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 Building Technology 2008.

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

1 comments about Compact Cities: Sustainable Urban Forms for Developing Countries (Compact City).

1. I'm suprised this book has not yet been reviewed, it's excellent. The quality of the chapters and case studies which occur throughout are consistently good and well edited, and the critiques and analysis help one to understand more than just the urban form. What I found particularly helpful was the attempt to examine policy and urban actions and then comment on the resultant the social, economic and environmental consequences. An example would be the case study of Curitiba, which highlighted that the sucess of this city was due to more than good transport infrastructure planning, but social policy and economic policy also played a major role. This book isn't a how to do it book and it also disputes some current western trends in urban design, highlighting also the need for climate awareness in countries which are not so energy reliant. The book is an academic book in that it substantiates it's statements with fact and good quality data, so the research is thorough but also quite particular.Given that the case studies, which in part also direct the outline of the book are quite particular about a particular place, it is not perhaps the easiest reading. I was taken by how wrong my conceptions for urban design in one of these stated countries was based on my western training and background before reading this book.If you were to embark on a project in one the countries this book discusses or even one in this region then I would highly recommend it. Again it is not a how to do it book, and does not deal with top down design strategies. It changed my design direction,understanding of the different problems these countries face and how this affects sustainable design.

No comments about MNM 2: Minimalist Interiors.

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

2 comments about Graphic Guide to Frame Construction: Student Edition.

1. While having basic homeowner construction skills, I am not a builder or member of the construction trades. However, I referenced this book continually while building my own wood frame structure. I found it to be well organized, clearly written, and extremely helpful. As its title suggests, this book is focused for those students and beginning professional whose expereince and understanding is at the novice or student level. As such, I feel it meets this need perfectly.



2. Don't be fooled by this more expensive and watered down version of The Graphic Guide to Frame Construction : Details for Builders and Designers by Rob Thallon. Kang has added a little explanation and deleted a lot of drawings in creating his book. Your money is better spent on Thallon's original version. It's much cheaper.

No comments about Brazil Built: The architecture of the Modern Movement in Brazil.

No comments about Designing Better Buildings.