4 comments about Refabricating Architecture: How Manufacturing Methodologies are Poised to Transform Building Construction.

1. Once again, Stephen Kieran and his firm has put out a great book on Architecture. He has totally transformed modern Architecture and taken it to another level. Seeing his work first hand is truly a treat for those of you interested in this field. A gold Medal - Congratulations !



2. In this book, the authors compared the present construction process of buildings to that of the automobile, ship building and aerospace industry. This is not new (remember Towards a New Architecture?). While Corb's book talked about end products, this talks about processes. Indeed, the authors presented some impressive research evidence on how the building construction industry can learn from these neighbors by sharing many common features of process and final product between industries.

   However, what is not clear as an example, is the articulated, and perhaps even necessitated need for a building to emulate the joint tolerances of a car or an airplane. While the latter can sometimes determine the life and death of the user, a "half-inch tolerance" on a hospital facade will occur over the "millimeters" simply because there is no pragmatic need for such an emulation. This is, of course, not even an excuse for the lack of craft, but a statement that there should be a real need presented before a necessitated manifestation in form to occur. One simply should not look over to the greener pastures for the sake of doing so. The book is peppered with many such unclear determination and one has to really specify what kind of architecture does what, in a rather blunt way, before assuming with this pretense that emulation is good. Spirit of the Age has erred twice now over the raison d'etre.

   The second major criticism for this book is the uncritical constant comparision between the building and the . As much as I can appreciate the way automakers think of creative ways to make money from us, the allegedly "creative" folks through the streamlining of the process, a car differs vastly from a building because of context. Sure, context is too well hyped these days but surely we can speak the same for a plane or car in any context but we cannot do the same for every building we make. A car is driven in Asia or Europe but a building, as the authors noted, does not move very much. Context, therefore, as well as the ill-defined problem space of design is the problem here.

   Thirdly, one cannot talk about refabricating architecture without commenting on the economical, labor structure of our society. Who are the conceptual workers of this industry? What is their wage and labor structure like? We simply cannot compare industry to industry on such a macro-scale because some fundamental aspect, though microscopic at this scale, dictates much of the process. The automobile or aerospace engineer can streamline their methods compared to architectural designers because of a marked difference between their wage, working and corporate conditions. What about forms of insurance, legal laws governing these different industries? All these are "form-makers" of the design process too. One cannot proceed to such an unbridled admiration of other design processes without at least commenting on these discrepancies.

   The only salvation, in my opinion, of this book, remains to be the salvation of an architect's vision (architects, in this case of two authors). The very last part of the book displayes what modern architects are trained best to do, a marketable vision, possibly manifested in physical or representational format. While this remained as one of the rare books out there to tackle difficult topics of architectural process and methods, it needs a rigorous rework and editing (and perhaps peer review) before what is simplistically presented can be deemed as a useful reference for folks out there who is trying to do what the authors intended.

   As a last reminder, F. Brunelleschi had the might of the Medici's empire backing him when he invented the cranework or the shell of the Dome. One simply cannot compare singularities in history with the challenges that the small to medium size offices face in this country everyday.

   (The author of this review is not an Architect, but is interested in design in the larger context.)




3. The overall strength of this work is the reminder to architects to look outside their field for inspiration, investigation, and implementation. Process is approached as beyond just "design process" to physical fabrication methodologies in various industries and the architectural conclusions are drawn from a comparative perspective.
   
   The initial theme seems to be interpreted as a mechanized approach void of craft but upon further digestion the intention is to celebrate craft in architecture, the approach the authors have taken in practice.
   
   I applaud the efforts to take what could have been a quite cumbersome topic and distilling it in a concise and intentional way.



4. There are some good ideas on this book, but most of it looks like a manager's meeting powerpoint presentation. There is Too much common sense and simple diagrams. I really expected more.

5 comments about Building a Shed: Siting and Planning a Shed, Building Shed Foundations, Adding Custom Details (Build Like a Pro Series).

1. After reading through this book, I had the confidence to build my own 10 by 10 outdoor shed.
   
   This book does not contain blueprints for building sheds form start to finish. However, it does have a lot of pictures and informative tips to get you started. Often times I was able to simply look at the pictures to see how they did things.
   
   It contains good step-by-step instructions for setting up various types of bases, and the section on roofing really helped me out.
   
   Overall, I would recommend it if you need some ideas or some tips on how to get started or what to watch out for.



2. Having ordered 3 books on sheds based on the on-line reviews, this book along with Barns, Sheds and Outbuildings: Plan, Design, Build (Ultimate Guide To... [Paperback] The Ultimate Guide to Yard and Garden Sheds: Plan, Design, Build.... this is the only book you will need. The other two, while they show up under, "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought..." pale in comparison to the information contained in this book. In addition, the two I listed above are almost identical in content, same photos, diagrams etc. I have reviewed a couple of other offerings while at Home Depot and Lowes and while they may be good for ideas on style this book is all you need for construction. Enjoy it.



3. This book has far exceeded my expectations! I feel confident that I can plan and build my own shed (suited to my needs and budget) and do it for far less money than a chintzy pre-fab one from a DIY store. This book has a great format and loads of helpful information, things only someone who builds sheds for a living would know. I can't wait for the ground to dry a bit so I can get started building!



4. The shed on the cover is the best one. If you want that specific one buy it, but if your looking for ideas find another book.



5. Glad I bought this one. I had a customer looking for a shed that didn't look 'prefab' and was rustic, but "cute" (her term). I showed her the cover of the book and, with a few modifications, she was sold.
   
   I've never built a shed but I do have some framing knowledge The info on roofing is very helpful to me. I was also psyched the section for the shed on the cover had measured drawings for the trim boards and keystone pieces for the gable ends and over the windows. Should make life a little easier for me.

5 comments about House Colors.

1. This book is destined to be a classic for professionals and novices alike. Rather than another "pretty" book to ad to the shelf, it is an extensive resource that can be used for years. If you've ever chosen a paint color only to have to change it several times, this will save your sanity and money. Susan is a professional who does the work for you. The resource section in the back of the book is amazing. If you want your house to be the one other's drive by and admire, buy this book. Bravo!



2. This book will be very useful to laymen and professionals for use in selection of exterior colors and materials for new houses, remodelings, and even when the house is getting re-painted.
   
   Laymen, when re-doing their own house to whatever degree, would love the book because Ms. Hershman clearly and simply explains her points by use of examples (in beautiful photography) as well as the written word. For professionals, the book offers a collection of images and ideas that can presented to their clients so that they can understand that color is not a "paint job". Rather, exterior color is really an integrated system of materials and colors--and that system can range for the very simple to the very complex.
   
   This book would be wonderful addition to anyone's library.



3. This is the best reference I have ever seen for exterior colors. The pictures are of real houses, not staged for photography and the book gives you the paint brands and numbers of the colors used on each house. Very very helpful. I found colors to paint my home I would have never thought to consider and I am a decorator. Thank you Susan!



4. This book by Susan Hershman has been invaluable in many ways. Since we live in a Victorian City, the book is a way to show off ours and other similar cities. We use Susan's book for ideas and suggestions for our neighbors when they are improving their homes. Visually, House Colors is so stunning that it is now our number one cocktail table book. We can't imagine anyone undertaking a project involving painting without utilizing House Colors.



5. This is a lovely book with lots of information. However, I bought it to try to decide on a new color scheme for my Cape Cod home, only to find that just one Cape is shown in over 300 pages of this book. There are many beautiful houses presented, but most of them are not what I would consider your average middle-class home. I found nothing appropriate for my house, so it was a disappointment for me and I will probably return it.

5 comments about Construction Management JumpStart.

1. Good introduction to Construction Management and the emerging design-build method of building. The author writes well and has a remarkable command of the subject matter, however, some of the descriptions should not be taken as authoritative. For example, in chapter 6, Prof. Jackson describes liquidated damages as a penalty. Clearly an erroneous description. Nevertheless, a CM library building block and a must have book for any Construction Managers or student of the field.



2. Received as described, and within just 2 business days. Will do business with them again.



3. This book is a great tool for use in your new or current business. There is a wealth of information that is practical and easy to implement.



4. This is a great reference and primer for anyone interested working and advancing in the construction industry. The material is easy to follow even for someone with little prior construction experience.
   
   Commendably, the author writes in a style that makes the material accessible for any gender. The examples and pronoun usage include both men and women, both he's and she's, instead of the outmoded 'universal he'. This makes the material and profession feel more inviting to women who might otherwise be intimidated from entering a male-dominated field.
   
   One should be aware that although the author touches on Residential Construction Management, the bulk of the book is dedicated to Commercial and Industrial CM. Someone interested primarily in Residential CM can gain some useful insight, but should supplement their reading with other books such as Managing Residential Construction Projects



5. The book is a useful overview of the management and administrative aspects of a commercial construction company. It is clearly written for a student or others considering entering the field. The organized presentation may clarify and refresh the thinking of a seasoned professional, but will provide little new in-depth information.
   
   A limitation is that this is a construction management, but not project management perspective. So, the idea of establishing the nature and goal (charter) of a project, and feed back and control is not covered. And the quality system is presented in chapter 11 only as an inspection filter at the end of the project, not as an intregal part of planning and delivery.
   
   Choosing Project Success - A Guide for Building Professionals

5 comments about Design of Wood Structures-ASD/LRFD.

1. Now in it's sixth edition, this book has become the standard text on the design and construction of buildings made of wood. While most wooden structures are residences, the book also covers multi story wooden structures such as apartment houses, commercial buildings with wooden roofs, and to a limited extent newer techniques such as glue-laminate beams.
   
   The book is suitable for use either as a text for a course or as a reference for self study. The sixth edition of this book was promoted by five major developments:
   
   1. Publication of new dual-format (ASD/LRFD) wood design criteria in the 2005 National Design Specification for Wood Construction.
   
   2. Publication of the new Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic (SDPWS) Supplement to the NDS.
   
   3. Publication of the comprehensive ASD/LRFD Manual for Engineered Wood Construction.
   
   4. Publication and increased adoption nationally of the 2006 International Building Code. ==5. Publication of updated load standards in the 2005 edition of Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures.



2. Excellent. Very well organized and numerous examples. I have followed this author from 3 of his previous editions of this book.



3. This book is easy enough to understand for beginner and detail enough for experienced engineer. Well structured, cover not only ASD but also the LRFD design. As a complement, reader should also pick up the NDS manual for reference of timber property. And also the ASCE 7-05 for design load.



4. The book came in great condition, looked like it hadn't even been opened. Very fast delivery. smooth transaction



5. We used this in our Timber Design class and it was fantastic. It covers both ASD and LRFD effectively. We also used the NDS as a course supplement in order to find stress values and other important design factors that are not in the textbook. Another supplement that would help is the Minimum Design Loads for Buildings And Other Structures (ASCE 7-05). All in all, a great textbook for students or reference guide for any practicing professionals.

2 comments about Print Reading for Construction: Residential and Commercial : Write-In Text With 116 Large Prints.

1. I have been teaching print reading for over 4 years, & this is my required text. Print Reading for Construction is written in a very plain English style and works very well in diverse classroom settings. In addition, this text provides a great deal of sample building plans for sharpening your skills.



2. This book shows all aspects of print reading. It can help take away the brain freeze many people get when they look at a set of prints for the first time. However, there is no better practice than to consistently read prints in the field, since many prints still are not written in the same formats and structure.

2 comments about 2006 International Mechanical Code - Softcover Version (International Mechanical Code).

1. We received this book so fast we couldn't believe it, and that was with regular shipping. The book was brand new as advertised and the packaging in great shape.



2. This is a fascinating account of the use and installation of mechanical systems integrated within buildings. Although the chapters seemed to be disoriented with one and another, the level of detail is comparable to a James Michener novel. I never really understood the plot line, and the tempo was slow at best, but this is bound to be a classic, read and re-read by thousnds of building officials across the USA. Enjoy!

5 comments about Working with Concrete.

1. This is the better book on pouring concrete forms that Taunton Press offers.
   When I bought the book I was a complete novice. Now after 1 1/2 years and several large projects I am starting to learn what is missing. The book does not talk about the design of the forms. For example concrete exerts 150lb/sqft for ever foot of height. At the bottom of a 2ft wall the pressure is 300lbs but at the bottom of a 8ft wall the pressure is 1200lb/sqft. The plywood, 2x4 bracing, and ties need to be set for the height of a wall.
   You can lessen the number of ties in a wall by using stronger ties but then you have to make sure the grid spacing of the 2x4's will support the plywood.
   The pressure on the plywood can also lessened if the pour is slowed down or done in two stages but if it is a small job that will take less than a hour to do the forms will get the full pressure.
   With the first form sys I rented there was nothing telling me how much pressure the forms would take. Trying to save some money I set everything up with ties on a 4'x 2' grid pattern this is O.K for say a 3ft wall but (lucky for me the guy that was going to pump the concrete told me)not strong enough for a 7ft wall.
   There are many different types of form sys if the one that is shown in the book is not available in your area you will need to do more research.
   If you are using a small inline pumper truck you need to order the concrete with small rock.
   Bracing the wall is also very important you are dealing with tons of weight so make sure the bracing holding the wall vertical/straight is done well.
   
   Forms are also called Falsework.
   
   With rebar in the form it is just about impossible to spray the form release on without getting it on the re-bar. It is better to spray the form boards before setting them up or ...
   Make sure you strip the forms 1 - 2 days after the pour then you don't need form release. Any spilt concrete be easy to break up.
   
   Added Dec. 10 2007
   
   Rent a concrete vibrator and hit the sides of the forms with a hammer to get rid of the air. Don't over vibrate the concrete or you will make big air bubbles.
   
   For form stripping buy a 5ft wrecking bar with a 90 degree end not a crow bar with a hook. The 5ft bar cut the stripping time in half.
   
   Hitachi makes a rebar bender/cutter I have rented several times it is great tool.



2. It gave a lot of great information for bigger jobs with concrete. We were initially looking for something on a much smaller scale, but we are going to be doing our driveway soon, and this book had much needed information on how to do it yourself.



3. Covered many areas and ideas that were new to me (like rebar chairs and footing brackets), but I wish more coverage had been shown on dealing with hydronic tubing in slabs. Even the hydronic books lack specificity on how to maintain tubing at uniform location in slab so as not to be too deep, yet not so close to surface to prevent damage by saw-cut control joints. Would have also like to have seen more discussion on powered trowels for flatwork, and finishing stairs so as not to see formwork impressions on riser (says to leave formwork on for several days, but that means no texturing options for the risers.)



4. Minimal coverage of additives, finishing, and concrete mix variations. Good coverage
   of form building and setting. Not as complete as the title implies; really another formwork book.



5. comprehensive book on concrete - just what I was looking for before building my own house.

5 comments about Renovating Old Houses: Bringing New Life to Vintage Homes.

1. My review is based on information from others who have this book. They say it is well written and quite helpful. It is a Christmas gift for someone else and therefore I have not personally looked at it.



2. This book is much like 'How to Keep Your Volkswagon Alive Forever', in the sense that yes, it is a how-to book. However, it is also a guide; not just to renovation/restoration but also to yourself: are you, like Nash, the die-hard romantic, the perpetually patient, are you - as Nash puts it- "..a peculiar kind of maniac who is one part ability, one part inventiveness, two parts determination, three parts romanticism, and six parts damn foolishness."?
   If you just stood up, proudly, and yelled YES! with your fist high in the air (or at least in your mind, you did), or if you want to be, or know someone who is, or want to make sure the world is never bereft of these fine old houses (and full of soul-less tract homes and 'live-work' lofts), then do not hesitate one dang-gone second- buy this book. buy two, so when the first is covered in saw dust, concrete drips, laquer and stain; you (or others) can still go home and read Nash's superb writing.



3. Mr. Nash has written a wonderfully detailed and informative book that, I feel, is a must-own for anyone who owns or is looking to purchase an old house.
   
   As someone who grew up in the building trade, I found my how-to construction and woodworking knowledge incomplete when my wife and I recently purchased our 1884 Victorian home. This book provided exactly the information I need to understand and recognize the challenges I will face when I perform the renovation. Since approximately 1950, homes have pretty much been built the same which is where my experience lies. But old houses were built in a different way, with different materials, and incorporated much different ornamentation and detail than modern homes. This book explains those differences and offers a myriad of excellent suggestion on how to bring old homes up to modern house standards.
   
   Each owner of an old house has the same questions to answer, such as whether to repair or replace the original windows, whether to repair or replace the plaster walls, how to best increase insulation of the house without creating moisture issues, how to determine the state of the electrical and plumbing, etc. This book discusses each one of these issues, presenting the pros and cons of any decision in a way that is very informative and easily understood.
   
   Though the author's experience and many of the examples given in this book seem to be based in the upper north-east regions, I found very little that was not applicable to my southern-Missouri residence. I may not have to worry much about frost heave on my cellar walls, but moisture is an issue where I will be taking many of Mr. Nash's recommendations to heart, especially his "Ground Roof" option which I have not encountered before.
   
   All in all, this book will give those new to home renovation much needed information on how to recognize and deal with most all problems that will be encountered during a renovation, and will provide those who already have renovation knowledge additional concepts and tools to solve issues that are more prevalent to an old house.



4. First things first.... This is not a fix-it book for the average homeowner. It is a renovation guide for older homes and covers everything from stone foundations to slate roofs and provides whole slew of major structural repair information. So if you are wanting to learn simple home repairs, like fixing a leaky faucet or quieting a squeaky floor you would do better to look elsewhere.
   
   My first house was built in the 1890s and because I was very young and didn't know anything about how old houses were constructed, the construction behind those plaster walls, in the basement and attic looked shoddy to my uneducated eyes but it didn't matter to me, I was just grateful to be a home owner. My father told me this is how real craftsmen built homes during that era. He added: "Son, this house will be around and doing just fine LONG after you are gone!"
   
   Even though I old that old house a long time ago, when I saw this book I knew I just had to have it. It takes a look behind the scenes of old houses and shows how they are broght back to their past glory no matter how much neglect they have suffered. Whether you currrently own an old house, previously owned an old house or just have an interest in construction methods of eras long ago, this book is perfect for your bookshelf!



5. If you have an old house, then you should own this book. Perhaps you don't want to tackle the problems of owning an old house yourself, but hire out instead. If that's true you should still read this book. You'll be more informed and know what the repairs might entail and what questions to ask your contractor. I use this book as a guide for my own repairs and its been invaluable. Simple, clear illustrations of what's inside the walls of an old home is very handy!

5 comments about BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors.

1. In the BIM Handbook (A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors), a remarkably knowledgeable and credential team of authors has provided a sound, thoroughly researched and comprehensible review of the technology, the market drivers and the business transformation issues surrounding Building Information Modeling (BIM). This book is a must-read for anyone involved in the design, construction or operation of buildings who needs to understand and apply effectively the emerging BIM tools and techniques. University professors of architecture, engineering and construction will find this an excellent text for introducing BIM to the emerging generation of design and construction professionals.
   
   The concepts underlying BIM have been evolving for a quarter century, as the book makes clear. In the past few years, however, market drivers and technology advances have converged to produce software tools that have an extraordinary positive impact on the design and construction of buildings. In the industry scramble to take advantage of this potential, there has been much confusion about what BIM is, how to use it and who benefits from it. The BIM Handbook tackles all three questions.
   
   Highlights include the chapter on the interoperability of building models, which clarifies what is probably the least understood technology issue related to BIM. Of immediate utility is the evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the major BIM software products. Even the most design-oriented readers will marvel at the variety and innovation demonstrated by the ten case studies. The very thoughtful chapter entitled "The Future: Building with BIM" provokes lively conjecture and debate.



2. This is clearly the most comprehensive book to date on the subject of building information modeling. It covers the entire spectrum and provides many comparative analyses of existing products, to help you make an educated choice of tools.



3. The BIM Handbook is an extensively researched and meticulously written book, showing evidence of years of work rather than something that has been quickly put together in the course of a few months. It brings together most of the current information about BIM, its history, as well as its potential future in one convenient place and can serve as a handy reference book on BIM for anyone who is involved in the design, construction, and operation of buildings and needs to know about the technologies that support it. It is the must-have text book for BIM for all academic institutions who would like to teach or research this subject. Some practitioners might find it a little intimidating, as it does get very detailed and technical, but those refuse to be daunted by its academic style will find their efforts very well rewarded with a deeper understanding of all aspects of BIM that are relevant to their work.
   
   You can read a more detailed review of this book in my AEC technology publication, AECbytes: http://www.aecbytes.com/review/2008/BIMHandbook.html



4. This book is a great resource for managers/executives who need to familiarize themselves with bim technology in order to successfully initiate implementation within a company. Benefits (and drawbacks) of technology for all groups mentioned in a title (developers, facility managers, designers, contractors)are covered in details.
   
   Authors are very competent and they put lots of effort to prepare and organize this material (this is one of the best organized book I have ever read).
   
   [...]
   
   Highly recommended.



5. Excellent in how it encompasses BIM issues to various partners in the building process. It is considerably appropriate and relevant when considering the impact of BIM on the building industry and our personal business.