Book Description

This hardcover/CD-ROM set provides the architectural and design professions a comprehensive and definitive reference to more than 1100 equations essential to all aspects of building design and construction. Calculations books have been successful in all the engineering disciplines, and there is nothing even remotely comparable on the market for architects-until now. It will complement the range of engineering calculations and formulas titles. The first books on architectural calculations in the field (one on Mechanical Systems and the other Structural Systems). A separate disk is included providing the opportunity for users to calculate quickly and with no errors. ... Read more

Book Description

Architectural Supermodels is a highly illustrated guide exploring new ways of expressing design concepts. A short history of the use of models is followed by discussions on photographic techniques, model making philosophies and the use of computer-aided modeling. Case studies include Will Alsop's award winning c/PLEX project, taking the reader from conceptual models to the complete design. A fascinating read for all architects and designers.





In the face of the digital revolution in architectural design, modelmaking can be seen as a labourious and time-consuming preoccupation. Indeed, many architectural students in the United States avoid representing their ideas in three dimensions by describing the activity as 'busy work'. However, despite its hitherto rather humdrum image, modelmaking has made a recent and massive comeback in the world of environmental design.

The ability to visualise directly in three dimensions is essential for interior design employers, as are the abilities to draw freehand and technical drawing, although literacy in computer graphics, remains one of the top five skills required by the modern architectural practice.

The fact that a three dimensional model can now be electronically modified, refined, and digitally transformed or even be computer-programmed in to its physical existence brings a new and exciting dimension to the skills of the architect. 'Architectural Supermodels' is written in the spirit of this mood of change and in the notion of exploring new ways of expressing design concepts. Case studies covered include Zaha Hadid's modelmaker; Future Systems' modelmaker, Terry Farrell and Partner's modelmaker and Armiger who works for Will Alsop, Rick Mather and David Chipperfield.

This innovative book will cover computer-generated modelmaking as well as the more traditional modelmaking involved in Architecture/Building Design. It is a technical manual focusing on three-dimensional models and electronic models. This is a vital book for degree and graduate architectural students as well as practising architects/designers.

*Explore new ways of expressing design concepts
*Discusses photographic techniques, model making philosophies and the use of computer aided modeling
*Case studies take the reader from conceptual models through to the complete design ... Read more

Book Description

This book looks at the challenges facing architects and urban planners in contemporary society. It analyzes current trends, future scenarios and solutions from the past, providing detailed information on what it means to build in a sustainable, ecologically sound way, whilst making full use of the technology which we now have at our fingertips. Previously available as a hardcover but now out of print, it is being reprinted as a special softcover edition. ... Read more

Book Description

1843. With details of experiments made in quarrying the granite. The purpose of this work is to give in a brief manner the results of experiments which have been going on in quarrying and working the Quincy granite, and also to give the plans, elevations, and sections of the Obelisk on Bunker's Hill, which led to those experiments. ... Read more

Book Description

This practical book provides a concise introduction for small and medium sized architectural practices considering introducing computers or using them more widely, and it will be invaluable for students who wish to learn how computers are used in practice.Jargon is avoided so far as possible, necessary technical terms are explained, and key ideas illustrated with figures and diagrams. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

really useful esp for first-timers
Lucid, relevant, practical. Anyone starting from scratch will learn a lot of useful stuff. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Priceless
This is probably the most comprehensive book on design and materials selection. The Europeans have been forced to use these design practices due to shortage and expense of resourses. With the focus on this type of design having renewed interest in the States, this book helps to prevent designers from "reinventing" the wheel.

Only issue would be an updated version. In this field, a 5 year old book, while years ahead of design in America, is not quite the cutting edge.

Great reading and very thought envoking...I have paved my driveway with oyster shells....its great. ... Read more

Book Description

The main importance lies in the personal struggles towards design excellence through the appropriate use of technology. It is a book about a continual personal search for innovation and the courage to be able to translate dreams to reality. ... Read more

Book Description

This book proceeds from basic theory to design studies of concert and multiple purpose halls. The author introduces a remarkable seat selection system for analysis of new and existing halls and proposes a diagnostic system for testing physical properties and calculating psychological attributes at any seat after a hall is built. The book also presents a theory of subjective preferences, vbased on a model of the auitory cognitive system in the brain. Readers can thus follow the temporal and spatial values that may be associated with the left and right cerebral hemispheres in listening to music and speech, respectively, in a room. From results of calculating subjective preference at each seat, for example, architects, musicians, and acousticical engineers concerned with the design and use of concert and multi-use halls may determine the best location to perform a certain type of music on the stage, as well as the best seats from which to listen. These results will also allow designers to optimize the height of the canopy above the stage, and the positions of other reflectors to fuse performer and hall sound. At the end of the book such a design theory is described, incorporating temporal and spatial values that may be generalized in physical environmental design. In writing this book, the author has paid special attention to stimulating the left and the right hemispheres of the brain with both text and illustrations. Written at the level of advanced undergraduate students, this book should be of interest not only to acoustical engineers and architects, but also to musicians, acoustical consultants, audio engineers, and sound coordinators of concert halls and theaters, as well as researchers who are interested in fusing science and art. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is aimed at developing elementary analysis skills, familiarity and an intuitive feel for composite construction that is required by undergraduate and graduate students, and by structural engineers. It does not require a prior knowledge of advanced analysis and design techniques, and builds on simple concepts such as statics and the mechanics of materials. A topic is first introduced by a brief description, with numerous carefully-chosen examples forming an integral part of the main text. Working through the examples allows the reader to gain a full understanding of the subject, as a technique is illustrated by its application to designing new structures, or in the important area of assessing and upgrading existing structures.



The techniques described for the analysis of standard structures form a basis for understanding the way composite structures work, and these techniques are applied to many non-standard forms of composite construction that are not, or rarely, covered in national standards. The book is an essential purchase for all undergraduate and postgraduate students of structural/civil engineering and architecture, as well as all practising structural and civil engineers.

Covers practical applications not covered in codes, such as service ducts, splitting, upgrading existing structures and non-standard forms of composite construction
Topics are embellished by working through numerous unique and carefully-chosen examples that form an integral part of the subject material
Not orientated to specific codes, so that principles can be applied to any national design standard ... Read more

Book Description

Nearly half of all output in the construction industry in the Western world is the repair and adaptation of existing buildings, yet few books have addressed this subject in any depth. 'Building Adaptation' is a textbook for senior students that covers not only the technical aspects of how to carry out alterations, but also addresses issues such as feasibility, design and contractual matters. Numerous illustrations and examples are included that focus on a wide variety of different building types. Professional architects, building surveyors and construction managers will find this a welcome addition to their library and it is essential reading for degree and diploma students of these disciplines.

*Covers the whole adaptation process from inception to implementation and disposal
*Includes case studies and over 130 illustrations
*Looks at commercial, industrial and residential buildings ... Read more

Book Description

Stone as a traditional building material in Italian architecture has long been respected throughout the world, and recent building projects have revealed a deep awareness and knowledge of the material itself combined with demanding contemporary designs. By examining a number of acclaimed recent architectural projects, the construction possibilities and design potential of stone as a material are presented and documented using copious technical drawings, detail photographs and extensive project information. The selected examples come from notable architects including Aldo Rossi, Boris Podrecca, Bernard Huet, and Alvaro Siza. ... Read more

Book Description

* Second edition of highly successful title

* Brings the reader up-to-date with recent developments in deconstruction

* Includes many new examples ... Read more

Book Description

This book offers an explanation of why scale models are important to the design process. Albert Smith takes the reader through the history and significance of models in architecture from the magic of the Egyptian scale model to the present day.


Through this description of the relationship between architecture and the scale model, Smith demonstrates the most effective process between concept and 'machine', between the idea and the final building. The great value of this book is to reveal the nature of the scale model and to unlock the tremendous potential of this design tool as a thinking and communicative advice.

His chronological analysis goes on from Egypt through Rome to the relationship between the Greek paradigm scale model and then on to Medieval and Renaissance models. It concludes with the models of the Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi, the Russian Constructivists, the American architect Louis Khan and finally looks at the role of scale models in the present day through the work of the Polish/American architect Daniel Libeskind and the American Frank Gehry.

* First book to address the question of why and how architects use scale models for projects allowing designers to learn the most effective ways of communicating their ideas through the model medium
* A unique insight into the dynamic thought process of designers through history to the present day to inspire today's practitioners ... Read more

Book Description

Professionals concerned with the built environment are all too often confronted with cases where building materials failed prematurely. Information required for the understanding of the causes of such failures, or for identifying the appropriate remedial action, is generally buried under a mass of other information unwieldy reference volumes. Numerous trade bulletins are also available, but they usually only deal with a particular group of materials. This guide condenses and organises the relevant information that should allow the professional to take appropriate action, or at least understand the recommendations made by specialists. The distinction between the deterioation and failure of building materials and system failures of structures is sometimes rather blurred - this guide is mainly concerned with failure of materials, while system failures are only referred to when the possibility of confusion exists. Information in the book has been condensed and organised as concise synopses and diagnostic tables, backed by overviews and containing photographs and diagrams to aid the navigation of the reader. Contents include: Failure of concrete; Metal failures and corrosion; Deterioation of masonry; Tiling failures; Deterioration of timber; and Paint failures. ... Read more

Book Description

Architectural Engineering Design: Mechanical and Structural Systems provide the architectural and design professions a comprehensive, definitive reference to more than 1100 equations essential to all aspects of building design and construction. Calculations books have been successful in all the engineering disciplines, and there is nothing even remotely comparable on the market for architects-until now.

It will complement Standard Handbook of Architectural Engineering, Architectural formulas, and the range of engineering calculations and formulas titles.

These are the first books on architectural calculations in the field.
A separate disk is included providing the opportunity to do calculations quickly and without errors. ... Read more

Book Description

When today’s leading architects—such as Frank O. Gehry, Helmut Jahn, and the THINK team—are looking for engineers to provide structural viability for their aesthetic visions, they often turn to Jorg Schlaich and his partner Rudolf Bergermann. The work of these brilliant and creative men is distinguished by a holistic approach combining science, practicality, and meticulous attention to detail with environmental and situational concerns. This retrospective of their work highlights Schlaich and Bergermann’s independent projects, including towers, bridges, wind farms, and swimming pools. It features nine critical and biographical essays as well as detailed examinations of their most impressive work, illustrating a triumphant alliance of technical and architectural goals. ... Read more