5 comments about Building Construction Illustrated.

1. This is a straight forward practical guide to building construction for engineers, architects, design managers and anyone involved in construction. Especially useful for graduates and those new to the industry.



2. Book is very good for research and beginners learning building construction. I have used the earlier editions often for research. But the 4th ed. the print and the size of font is smaller and lighter in color and is hard to read even which my glasses on.



3. I am a 40 year + commercial real estate appraiser, real estate broker, property mananger, have participated in developing and remodeling offices and industrial properties. Have seen almost every publication offered by professional organizations, schools, public publishing companies. From beginners to those who have reached their business goals in real estate, this publication in in the upper ten percent. If I had to choose a single publication covering building construction, this one would be it.



4. Confusing is the word I use to describe this book. I guess if you are familiar with all this stuff, it may be ok, but I spent the whole quarter looking for stuff that I never found. I had to rely on internet search to help me with terminology and lingos.



5. Please dont let this simple architectural graphic resource book that has been around now for decades be viewed as unworthy of your time, because it certainly has been beneficial as part of the resoureces needed for me to pass the ARE's and for a quick review in my professional life as well.
   
   This current edition is now updated with the needs of the 21st Century architectural firm and forward thinking, technological and sustainalble prcatices.

5 comments about 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School.

1. As a thrid year architecture student, I found this book very helpful. It is a quick read and quite literal. It isnt as "in-depth" as my studio textbooks, however for the price I suggest this book to any student of architecture.



2. 101 I learned in Architecture school - objective, clean, sober, direct,splendid book, specially for architects, as I am. Even though, philosophically, it can be read by everyone. It will teach a lot. Congratulations for the author.
   
   Maria Thereza de Barros Camargo
   Rio de Janeiro, Brazil



3. Not Only for Architects
   
   "101 Things I Learned in Architecture School" is an enjoyable, well-designed little book.
   
   As a registered architect since 1968 I sometimes wish I could do a better job of making others understand why we do what we do. Matthew Frederick has captured the essence of what makes most of us tick. Lend this book to non-architect friends and to clients. If you don't get it back, buy another.
   
   From No. 1 "How to draw a line", to No. 101 "Architects are late bloomers", and my favorite, No. 72 "Design with models", this book is a gem.



4. This is a cute little book. I wouldn't recommend it for students, because they should be learning most of the content of this book. If you are not being taught this stuff then you are not in your architecture library enough and your professors should be teaching better. Still if you get a chance to peruse it in the bookstore and like it, then go ahead. You should probably be purchasing Architecture: Form, Space and Order by Francis D K Ching, or another of his books.
   
   This book is more for the out of touch architects, who have been doing complicated geometries for absurd reasons or the ones who want to do complicated geometries for absurd reasons. This book is like the 5-minute university concept. It brings you back down to earth with brief one page concepts and "realities." Like a summer person is 22" wide and a winter person is 24" wide. The gist being winter clothed people are wider. Or architects typically reach their prime later in life! Something a student might want to know so they can adjust their mindset now! It doesn't have everything you may need, but this book is refreshing for those a little out of touch with design and architecture.



5. Was expecting a little more from this book. It doesn't go into a lot of depth and some points hardly scratch the surface.
   
   It does have things that every student should know, but at the same time there's no explanation or reasoning. Some pages are included in the "101" that are simply quotes that do not bear a lot of significance

5 comments about Architecture: Form, Space, & Order.

1. I've had this book for a while now. It should be a staple for any young, budding architect and the principles contained within are examples of what make architecture different from engineering.
   
   Great book by a great author.



2. Item was delivered in perfect shape and in a decent amount of time
   
   Contents have helped in this last project a bunch
   
   Great book



3. I can't believe how much cheaper I can find books online compared to what the college bookstores charge!



4. It was wrapped and in perfect condition. It's nice to look at and gives inspiration through the illustrations.



5. This is an invaluable reference for architecture students and professionals alike. Ching's illustrations are amazing and the depth of information presented is incredible. I highly recommend this book.

1 comments about Liaigre.

1. The Book and the work is a bit disappointing. Heavy even Baroque in some elements. It also appears that Liaigre was influenced heavily by Peter Zumthor's Thermal Baths at Val. The projects are so similar , I thought at first it was the same project. No credit was given to Zumthor in any way.... very strange. I have to think that Zumthor's was the original since his project won the Nobel Prize for Art. It is a very blatant reproduction down to the towel bars and stone texture. I think this one is going back!

5 comments about Meggs' History of Graphic Design.

1. This book was in amazing condition. It arrived 2 days prior to the expected delivery date. I am absolutely satisfied with the seller and product. THANK YOU!



2. This is an excellent textbook and well worth the price. It's more like a history of art and culture.



3. I purchased this book for my Graphic Design history class. The book is well written and it is very informative.



4. i bought this product as new. i could tell the book had not been or had hardly been opened b/c of the sound it makes when you open a new book. the pages are clean and crisp. it was only the book jacket that protects the hard cover that had a few marks on it, but overall i'm very happy with it. =)



5. After using all the editions, the latest isn't up to the late Phil Meggs' standards. In its attempt to
   be concise and concept oriented, it omits much cultural and marginal information that was
   interesting and flavorful. This edition is not as delicious as the others. I'm thinking of switching
   textbooks for my students.

5 comments about Architectural Graphics.

1. I know that Ching is revered in the field and is recommended by virtually all, but I'm just not feeling the love, especially for this particular book. The graphics in the book have a "sketchy" look I don't just don't find appealing or inspiring. A more serious problem is the way the information is weighted: there are pages of illustration/discussion about simple things like line weights and triangles, which would lead one to assume this is a beginner's book. That would be fine, but as the book progresses, the depth of information dissapates, so that a beginner who tries to follow instructions, for instance, on preparing a perspective or isometric drawing would be completely unable to do so. In this way, the book reminds me of certain assemble-it-at-home instructions: Step one is to get out your tools, step two is to take out the pieces, and step three is to put the thing together. If you're already a professional, you don't really need to see an illustration of a lead holder. If you are an absolute beginner, you need more thorough instructions. Really, I can't imagine the audience for whom this book is intended.



2. This book is great for a professional or just in school. Ching points out techniques to further develop and create great schematic and conceptual drawings.



3. this book offers easy understanding of the basic concepts of drafting. good book for interior designer and architects.



4. Get your act together Amazon or Wiley (I suspect Wiley) !!! (especially, note my final paragraph below)
   
   1. This is NOT a hardback.
   
   2. The "et al" is because this is NOT a single volume as suggested by the single ISBN 0471738263, but a COLLECTION of 3 PAPERBACKS - Architectural Graphics 4th ed ISBN 0471209066 (note different ISBN from that for the 3-volume set cited under only Ching's book title; 215 pages) by Francis D K Ching, Construction Drawings and Details for Interiors ISBN 0471109533 (246 pages)by W Otie Kilmer and Rosemary Kilmer, Interior Graphic Standards - Student Edition ISBN0471461962 (452 pages) by Maryrose McGowan AIA and Kelsey Kruse AIA for American Institute of Architects; overall total of 913 pages (NOT 944).
   
   I have owned Ching's book since the first edition and it continues to be one of the best of the best. The Graphics Standards series is, of course, of biblical stature among all interested architecture and associated professionals. The Construction Drawings ... book I am unfamiliar with, though at a glance, it seems worthy.
   
   Frustating thing is that I was especially interested in the prospect of a MAJOR significant enhancement of Ching's book - my take on Amazon's/Wiley's deceptive (or incompetent, to be more generous and kind) advertising. I already owned Ching's 4th edition and had no particular interest in the other 2 volumes, useful as they appear to be!
   
   If only one of these volumes is of interest, any one of these 3 books would cost substantially less as an individual purchase. The price of the package of all 3 is probably a bargain, though I have not verified this.
   
   You can do better Amazon and Wiley, so DO IT! This is sloppy work, which I have seen exemplified in other locations recently on your website; though, this is probably the worst I have seen (yet).
   
   I resent the fact that this review is also being used at the Architectural Graphics (single volume only) webpage - where, removed from it's original and proper context, my comment appears to make no sense at all - as well as at the webpage where Ching's book title is deceptively (or sloppily) used to entice buyers to purchase a 3-book package (not explained at the webpage), when the buyer may only be interested in Ching's excellent book, thinking the much higher price is for a major revision of such (which it is not).
   
   Fredric Lee McLaughlin, Architect



5. this book has taught me so many drawing techniques... this is useful. hightly recommended!

5 comments about Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods.

1. The book was exactly as advertised and arrived in a timely manner. Excellent transaction.



2. The book was so clean and brandnew. I received it so fast in less than a week in good shape.



3. This is BY FAR one of the best and most thorough construction books I've seen to date. There are many drawings and pictures to show what is being talked about. Excellent book.



4. This book has alot of information in it both on the actual materials properties and production and on the structural methods and forms



5. I am still using my 1985 Edition! It is a resource you will want to keep around. The technical background and drawings are great! It has some of everything - residential and nonresidential. Thanks Edward Allen-great book.

5 comments about Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2006 International Building Code (Building Codes Illustrated).

1. This is great if you just want a general view of UBC and IBC codes.
   But, it constantly refers to the IBC for the specifics.
   But overall, is a Building Codes for Dummies!!!



2. Interpretation of codes sometime is confusing. With the picture to explain, it is much easier to understand than just read the words. A picture is better than a thousand words!



3. This is an excellent book. It makes it very easy to understand many of the issues addressed by the IBC. In a few minutes of flipping through the pages right after I received it I was able to clearly understand issues that I previously had to read over and over again in the code to try to understand. Any time I have a code issue now I first read the code and then look at the same item in this book to see if my interpretation is correct.



4. Ching always does a good job of clearly illustrating aspects of design and construction, but in this case the book lacks depth. Only the most basic codes are included and it is of little or no help for the building professional.



5. This book does an outstanding job of explaining how to use the building code, what the code means, and the basis for some codes. If you are an engineer, architect, or someone who just wants to better understand the building code, this book is for you.

2 comments about Charles Faudree Interiors.

1. It's amazing how different people see things differently. The cluttered and overdone look of Charles Faudree is precisely what I adore about his decorating style. The fact that he can put so many things into a room and it still be comfortable and charming is the mark of a master. Actually, I thought this book tended away slightly from the maximum "stuff" of his other previous books. His use of color in this era of drab neutral everything is refreshing and sharp and in many of the rooms in this book, negated the need for so many accessories.



2. I was disappointed in the rooms pictured in this book. They seem to be cluttered and overdone. There was not the unique, charming, perfect sense of proportion and pleasing to the eye style that usually represents Faudree's work. This book does not come close to his first two books.

4 comments about Good Design Can Change Your Life: Beautiful Rooms, Inspiring Stories.

1. This is a fun book, easy read with lots of good ideas and stories that tell it all.
   I bought it for my daughter who is teaching her kids decorating techniques and design concepts so this will be read by more than one person in their household.
   Wonderful gift idea for Christmas or anytime.



2. Loved this book! Gave me a lot of great ideas and made me think there's hope for my house after all!



3. This is a nice book. The photos and the stories about Extreme Makeover Home Edition are really great, and the information Ty gives is fresh. Ty is right--sometimes all it takes is changing a room to give everything a fresh perspective. Some of the ideas in this book are really simple and easy. But the best thing by far is the hilarious quiz.



4. As a designer, I read all the new home decorating books, and I really enjoyed this.
   
   Ty Pennington, the host of Extreme Makeovers, shares his talent and enthusiasm for makeovers and design in Good Design Can Change Your Life: Beautiful Rooms, Inspiring Stories. This full color book is sure to inspire.
   
   In the introduction, Pennington writes of his heartwarming successes at making over homes on Extreme Makeovers for people in need: "The experience of creating warm, inviting sanctuaries for families who really need them has made me a true believer in the power of positive thinking."
   
   He believes that a makeover can transform your life. He is also adamant about decorating to suit your own sense of style.
   
   Good Design concentrates on the bedroom, living spaces and work spaces.
   
   Part I
   The 12 steps to take to prepare for a makeover include smart ideas like taking before photos of the space.
   
   In Prep Work, he has a quiz to take to discover your style. The styles include: minimalist, traditionalist, maximalist, ethnologist, naturalist, and "You're Me" (all of the above.)
   
   There is a very good section on color and how it affects mood.
   
   Part II Sleeping Spaces
   Includes a section on art as a focal point, rooms with high contrast, the importance of lighting, and natural features.
   
   About recycling, Pennington writes that he employs "Reincarnation," which is "giving something that you might otherwise throw out or give away a completely new life." One example he shows takes posts from a front porch and using them for the posts for twin beds. Brilliant!
   
   There is also a nice section on kid's rooms.
   
   Part III Living Spaces
   
   Pennington writes about the importance of the flow of traffic, especially for the entryway, which should always be inviting. He says in Feng Shui the flow of energy is importance, but his flow is that furniture should be positioned so that people have plenty of space to walk around. (Another terrific design book that also discusses the importance of energy flowing is the award winning book, HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT: BEAUTIFY, DETOXIFY & ENERGIZE YOUR LIFE, YOUR HOME & YOUR PLANET. Read these together and see some magic happen!)
   
   He also writes about accessorizing.
   
   Part IV Working Spaces
   
   He impresses the importance of having a clean and simple office.
   In the appendix, he includes projects for reader to make, including a stacked bench, shade lamp and a cool shelf.
   
   If you need to be inspired to makeover your home or part of it, this book will do it!