFRICA'S SECRET MODERNIST CITY examines the nature and architectural innovations of a city which holds one of the highest concentrations of Modernist architecture in the world. Experts with detailed knowledge of the city survey many of the structures, add notes from previously unpublished archival material, and include original photography not to be seen elsewhere. A 'must' for any college-level collection strong in architecture and modern urban landscapes.



4. A very important work that includes both the Eritrean history and the architectural mystique and prominence of this otherwise unknown city.
   
   I applaud the authors for helping to preserve Eritrea's architectural treasures, which stand as a true gem compared with the rest of the African continent. Outlined in the book are those that were spared from the marauding British and greedy Ethiopian invaders and withstood decades of war.



5. I spent several years living with my family in Asmara as a young boy. Now as an adult I've been searching for a book that would allow my to do some arm chair traveling back to my former home. Mr. Denison's book allowed me to do that in both word and picture. The book is broken up into a general history section followed by detailed photos on the major architecture of Asmara in each of the significant eras, and offers both vintage and current photographs and design plans of the buildings in the city.

3 comments about Property Management.

1. This is a good general introduction to the business of property management. This textbook includes chapters on
   
   1. Professional Property Management
   2. Property Management Economics and Planning
   3. Managing Owner Relations
   4. Marketing Management
   5. Managing Leases
   6. Managing Lease Negotiations
   7. Managing Tenant Relations
   8. Managing Maintenance and Construction
   9. Managing Reports and Insurance
   10.Managing the Office
   11.Managing Federal and State Laws
   12-16. Managing Residential/Specialized/Office/Retail/Industrial Property
   17.Managing Life Safety and Environmental Issues
   
   There are chapter questions with elaborated answers in the back of the book to guide your studies and a pretty decent glossary for many of the business-specific terms.
   
   Obviously, as a general course, it is not intended to address ANY topic in great detail and it is unlikely that most readers will find a need to cover the management of such a variety of property types. But this is the starting place.
   
   I have owned and managed rental property and the parts of the book addressing residental property rang true. If you are considering getting into the rental business or property management business, this is a good initial resource.



2. Took this course a few years ago, and we used this book. It is a good starter book. There are others out there that could be used also, but this one is written at the average persons reading level. It also is good becuase it covers all properties not just apartments or retail etc..



3. This book is good at the summary at the end of each chapter, but some details in the chapter is not cover. For example, like the law requirement in TX. There is mistake in the book on page 9. On the figure1.3, supposed Heavy Manufacturing instead of Industrial Real Estate repeat twice. This book should provide some excerise to work on. For example, like the math problem, let us know how to calculate the formula.

1 comments about Houses, Villas, and Palaces in the Roman World.

1. This book has given me the incredible desire to take the rest of my life and do nothing except tour the archeological sites of classical Etruscan and Imperial Roman towns and cities! Alexander McKay- You are very cruel.

   For many years I have seen pictures in books and online of fragments and ruins of buildings, which can be interesting but seeing the pictures in the context of a complete floor plan brings a sudden epiphany of how our forebearers lived. I spent 7 hours surfing on the net looking at the pictures online for a number of the palaces and houses included in this book and dreaming of an itinerary covering almost all of western Europe,northern Africa and great areas of the near and mid East. Now I need to go out and win a very large lottery to afford it.

5 comments about Architectural Drawing: A Visual Compendium of Types and Methods.

1. People say design cannot be taught. However, drawing tools and drawing types & techniques can be learned. In fact, they are essential for designers to understand and apply them so that they can visually communicate their ideas effectively. This book includes introduction to drawing tools and comprehensive drawing methods & techniques, like sketching, shadowing, perspective drawing, and rendering, etc.. I think students and beginners will find this book extremely helpful in transforming their design thoughts into visual drawing formats. As a young architectural professional and intern, I find the abundant and creative presentation formats and rich graphics in this book being good references for projects. I also gain insight into the differences and diversity of the book's architectural illustrations from students, professors, and architectural professionals from around the world. In addition, with globally renowned architects' drawings as examples, this book is also an incredible source of inspiration to architects of all levels.



2. This is one of the best recent books on architectural graphics. Rendow Yee's book is replete with illustrations from successfull architects as well as students which turned out to be an excellent way of presenting design work of various levels and generations. I would recommend this book as a reference for both professionals and students.



3. An excellent process driven guide to architectural graphic presentation; supported by great examples from students as well as practicing professionals. I use this book constantly as a reference on all projects.



4. This book is fantastic. I use it as my architectual Bible. It is not only good for educating Architects, drafters, and artists, but it is also a great book to use as a reference.



5. Easy to understand, thorough examination of a range of methods used for architectural drawings. Clear, concise descriptions as well as clear graphics depicting methods and processes. Extremely detailed reading while avoiding the mash-up of other technical manuals.

5 comments about Creative Rubber Stamping Techniques.

1. I have loved all of the MaryJo McGraw stamping books that I've read. This is most likely my favorite. It is very creative. My favorite part about her books is that the cards actually look pretty, like something I'd want to duplicate myself. With other stamping books I didn't like the cards, and there was no way I wanted to use them as a guide even if their tecniques worked. Also the writing is fun and interesting, and not dull or preachy. My one problem with it is that to be able to make the cards you have to buy a lot of supplies. Overall the book in itself is very inspiring and worthwhile although it asks you to use many different supplies.



2. Tips on using different types of media like velllum, using wax stamps and embossing powders, making antique finishes. using metallic papers, and an especially fun one - using brayers and bleach - these (and more) are all in this book - really lots to inspire plus good instructions.



3. I have just started making craft projects and this book was a lifesaver. Besides offering very creative projects, this book provides all the basic techniques of stamping. The author earns my gratitude by showing each method in a step-by-step manner, with photos at every step. However, this book also will satisfy the more experienced stamper.

   In the first chapter, the author gives a detailed list of helpful tools and materials, a small library of quirky images, and the basics of inking and cleaning stamps.

   In the second chapter on embossing, the author first lists basic materials and tips. Then, she gives "receipes" and instructions for particular projects. Some are more complicated than others. Finally, the author gives an "endless possibility" section that provides instructions without the step-by-step photos. This is because these projects all build on the basic tecniques so it would be redundant to include them. My favorite project in this chapter is the Deco-Roman-looking flute player superimposed over sheet music.

   The third chapter follows the format of the second chapter in how it is set up, but all the projects involve embedded stamps. This method is "a bit tricky" as the author says, because it involves heat, but looks impressive. It gives a 3-D effect to the stamped image.

   The fourth chapter describes how to add vellum to your projects. This chapter also has basic techniques and tips upon which are built more, but do-able, projects. I like the use of tassles with the vellum.

   Chapters five and eight describe embellishments and how to combine previously mentioned techniques. Chapter five focusses on beading and sealing wax. Chapter eight titled ornaments does not describe stamping Christmas-like ornaments, but rather how to make clay ornamentation. I would have liked to see more variety in the embellishments in the two chapters, but there are still some nice ideas. I especially liked the heartstrings card in chapter five.

   Chapters six, seven, and nine describe ways to add a finish to your project. The chapters present the methods of antiquing, paper metallics, and brayers, respectively. Antiquing is easier than I thought it would be with the author's simple instructions, but adding a metal finish is another tricky method that involves heat. Chapter nine describes how to change the appearance of your project using watercolors, bleaching, textures(like bubble wrap), and a brayer.

   In the last section the author gives useful information. She provides a list of stamp companies and publications. Thankfully, she also provides a list by page number of all the stamps, and the companies that make them, used in the projects.

   I look forward to trying all the projects, and would recommend this book to crafters at all experience levels.




4. I was really inspired by this book. Maryjo shows us several unique techniques that are more than just basic cards. If you are looking for great artsy projects, you need to get this book. Maryjo shows us all how to look at our stamping supplies in a different way. If you want to create stunning one of a kind works of art, this is the book for you!



5. Great pictures of elegant projects will give you lots of creative ideas. Very nice and quite artistic - nothing too "cute." Step by step instructions make it easy for anyone, though I think this book is most useful for advanced-beginners and up. A good book and worth the price.

No comments about Drawing: the motive force of architecture (Architectural Design Primer).

2 comments about The Yokohama Project.

1. This book engages this one specific project, its an exceptional book that's deeply routed in the ethics and practice of architecture.



2. The book is an inspiring and surprisingly honest account of the design and the construction of the Yokohama Terminal. The most optimistic part about it is the rather obvious fact that it was conceived and managed by a few academically rigorous but professionally inexperienced architects. The enormity of the project, the complexity of the structure, the problems of circulation, security, fire safety, seismic performance, etc. should all have choked the project before it even had reached the competition entry boards - the fact that it did not is an early tell-tale sign of the fresh naiveté, which must have fueled the design team.

   The true merit of the team (and the story as whole) is the fact that the designers decided to go through with it. They moved to Japan and spent over two years and 23.5 billion yen supervising the project through construction administration. The writers talk as openly about their greatest successes and their worst failures.

   The very extensive photographic documentation of the design and construction show the amazing story of the metamorphosis of an architectural idea into a material form. As I was reading thorough the text I saw myself picking favorite parts of the design and browsing impatiently ahead to see how they resolved themselves in the actual construction - sometimes I agreed with the chosen solution and sometimes I did not. The point is that the process of decision-making is revealed very clearly.

   I would like to finish with a quote from the book, which offers a most delightful message to the youthful talent in all of us:
   
   "This is where amateurs have advantage over pros. A pro knows what he can deliver and rarely goes beyond it. An amateur has no concept of his limitations and generally will go beyond them."

1 comments about Joseph Beuys: The Reader.

1. This book is a much appreciated addition to the available writings on Joseph Beuys. Mesch and Michely have succeeded in providing a context for studying the work of Beuys. This has been an elusive task for any student of Beuys, due to the wide variety of projects that he pursued and the manipulations of his media persona. 'Joseph Beuys: The Reader' is beautifully organized to be very helpful in undertaking the vast difference of opinion of a vast and sometimes seemingly disconnected art practice. The six sections that divide the book each address a central issue concerning Beuys art practice and his relationship to art history. These topical sections, rather than a chronological or biographical organization (which is the norm according to the introduction), allow the reader to much more easily make comparisons and contrasts between the individual essays. As well, each essay offers some of the best writing on Beuys, focusing on his artwork rather than his legend.
   
   This book is a fundamental for any person who is interested in understanding the work (and myth) of Joseph Beuys.