No comments about Fay Jones.

2 comments about Structure and Architecture, Second Edition.

1. This book describes the different types of structural elements in buildings (steel, wood, reinforced concrete) and how they are constructed for maximum efficiency. A lot of the book deals with spans and how the efficiency of materials must accomodate different spans and weights. The concepts were very well written and easy to understand (the appendices were a little bit more complex) with lots of examples. I would recommend this for anyone who would like to try framing a structure or who is interested in more than just the picture books of architecture and would actually like to know what's inside the walls and how those objects are functioning.



2. Now in an updated and expanded second edition, Angus MacDonald's Structure & Architecture showcases the relationship between architecture and structural engineering using both historical and contemporary examples. This new edition is enhanced with an expanded and re-written chapter dealing with structural criticism and the relationship between structure and architectural style; as well as a new section on the relationships between architects, builders and engineers, and the influence which these relationships have on architectural styles and forms. Structure & Architecture is an invaluable and highly recommended addition to any personal, professional, or academic architectural studies collection.

2 comments about The Sarasota School of Architecture, 1941-1966.

1. John Howey does an excellent job of connecting the place, the time, and the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright and Walter Gropius, to explain the development and evolution of a fine group of architects who practiced in Sarasota beginning in the 1940s, and a few of whom remain even today. While he ends his book on a down note, the book itself and the hard work and dedication of the Sarasota Architectural Foundation have resulted in a revived interest in the work of these architects. Hopefully, efforts to save and restore their surviving masterworks will succeed, despite the forces of McMansionization at work in Sarasota.



2. This is the story of a group of talented young architects who were in the right place at the right time. The time (1946-66) was when America was in a building boom, the public wanted fresh, clean designs. Sarasota was a growing town and Modern Architecture was going to change the world. The Father of it all was an architect named Ralph Twitchell. In 1940 Twitchell hired a young intern architect named Paul Rudolph. Rudolph would go onto Harvard GSD, serve in the Navy and return to Sarastoa in 1946, and then become Twitchell's partner in 1950. The two of them, with a group of other talented architects (most notably Victor Lundy) would go on to design some extraordinary custom homes, churches and schools. Their architecture stressed the tectonic (the use of new technologies). Although the Sarasota aesthetic was in similar vein to the California post- war architecture, it also was heavily derivative of a Florida vernacular architecture. Rudolph's early philosophy stressed five points: the Clarity of construction; Maximum economy of means; Simple overall volumes penetrating vertically and horizontally; Clear geometry floating above the Florida Landscape; Honesty in details and in structural connections. It is always a treat to see his pen and ink renderings. A must for the serious student of modernism.

No comments about Reading Architectural History.

1 comments about The Executive Architect: Transforming Designers into Leaders.

1. I found this remaindered for only five bucks. I read it not as a building architect, but as someone interested in what other creative/engineering disciplines had to say about creative projects that I could apply to web projects.

   The authors needed a better editor, that's for sure. There's lots of awkward writing here, and the interviews with architects are virtually unreadable, rambling, and vague.

   Those involved in web or software consulting will find not a lot new here--have the issues of client relations and creative services marketing really not had this kind of treatment before?

No comments about Site Planning & Design: ARE Sample Problems and Practice Exam (Architect Registration Exam).

No comments about Abstract 04/05.

4 comments about Feng Shui For Architecture.

1. "The subject of Feng Shui is naturally interesting and intriguing, so to have a book that concisely explains the ideas and history so thoroughly is a valuable find. Dr. Mainini's book is that find.
   Feng Shui for Architecture makes an excellent text and resource book as well as teaching guide because it is clear, informative and easy to read. It has such a natural manner of expression that it is as if the author is explaining the material verbally to the reader.
   The book provides historical background and theory for Feng Shui and integrates other related practices. The theories are presented in a straight-forward manner, fully developed with thorough explanations, and visually clarified with pictures, diagrams and charts, then translated into specific practical instruction.
   This book would be extremely helpful for homeowners, designers and architects, as well as a strong reference resource for public and private libraries."



2. This book has been extremely inspirational to me and my colleagues. We are very impressed with the author's knowledge and experience. She brings a new pattern to design and new insights to the application of Feng Shui.



3. I am very happy to write this review for Feng Shui for Architecture by Dr. Simona Mainini.
   I found the book very practical in its applications and clear and concise in its style.
   It has been also incredibly insightful during the process of renovating of our 4,000 sqf home here in Los Angeles and the construction of our vacation home in Scottsdale, AZ.
   My architect couldn't agree more.
   Although my husband was skeptical of Feng Shui because of the many 'hocus pocus' Feng Shui book we had read prior, he's now solidly convinced.
   He particularly liked the approached to Feng Shui as a holistic science rather then religious self-help.
   We couldn't take it anymore of bagua mirrors, hanging crystal and 'love' corners.
   It is definitely the best book on the topic of Feng Shui and design I have ever read.
   I plan to attend Dr. Mainini classes at UCLA this spring to learn more about this incredibly fascinating topic.
   Highly recommended to those that are serious about creating the healthiest, happiest and most prosperous home for themselves and their family.



4. The title and subtitle promise a lot, and this book delivers even more. Mainini has done a fabulous job organizing and explaining, in a clear, precise manner, the principles of Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of placement for good energy flow as it applies to the places in which we live and work. Not only is this book great for the preparation of buildings, but it is extremely useful even if you are searching for an energetically superior apartment, house or office to rent. If you are looking for an invaluable source of feng shui information to help bring harmony to your living and working space and your life, this book is for you. I applaude Dr. Mainini for the publishing of this, her first book offering, and highly recommand it to those who want to learn more about this fascinating modality of healing.

5 comments about Golf Course Architecture: Design, Construction & Restoration.

1. Starts off very well with the hope that it will get more technical but instead becomes more theoretical in areas such as aesthetics and fine art, areas which the author seems to not have a background in. ie, his discussion of perception, symmetry and balance etc. If you can skip the middle chapters its not bad but again I had hoped for more technical insights. Perhaps I needed a book on golf course construction. I just assumed from architecture courses that construction issues and recommendations as well as more detail of layout relative to game play would be discussed.



2. This is one of five best technical books I ever found. As a beginner in golf course design, I found in this book all I needed to realize my projects.



3. This is a fascinating book for any golf enthusiast or historian, as well as an essential practical resource for anyone actively involved in golf course design, construction and maintenance.

   The design process progresses from the green to the individual hole to the entire course. Detailed technical information is well integrated with aesthetic and theoretical concepts making the entire book interesting & readable.

   The book is packed with color photos of individual holes to illustrate design concepts, sites under construction and wonderful historical documents. The technical drawings & plans are well done and very useful.

   This book is a great example of making a technical manual a joy to read. Any golfer who appreciates the background of the course he or she is playing on will love it.




4. This book is filled with wonderful pictures from cover to cover. An incredible collection of the worlds most famous golf courses and designers.



5. Simply an outstanding look at the fascinating process of taking a piece of land and sculpting a chapmionship layout. A step-by-step process that details the many intricacies and disciplines involved in creating a golf course. Any golfer will more fully appreciate the not only what they see on a course, but also what they "don't" see. The photos and illustrations are plentiful and precise in leading one through each phase of construction. Must reading for an serious student of the game. Kevin Burke

No comments about Home Inspection Exam Prep.