Book Description

The iF Design Award is a byword for design excellence since it was launched in 1954. In close to 600 generously illustrated pages the latest iF annual presents winners in the fields of product, communication (digital media and graphic design), packaging and transport design, as well as "Concepts" -- the competition for students, the designers of tomorrow. It includes the comments and opinions of the international jury as well as full details on the designers and manufacturers, making it an invaluable orientation and reference work for all decision-makers in management, media and politics. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Review
As someone who has a background in the fine arts and who has recently began working at a metal shop I found this book to be an extremely valuable and understandable introduction into the world of metal fabrication. It is well writen with many color photograghs. It is not ment for the advanced metal worker, except maybe as a reference, but as a beginer it is a must read. ... Read more

Book Description

Since Vitruvius described in his famous work not only fixed buildings but also mobile objects and constructions, the possibility of incorporating change and motion into architecture has continued to fascinate architects. Yet it is only since radically new materials and IT media have been developed that the dream has become reality. "Flying Dutchmen" shows the way a selection of innovative Dutch architects have incorporated the issue of movement in their buildings. The examples are drawn by OMA/Rem Koolhaas, NOX Architects, Kas Oosterhuis, UN Studio, NL Architects, Bentham Crouwel, and Herman Hertzberger. The analyses provide a fascinating glimpse into the design process and its results, from sensitive surfaces to, dynamic spaces, from aerodynamic forms to interactively linked buildings. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

getting behind the rhetoric
This book is of most interest in getting behind the rhetoric used by contemporary avant-garde architects in regards to developing an architecture responsive to the physical structure of reality, often propped up by questionable references to philosophers such as Deleuze and Bergson. Jormakka cleverly shows how the interest in movement is hardly something new. History indeed seems to be repeating itself. My only problem with the book is that it doesn't go far enough - Jormakka never questions the questionable "search for truth" which these endeavours are ultimately driven by - indeed, he seems to rather admire the works (such as that of UN Studio) he criticises. The question then arises, is the architecture of interest - even beautiful ! - regardless of the rhetoric behind it, thus putting into doubt theoretical approaches to architecture. It would also have been of interest to take on the question of the sublime - the overpowering feeling of large scale - which also lies behind many of these schemes. ... Read more

Book Description

Universal Design is Selwyn Goldsmith's new authoritative design manual, the successor to his internationally acclaimed Designing for the Disabled.A clear and concise design guide for practising and student architects, it describes and illustrates the differences there are between universal design and 'for the disabled' design



Universal Design presents detailed design guidance for architects in an easily referenced form.Covering both public buildings and private housing, it includes informative anthropometric data, along with illustrative examples of the planning of circulation spaces, sanitary facilities, car parking spaces and seating spaces for wheelchair users in cinemas and theatres.It is a valuable manual in enhancing understanding of the basic principles of 'universal design'.

The aim - to encourage architects to extend the parameters of normal provision, by looking to go beyond the prescribed minimum design standards of the Part M building regulation, Access and facilities for disabled people.

*Learn about the opinions of Selwyn Goldsmith, a highly respected author in this field
* An essential reference for practising and student architects and designers, international appeal - 'Universal' relevance
* A clear and concise guide with invaluable easy-to-usediagrammatic information ... Read more

Book Description

This is your first point of reference in understanding the future direction of sustainable technology. It introduces the very latest in practical sustainability techniques and illustrates the diverse technologies being developed to create optimum eco-efficiency in our built environment.


Peter F. Smith takes you through the current research and prototypes which will affect every feature of the evolution of building design. As sustainable building becomes increasingly essential - with the advent of climate change, government legislation and international treaties - this is valuable knowledge for every architect, engineer and designer who wishes their designs to be both responsive and cutting edge.

With information from the leaders in their fields, this book is a comprehensive reference to the emerging technologies for this innovative approach to design.

* Learn about the future of sustainable technology
* Gain a knowledge about the newest designs and details of the built environment
* Benefit from the inside knowledge and expertise of the author ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Re-hash of plans from the 1930's
The copyright on the book is misleading. What you find out once you've bought it, is that the house plans date to the authors' book from the 1930's, as the style of the illustrations clearly indicates. The plans are small and dated, with none of the architectural and building ideas developed in the next 70 years of the 20th century! A waste of money.

A great little book
A great little book with many images and sketches about adobe and southwestern architecture in general. ... Read more

Book Description

In recent years, architectural animation has offered up a whole new field of conceptual and technical possibilities to architects. Whereas some designers are intent on exploring the creative potential that high-end computer software offers, others are experimenting with its production and technical possibilities. Architecture and Animation features the most innovative proponents of the media, while bringing animatory techniques' place in architectural practice under a new level of scrutiny. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

animated architecture
I am a architect and I want to collect some articles about animated architecture and architectural animation. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive book covers all aspects of provision for indoor sporting activity. It also contains information on internationally-agreed dimensions for playing areas, whole life costs, energy and environmental issues and maintenance.

The definitive comprehensive reference, with the authority of the Sports Council
Covers the whole facility, not just the playing area ... Read more

Book Description

Examines the way project teams can approach the design and expression of both active and passive thermal environmental control systems in a more creative way.Using seminal case studies from around the world and interviews with architects and environmental engineers involved, the book illustrates innovative responses to client, site and user requirements, focusing on elegant solutions to a perennial problem. Architects will be inspired to take a more creative approach to the design and expression of environmental control systems -- whether active or passive or whether they influence overall building form or design detail.
Each featured project includes information on the designers; project background and the design process; design outcome and thermal environmental control systems; expression of thermal environmental control systems; and performance in practice and lessons learned. ... Read more

Book Description

Which building material1 -Absorbs and desorbs humidity faster, and to a higher extent, than any other? 2-Produces hardly any environmental pollution and can be recycled any number of times? 3-Balances indoor climate and moisture thus creating an extremely healthy environment in which to live? The answer is EARTH.In nearly all hot-dry and moderate climates of the world earth has been the predominant building material.Earth construction techniques have been known for more than nine thousand years and, even today, one-third of mankind lives in earth houses. The Earth Construction Handbook provides a survey of applications and construction techniques, including physical data, and explains the materials specific qualities together with the possibilities of optimising these.The information given can be practically applied by engineers, architects, builders, planners, craftsmen and laymen who wish to construct cost-effective buildings which provide a healthy, balanced indoor climate. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Too Costly for the information contained in
The book is unnecessarily made too costly for the information within. There are several good books available at a lower price. ... Read more

Book Description

Comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of principles, materials, and technologies

Architectural Acoustics provides the vital information that architects, engineers, and all concerned with the built environment need to control and direct wanted or unwanted sounds within and around buildings. A team of internationally recognized experts presents the very latest information on acoustical materials, technologies, design criteria, and methods for a wide variety of applications, including airports and other transportation facilities; theaters, churches, and concert halls; classrooms, lecture halls, and libraries; music practice rooms and recording studios; sports venues; and all types of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

This comprehensive reference is one of the few books of its kind to include richly detailed case studies that demonstrate real-world applications of acoustic principles, materials, and methods. Nearly two hundred photos and illustrations further elucidate specific principles, applications, and techniques.

Topics covered include:
* Basic principles of architectural acoustics
* Acoustical materials and methods
* Building noise control applications ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good reference with case studies
Hi! I have this book and think that it is a very very good book and very atualized about architetural acoustics because it brings not only the principles of acoustics but a lot of case studies of some famous places with ilustrations, wich are a good reference of the aplication of the design for a acoustical place. And brings too a section about the recent innovations in acoustical design and research. This book and David Egan's Architectural Acoustics makes a perfect couple for architects and other people who wants a good knowledge about acoustics in architecture. I really recommend. ... Read more

Book Description

Green design is the major architectural movement of our time. Throughout the world architects are producing sustainable buildings in an attempt to preserve the environment and our globe’s natural resources. However, current strategies for forming sustainable solutions are typically too general and fail to take advantage of critical geographical, environmental, and cultural factors particular to a specific place. By focusing on the Pacific Northwest, this book provides essential lessons to architects and students on how sustainable architecture can and should be shaped by the unique conditions of a region.

Pacific Northwest regionalism has consistently supported an architecture aimed at environmental needs and priorities. This book illuminates the history of a "green trail" in the work of key architects of the Northwest. It discusses environmental strategies that work in the region, organized according to nature’s most basic elements--earth, air, water, and fire--and their underlying principles and forces. The book focuses on technologies, materials, and methods, with a final section that examines thirteen exceptional Northwest buildings in detail and in light of their contributions to sustainable architecture.

Critical case studies by Northwest architects illustrate some of the best environmental design work in North America. Architects in the book include, from Seattle, Mithun Architects and Planners, Jones and Jones Architecture and Landscape Architecture, and the Miller|Hull Partnership; from British Columbia, Peter Busby, Patkau Architects, and Terrence Williams; and from Portland, Allied Works. These projects include innovative design in water and site stewardship, intelligent technologies, passive energy strategies, ecologically sound building materials, and environmentally sensitive energy management systems. ... Read more

Book Description

This handbook, prepared by two leading specialists in the fields of tourism and recreation planning, provides comprehensive guidance on standards, requirements and procedures for a wide range of tourist and recreation facilities.

The approach is practical and covers, amongst other things, the interrelationships between physical planning and aspects such as marketing, financing and operation, current concerns about sustainability, and the need to monitor progress and correct adverse conditions.

Richly illustrated with examples and case studies from many countries this handbook is an essential source of reference for those involved in tourism, recreation and leisure administrations as well as architects, planners and developers working in these fields.






This handbook has been prepared by two leading specialists in the fields of tourism and recreation planning and draws on their wide international experience. It provides comprehensive guidance on a wide range of subjects including:

- standards (sizes, densities, thresholds) needed for programming tourism resorts and recreation complexes
- specific requirements for seaside, mountain and theme resorts, marinas, leisure parks and provisions for outdoor recreation, green spaces and pedestrian ways in towns and cities
- detailed procedures for planning and implementing tourism and recreation development - from national plans to individual projects

The approach is practical and includes: the inter/relationships between physical planning and other aspects such as marketing, financing and operation; new concepts and trends affecting tourism and recreation development; current concerns about sustainability and other environmental issues; the need to monitor progress and correct adverse conditions.

Both authors have undertaken consultancies for the World Tourism Organization, UNDP, World Bank and other international agencies.

*Highly illustrated reference source with examples and case studies
*Comprehensive guide for planning tourism facilities and resorts
*Covers design features and illustrations of new projects and trends ... Read more

Book Description

Gives architects the vision and skills needed to take advantage of the new communications technologies. The Internet is starting to have a profound effect on the building industry. It's not about computers: it's about communication. Fundamental changes in the way that architects, clients, and builders communicate with one another have already begun, yet few architects have discovered all the creative opportunities of this new medium. Jonathan Cohen has introduced thousands of design professionals to the potential of the Internet and the skills of Web site creation in seminars. Here he shows architects, engineers, contractors, building owners, and planners how to use the design skills they already possess to develop and implement an Internet strategy for their firms. Readers will learn how to integrate text, images, video, and other media in interactive Web sites for project management and design collaboration. A dedicated Web site will supplement the book with examples, bookmarks, technical data, and other resources. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Architects need this book
There are few professions that have as much potential as architecture and city planning to take advantage of the Net. This book is the best general introduction to the Web for people in the design professions. Cohen patiently explains the concepts in a way that his fellow architects can understand and apply. I was especially impressed with the chapters on participatory planning and design. This book is very well written and illustrated.

Unique in focus - great read!
This is a unique book, catering to architects, engineers, land-use planners and other professionals in related fields. Although part of the book is about web-site design and site management issues (which is covered in many books), the author presents the information very well - in fact, the quality of the editing, formatting and illustrations is great - done with a lot of care.

The chapters which really caught my interest were those relating to community planning - especially the one about participatory community planning. This is an application with a lot of potential, where 'the web-site' could unleash a number of other novel communication tools (e.g. environmental simulation - my area of expertise).

I highly recommend this book to anyone involved in community/land-use development or resource management. It is a great source of ideas. ... Read more

Book Description

Best practice is the concern of this book. An architect has to be an administrator as well as designer, and smooth economical administration will provide the conditions under which client relations can be constructive and good design can be acheived.

The book is divided into 76 short sections covering the entire process, from preliminary enquiries to final fees, each with a small flow chart showing who is involved and when.

This sixth revised edition updates the contents in line with present day practice, bearing in mind the changes in terminology, technology, environmental demands and the legislative background.

Ronald Green and Professor Ross Jamieson who writes the foreword to this edition, are both examiners for Part Three.

* Easy to understand jargon free step by step guide to organising a job.
* Provides invaluable information clearly laid out in flow charts for ease of use.
* Keep up to date with the latest statutory requirements and consents. ... Read more

Book Description

An up-to-date revision of the successful, single-source handbook on construction materials. This comprehensive reference covers all currently-used materials from abrasives to zirconium. Contains new data, tables and illustrations. ... Read more

Book Description

This guide shows how the concepts used in lighting design arise from the needs of the designer and the user. These concepts are shown in a practical context to enable you to develop and improve your design skills.

Through examples and exercises, this book makes it easier for the student to acquire the level of understanding, knowledge and skill required for both examinations and professional training purposes.

Over the past two decades there has been an increasing emphasis on the need for architects and building professionals to have a better understanding of lighting and the ability to deal with lighting matters within the context of the built environment. Lighting is no longer considered to be primarily the province of the electrical engineer. Previously a separate subject in the professional examinations, lighting is often now found in a more general area within an architecture or building course.

* Provides a comprehensive source of information on lighting design for a wide range of building types
* The latest text from a respected author and lighting designer
* Core information presented provides an indispensable learning tool for students, and for professionals as part of their continuing professional development ... Read more

Book Description

All the ins and outs of starting and running a profitable enterprise in today's construction market.Packed with fast track building code facts, tips and techniques, and quick calculations, this practical resource helps building contractors define their business requirements, select a business structure, manage jobs efficiently, locate desirable building lots, build on speculation, computerize their operations, understand financial transactions, hire top-notch employees--and avoid common pitfalls.

NEW TO THIS EDITION: insurance, financial issues, energy requirements; computerization; more quick-reference facts and figures throughout. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

He knows a little about a lot
While I am only about 85% of the way through this book let me say that I have found some very informative material. I have also found some VERY VERY wrong information. As a financial advisor turned contractor I am currently in the "Planning for your future" chapter and have found some terrible advice. It leads me to believe that although he was a succesful builder and did well that he doesn't know when to shut-up about things he really has no idea about.
I have enjoyed the book so far but it really is outdated and needs to be revised or pulled off the shelf so that inexperienced builders do not use his "past there prime" ideas in todays market.
If you are in the market for industry books then you can do better. There are books out there that are much more current than this one. Buy a specialty book and stay away from the guys that think they know it all.

Watch Out!
If you are new to the building business - this is definitely NOT the book to buy or read. I found the book to be very general speaking on all 26 topics being discussed. E.g. topics on computers - why to use them or not - are completely outdated.

This book lacks a lot of detail. It scans over most items and I really find it difficult to highlight facts that I would re-read later. This book will NOT make me a successful Builder - just a frustrated reader.

Good Stuff
Good book. A solid value. This is a very versatile book, as it applies to all types of construction business. Its really about solid business practices(not strictly pertaining to building, although theres plenty about that in here). This book is very business oriented and covers quite a bit in the legal aspect as well. Good book with good templates. Finally i got some decent info on lein waivers. To those who arent computer savvy, chapter 17 is for you.

Wonderful book on the industry
This is a wonderful book on the industry. If you are interested in becoming a contractor and don't have much experience with the all of building aspects, this book should enlighten you. I highly recommend it.

Great Start
As someone who hopes to become a home builder I found this book very helpful. The author answers many questions about the buisness side of the home building industry. It is a step by step guide, my only objection is that it did not go over the actual home building process (But I believe that was not his intended message, so I can not fault him for that.) I would read more books by this author. ... Read more