Book Description

For over 70 years, Architectural Graphic Standards has been the bedrock design reference for generations of architects, builders and engineers. Now comes the most complete design tool yet--the completely updated and expanded Tenth Edition. You'll find a wealth of information, complete with 10,000 drawings. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

The Big Red Book
It has 154 more pages than the 9th edition, so it has new information, but as you page through it you will find it seems almost identical. They need to keep most of the old data, so I wouldn't take off points for that. You can see the publisher's review for all of the new features: I noticed that the Historic Preservation chapter has been shortened a bit.

Potentially, the biggest addition is the CD-ROM, which has CAD files ready to use, and includes pretty much everything from the book. You might think that you are getting all that for the cost of the book, but...no. The "demo" CD comes in a sleeve inside the back cover, and is noted: "Full functionality, Limited data." You can access a drawing of a bar joist, for example. It exports a DWG or DXF file with layers based on line weights. The interface is pretty clear; you don't have to read any instructions to start using it. The CD actually has all of the data, but you have to pay another $425 online to "unlock" it. That could be a bargain, but I suspect that most firms will feel that their own detail library is more applicable to the work they do. Still, $425 represents less than a day's worth of billable hours.

Every architect knows the value of this book, and most every architecture firm (in the U.S. anyway) will want at least one copy just to stay current, and because the old one is getting worn out. You might as well get it now, and decide on the CD-ROM later. I'd love to have a special edition set with each page ever published in all of the AGS books, or even just the last 3 or 4. I'd give that 6 stars.

An Architect's Best Friend
This book is one of the best reference books an architect will ever use. It contains the necessary information for the beginning and advanced architect. Inside the 568 pages in this book one will find from the most basic to the highly complex architectural graphics. The book provides reference for the various arcchitectural plans such as the floor plan, elevation and perspective drawings. No other reference material can surpass the amount of information provided in this excellent book.

Be careful, this is the 1932 edition!
I bought this book thinking that it was the recent version, but it's a reissue of the 1932 edition! The publishing date is 1998 and the title makes no mention of the antiquated material. This book is an interesting historical work but is useless as a contemporary reference. Make sure you get the "10th Edition" published in 2000 if you want the recent one. I'm trying to return my 1932 antique now.

Lots of Hay, but Very Few Needles
Once again the editors of Graphic Standards have promised a useful reference for architects, and have fallen way short. In architecture school (1972), I purchased the sixth edition and found it better than most reference books for students of architecture. However, even then I noticed many sections of questionable value. Pages and pages of dimensions of designer furniture and kitchenware fall into this category.

Recently, after practicing architecture for 20 years, I was suckered back by publisher Wiley's siren song of how the new tenth edition is new, informative, refreshing, up to date, etc. Fooled again. Sure, the Graphic Standards is a fair source of information, but I question the editors' judgement as to what is worth publishing between the wonderfully bound front and rear cover. For example, look up "R-value" in the index and you are directed to 55 words on page 486 how R-value relates to windows and that it's the inverse of U-values. Nothing on the R-value of all exterior skin construction materials or how the R-value relates poorly to thermal massing materials. These things should be very important to architects and are disappointingly absent from the Graphic Standards. However, if you ever need to know what a Zamboni looks like, or need to know the dimensions required for a rodeo barrel race, this is your book! Want an entire page showing ten pieces of gymnastics equipment (pg. 777) or how to draw an ellipse using pen or pencil (pg.999)? Seek no more. Twenty four pages of kitchen utensils and garden tools are still there. This is the best place to find loads of pages of barely useful information of dubious worth.

Once the editors of Graphic Standards discover that a meaningful discussion on R-values in building materials deserves more space than the dimensions of a belt sander, then I might reconsider purchasing a later edition, but I won't hold my breath. Oh, one more thing, for you architects out there working on a Macintosh platform, the accompanying CD-ROM is useless.

Disappointed from Texas
If I had read some of the reviews I would never had purchased the book. When I looked at it closely I realized that it was something I really couldn't use because it did not include the up to date building requirements. If the title shown had mentioned 1932 edition it would have helped in my decsion whether to purchase the book or not. One thing I learned was that I need to check and double check before I purchase. ... Read more

Book Description

* State-of-the-art information on energy efficiency, HVAC, home wiring, accessibility, indoor air quality, and more.
* New pages on specialty rooms such as home offices, home theaters, spas, and wine cellars.
* Content organized to reflect the needs of residential projects.
* Cross-referenced for quick access to key information. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

One volume encyclopedia
Experienced readers will benefit from its brief summaries and drawings covering the broadest range of topics imaginable. Some economizing is evident in the paper and printing quality, some of the drawings look 50 years old, but there is lots of reference information, like span tables, solar position data, etc. Probably not the last word on every topic, but still worth consulting.

A wonderful resource
Following in the terrific legacy of the benchmark Architectural Graphic Standards book, this edition clearly makes building for residences an easier task. I've found innumerable details that I've used in my residential practice on a daily basis, details not found in other reference books. Of particular help are the pages that give an overview of how parts of a house interconnect with each other, such as foundation-to-framing. Also, there is a wealth of info on HVAC, new window technology and other things I've found very, very helpful. ... Read more

Book Description

A practical, illustrated guide to the new International Building Code
With the publication of the International Building Code, the building industry is moving toward a single universal set of construction codes, rather than the three regional codes previously in use. Now more than ever, architects need an interpretive guide to understand how the building code affects the early design of specific projects. This unique reference blends the graphic skills of bestselling author Francis Ching with the code expertise of Steven Winkel. It closely examines the portions of the building code that are most relevant for the architect and provides a simple and practical interpretation through words and illustrations. All the changes in the new code are explained in simple, user-friendly language that allows architects to get up to speed on the new code quickly and easily.
Francis D. K. Ching (Seattle, WA) is a registered architect, a professor at the University of Washington, and the author of eight highly acclaimed architecture books, all for Wiley.
Steven R. Winkel, FAIA (San Francisco, CA), is a project manager at Field Paoli, and an expert in building codes and regulations. He is also an AIA Board Member and past president of the AIA California Council. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

ARE studying material
This is an excellent book to skim through for preparation for the ARE. I definitely recommend Ching's two books: Building Codes Illustrated and Building Construction Illustrated. After spending several dollars on studying materials for the exam, I found that I got the most bang for my buck from: the two Ching books, David Ballast's Study Guides, Larry Paul's ARE Practice Exam, and Archiflash cards. These were the the most useful tools to get through the multiple choice sections as they most closely reflected the material covered on the exams.

For those who had trouble reading the code book
I have alot of trouble reading any codes: BOCA, UBC, SBC...etc. I find it difficult to understand the language. After getting this book last month, believe it or not, I find reading code such a PLEASANT experience. It summarizes all the main sections of IBC, those you browse thru the most, into easy to read format with clear and good graphic illustrations. This is the first time I don't feel confuse anymore when reading the code. For best result, read it with IBC 2000 side by side. It's good buy, highly recommend.

Up-to-date and clear
This books represents the latest and possibly the best attempt to explain the logic and art that goes into writing the new national model codes. It also explains through the insights of the authors how best to use the code and what to expect from it by way of future revisions and local interpertations. As a design professionsal I constantly struggle to explain to clients why, when life safety is involved, we cannot do certain things in buildings. This book will help inform both the professional and non professional interested user of the building code. Serveral attempts in the past have been made to cover this subject, but at the time there were several codes around the country. Now that we are catching up with the British in our understanding and use of fire science the IBC allows a new clearer understanding of what codes do. This book is simply the best effort in years to cover this material.

Not only the what, but the why
As someone who lectures regularly on codes and standards, I find the Francis Ching book a refreshing reference. The diagrams make sometimes confusing code language easy to understand, and the text deals with the background of code development and explains why the code evolved the way it did. ... Read more

Book Description

The first edition Interior Graphic Standards Student Edition will be a comprehensive reference to the art and craft of interior design for students. The planning, designing, detailing, finishing, and decorating of interiors from the programming to the project closeout phases will be included. Emphasis will be placed on commercial interiors. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A good handbook for interior details!
The day I received the Interior Graphic Standards, I used some of the details in the book for a project I was working on. This book provides information, including construction details, which are very useful to the practicing architect and interior designer.

Most Comprehensive and Remarkable Book for the Industry
This book is a remarkable achievement, from cover to cover! A must buy for anyone in the industry (or anyone interested in the industry)!!!

I have been a practicing Interior Designer for eighteen years and
I have yet to see anything as comprehensive and remarkable as this book! Even the Architectural Graphic Standards book pales by comparison!

There is a section on Wood Veneers and Flooring with (12) pages of beatiful and informative color plates! There is even a Color Theory (color plate) section that is very useful!

There is so much useful information and reference in this book, that any Designer or Architect should have it close by and keep a watchful eye on it, so that colleagues do not borrow it indefinitely!!

Comprehensive and Detailed
Interior Graphic Standards is a comprehensive reference tool which covers all aspects of commercial interiors projects. The information is presented in a clear, concise manner, and is organized for easy reference. The book focuses on interior architecture as well as interior design, providing detailed information for programming/schematic design through construction phases.

The construction details and associated text provide credible options for the integration of construction and finish materials into interior spaces. The notes and sidebar comments add valuable information to the images and tables.

IGS covers many topics not typically included in interiors reference books. Issues of life safety, detailed interior construction, specialty construction, and basic MEP systems are clearly described. The description and graphics describing interior materials testing are very informative, as are the sections on doors and hardware.

This book is appropriate for entry-level or seasoned professionals, and is valuable for architects as well as interior designers!

Accessible and Attractive Resource
IGS is an impressive source of information that is so comprehensive, it is mind-boggling. The graphics are topnotch: well-labeled and executed in a superior fashion. The reader is nearly drawn through the text on visuals alone. I have found myself spending hours looking through topics that aren't even apropos to what I am looking for at the moment. Equally impressive is the text. The captions and subheadings help the reader locate information easily, and the writing is succinct, precise, and informative. It is prose that informs clearly and without excess verbiage--an absolute pleasure to read. Even the layperson can access information without being overwhelmed: terms are defined simply, but the explanations following address codification considerations that every architect needs to know. IGS provides both guidance and inspiration. Truthfully, I even like the cover; a reference book that looks as good as a coffee table display book is a rare commodity. I highly recomend McGowan and Kruse's latest collaboration.

IGS is a valuable design tool.
Although I operate a small design office, I strive to create new details using common materials for each project. But before a new detail can emerge, I've realized its easier to reference past uses/details and create a new detail from a standard application. Since I do not have an extensive library of details, one book, Interior Graphic Standards (IGS) has become a valuable design tool in my office.

In short, IGS offers an extensive amount of information in one volume. Its like one stop shopping without leaving the office.
Data is cleanly organized. Simple drawings describe connections, patterns and standard measurements. And technical drawings help clarify more complex details. But most impressive is the beauty of the line drawings. The art of drafting has not been lost in the computer generated pictures.

I encourage all Contractors, Designers and Artists to reference this book, whether you intend to design a table, a house or a museum. ... Read more

Book Description

Based on research culled by Architectural Computer Services, Inc. (ARCOM), this book presents objective, in-depth specification information representing material from hundreds of standards and manufacturing organizations. A non-manufacturer source of comparative building product information, this book is invaluable for choosing the best finish materials to meet varying project goals such as affordability, environmental concerns, fire- or water-resistance, and aesthetics. ... Read more

Book Description

This is the first and only complete resource for lighting design, giving architects and designers--as well as engineers--all the right tools to implement quality installations. Features a graphics-rich presentation full of lighting patterns, installation photos, fixtures and schemes with costs, plus color sections displaying how to mix light and color. Inside: essential safety-and compliance-facilitating code information from the National Electric Code, Energy Policy Act, and other sources. Includes hundreds of interior and exterior details from a range of project types. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

One of the best.
A very informative and usefull book for all designers.

DO NOT BUY! it's hard to imagine a more worthless book
This book is a fiasco. As a professional in commercial space planning for many years, I picked it up based on a 'glowing review'. I find another few good ratings here on-line. The authors mother must be writing them, because no one who actually attempted to verify the faulty and incomplete information within, could ever see this tome as worth the paper upon which it is printed.

One reviewer was accurate though; it isn't a bad door stop.

Interior Graphic and Design Standards
This is a very good book. Deals with the in and out of the interior design standards

* WARNING: THIS BOOK'S BEST USE IS AS A DOOR STOP! *
...so S T O P; don't buy this book. It's Junk. Anyone who's been in the profession a while knows it because many of us received it as a Designer's Book Club intro title in the late 80's or early 90's. It wasn't worth the cost of its S&H! Ask around to people in the profession and look it over first. I received mine while having just a few years of experience in practice. Initally excited and impressed with myself having identifed a clear technical error, my feelings quickly changed to surprise and then anger as I began to realize the whole book was packed w/ errors and critical omissions. It was generally a frustratingly incompetent presentation with widely incomplete information on its proposed subjects. That the editors and publisher let this trash out, and were, I presume, making their livings with this level of incompetence was disheartening.

Interior Graphic and Design Standards
An excellent book for "standard" measurements and dimensions of both commercial and residential spaces. A wonderful teaching tool! A book that should be on the shelves of every interior designer, architect and design professor. ... Read more

Book Description

The authoritative resource for the organization, preparation, use, and interpretation of construction documents encompassing the entire life cycle of a facility.This new edition considers the need for interdependent processes of design, construction and facility use.

The Fifth Edition expands the scope of the manual to meet the requirements of all participants involved in a construction project in a stage-by-stage progression, including owners, A/Es, design-builders, contractors, construction managers, product representatives, financial institutions, regulatory authorities, attorneys, and facility managers. It promotes a team model for successful implementation. ... Read more

Book Description

Since its release in 1946, this has been one of the most widely recognized and respected resources for architects, engineers, and designers, bringing together the knowledge, techniques, and skills of some of the most well-known experts in the field

The new Eighth Edition takes a fresh, visual approach to the information architects need to access quickly, helping them save time and money by assuring they get it right the first time.

Readers will find timely, new chapters on building security, natural disaster mitigation, building diagnostics, facility management, and much more. The accompanying CD-ROM contains the complete contents of the Eighth Edition. ... Read more

Book Description

An update of the award-winning CD that lets designers actually use the details of building materials, components, and systems from Architectural Graphic Standards in real working CAD drawings. It also provides links with industry Web sites, letting users quickly track down crucial information such as material specifications, industry databases, and references. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Don't waste your money on the AGS CD-ROM. Get the book.
Why bother with the CD when the book is such a pleasure to use?

The BOOK rates SIX STARS. The CD rates NO STARS. Get the book for half or a third the price of the CD. It's worth it.

The cd contains many raster scans of tables from the book and links to commentary that you can find elsewhere in greater detail. The links to industry aren't anything special, considering you can find them many other places for free. The interface is clunky, and hard to read. Access to the data is read-only off the CD rather than allowing you to load it and access it from the hard drive. The vector CAD drawings are simplified and generic - suitable for instruction, but certainly not for real work. You won't save any time trying to use them for anything but reference, so why bother? This CD is worth 1% of its list price and should just come with the book at no cost. Don't be taken in by the hype.

Great begin for drawing
The figures of this book are very useful for details in professional drawings. On the other hand, it gives simple ideas to solve common problems on construction. ... Read more

Book Description

Save time with topic-by-topic guide to building standards

The only comprehensive reference to all building types, Time-Saver Standards for Building Types, Fourth Edition is loaded with all the essential design criteria and standards you need to prepare preliminary designs, execute programming requirements, and analyze the functions and uses of a building. Authors Joseph DeChiara and Michael Crosbie focus on topical issues of rehabilitation, change of use, preservation, accessibility, energy conservation, and environmental regulations. New material in this edition includes home offices, entertainment centers, assisted living, primary-care and wellness facilities, day-care and nursery facilities, jails and prisons, places of worship, health clubs, international sports facilities, and new rail facilities. What's more, new international examples and full metrification make the book a truly global publication. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

perfect reference
rich in graphics and details, perfect companion when you need quick answers, specially if you get a used book at a fantastic price like these, it is worth it!!

newfet Architectural data
dear sir/madam

am in need of a book call newfet Architectural data so plsss help me find it plss

from terry

A great reference book
This is a book that sometimes resembles Neufert's, but it has a lot of additional information you might need that will make easier the process of designing various types of buildings. It gives you notions, ideas, proportions, measures and everything you need to know when starting a project. A must-have to any architect (specially with these incredible low-priced used ones. I got mine for 13 bucks and it's absolutely like new).

Over priced
Amozon.com says that they save you money on books but this book cost a cool 150 smackers even if a customer has purchased many books from them -- the book is valuable and used like a dictionary for reference -- why can't we get a resonable price for it -- Amozon.com send out thank you and promises to do their best to keep the price lowest but why do they continue to bate and switch. ... Read more

Book Description

This new collection of architectural details provides new and innovative details to inspire and instruct architectural designers. Each annual collection, published as Graphic Standards updates will be culled from the work of today's leading architects and will include photographs, working drawings and descriptive text.
It is appropriate that the first annual is titled Openings as it brings together examples of inspiring openings across all architectural scales from the residential interior to the urban park, from dynamic urban gateways to modern sliding doors and commercial entryways. So wide is its coverage on the topic that it even includes some expertly crafted and weather-tight pet doors.
* The book contains more than two dozen projects from today's top designers
* It is illustrated with hundreds of sketches and detailed construction drawings
* It combines inspiration with problem-solving working knowledge ... Read more

Book Description

As a building type, housing represents by far the largest segment of the construction industry. And in this revision of a very important design reference will be found the very latest information-in graphic and text mode-on emerging trends in housing design and technology: new forms of multi-unit housing, new demands from housing owners (e.g., the "home office"), and new zoning and controls on site size and location. This edition is thoroughly updated and refreshed, with some 40% brand new or nearly new pages. Moreover, the remaining graphics will be redrawn where necessary so as to bring up the overall "look-and-feel" of one of the most important members of the TIME-SAVERS family. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I was a student of J. Panero
I was a student of J. Panero at FIT in NYC in 1975. He and Martin Zelnick were wonderful professors. I was around when they were putting together their first book and was glad to see this one. Keep up the good work

Essential for anyone involved with the built environment.
Have you ever been enthralled with those thick, illustrated books that line the shelves of every architect's office? This isn't one of them...its sitting open next to their cad station. I have few books that have followed me from college into practice, but this revised edition has assisted the design development of many residential projects and earned me high marks with my project managers. ... Read more

Book Description

Using a CSI format, it offers an extensive reference of all materials that pertain to site work. Covers topics such as wood, concrete, masonry and other fundamental construction materials or processes. Maintains the graphic excellence of Architectural Graphics Standards throughout. Each chapter concludes with a list of available and authoritative sources of information. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I couldn't live without it.
As a licensed Interior Designer I refer to this book frequently. To determine the space required for any activity from opening a file drawer to dining, watching a movie or simply removing an object from a shelf this book gives it to you straight with no fluff. It contains simple but indispensible scientific data for the 95th percentile and beyond. Whether you are a student or a professional, in Interior Design, Architecture or Industrial Design I highly recommend Human Dimension and Interior Space.

This book serves as a linchpin in designing any interior!
Human Dimension & Interior Space provides information about interior space requirements and human dimensions that are indispensable to the beginning design student or the practicing professional. Its drawings and charts are clear, easy to understand and even easier to apply. It should be part of every design professional's library or student's required reading list. It is also refreshing to note that this book has integrated barrier free design/accessibility issues into each space type that is covered, and not made it a separate issue. ... Read more

Book Description

Below-grade waterproofing is the process of waterproofing habitable underground spaces, such as office space, retail space, mechanical equipment storage space, and parking space. Architects and other professionals must design these places so that water and moisture are controlled. Because of the numerous systems and materials that have appeared in recent years, waterproofing of an underground space has become increasingly complex. By using accessible terms and simple language, this book clearly directs the reader in every detail of the waterproofing procedure. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Below Grade Waterproofing
A good book and very good in depth knowledge of proper installation of systems. How ever a previous review mentioned a non bias approach....I beg to differ...it looks to me that Mr. Henshell is very pro and friendly with certain manufacturers.

It's About Time!
With the oldest known waterproofing going back 4,000 years you'd think someone would have recorded the wisedom of the ages on how to keep water out of the building. Finally someone has! Justin's book is the best that is available. This book should be on the shelf of anyone that is in any way involved with waterproofing. This could be the text for a comprehensive college course if any professor were ever so inclined.

Thank you Justin. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a completely electronic version of the most comprehensive professional reference on commercial interior, Interior Graphic Standards. The CD-ROM's database includes the entire contents of the book, indexed for easy search and retrieval of information. ... Read more

Book Description

The "Silver Bible" -- thoroughly revised, updated and redesigned

Interior designers, architects, and other design professionals can still turn to the field’s beloved "Silver Bible" for a wealth of information related to the design and planning of residential and commercial interiors. But now, Time-Saver Standards for Interior Design and Space Planning, Second Edition goes even further to truly make the classic interior design reference the standard in its field.

From standard furniture dimensions to architectural woodwork details, you’ll find a vast array of time-saving data and details. Editors Joseph DeChiara, Julius Panero, and Martin Zelnik have brought together contributions from well-known architectural and interior design firms to give you details derived from actual designs and working drawings, showing various solutions for typical design problems encountered in interior architecture.

You get a wide range of typical layouts and residential spaces, offices, conference rooms, and reception areas, in addition to details of bars, restaurants, and public toilets. This exciting new edition includes new international examples and metrification – and provides you with full coverage of healthcare spaces, educational spaces; home offices; videoconferencing spaces; green design; project forms and schedules.Two outstanding sections cover historic styles and woodworking. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Time Saver Standards for Interior Design and Space Planners
This is a a "must have" for anyone in the interior design industry. The best book since Architectural Graphic Standards for the Interior Design Profession. Very Specific and all inclusive, excellent details for just about every application.

Required purchase for my Interior Design Students to use through out their educational and professional careers.

Not great but the only thing like it.
This is a compilation of materials from other sources, most of which are readily available to everyone but it's very convenient to have all the information in one place. However, some of the information is inaccurate, some of the illustrations are out of date, and many are poor copies of photocopies that aren't legible. I find this inexcusable in a book intended for designers and one that is $100+. Unfortunately, it is the only book of its kind. I recommend double checking any information that you take from it. Reznikoff is the only comparable book and that is even more out of date. At least Reznikoff was well produced though. ... Read more

Book Description

This book/disk package offers architects, contractors, and engineers virtually all the structural, mechanical, electrical, lighting, and acoustical design data they may need to solve a huge range of architectural engineering problems with remarkable speed, accuracy, and ease.Packed with vital formulas, innovative design tools, and beautifully illustrated examples, it guides readers through the selection and sizing of virtually any functional component of a building, from shed to skyscraper, anywhere in the world.In addition, powerful calculation software lets users simply enter the name of the component to be designed and values are computed in seconds! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Not good reference for Arch Engineering PE Exam
DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK IF YOU ARE STUDYING FOR THE NEW ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING PE EXAM - IT IS NOT USEFUL AT ALL. I bought this book as reference to study for and take the newly established Architectural Engineering PE exam and was sorely disappointed. The author fails in his self-proclaimed attempt to distill engineering design formulations into an easy-to-read format. The equations throughout the book are simply "dumbed down" linear statements of esoteric symbols with next to no regard to engineering notation conventions. The example problems may resemble some types of common design problems, but are rarely general enough to apply to varying situations. I didn;t refer eveon one time to any equation or example problem in this book when studying for or taking the actual PE exam in April 2003.

Standard Handbook of Architectural Engineering
This book is very helpful for the architects understanding of structures with its companion CD, is a unique problem-solving tool and provides solutions to difficulties as they arise on the job.

Excellent resource for practicing professional engineers
Excellent resource for professionals who need ready access to common architectural design issues. Provides excellent emperical techniques not available in academic texts. Real time saver. One disappointment - the computer disk of calculations was for the P. C. computers and not usable by the MacIntosh community which I am a part. Even without the computing aid, the book was well worth it's price.

i like it
Me gusta mucho la manera como se expresa el autor, y las muchas posibilidades de investigacion que se pueden encontrar en ese libro ... Read more