Book Description

‘Versioning’ is a new term coined by the award-winning, young New York practice SHoP/Sharples Holden Pasquarelli to represent an entirely new model for architectural practice. As digital, or ‘blob’, architecture has become the received aesthetic for experimental architects, SHoP is spearheading a new generation that is actively questioning and stretching the established applications of electronic media. Having surpassed the current obsession with computer-aided imagery, the partners are taking on the real design and construction challenges posed by the digital age.

Intent on exploring the computer’s capabilities for changing design processes in the act of making, SHoP uses versioning to describe the significant shift in the way technology is being applied to expand, in time as well as in territory, the potential effects of design. This requires rethinking the design process in terms of procedure and outcome in ways that are totally unprecedented in both the construction industry and conventional design methodologies. It also has far-reaching implications on the entire design process and existing design/production partnerships. For this reason, SHoP has asked contributors from very different disciplines to participate in this title, drawing on those engaged at the cutting-edge in product design, product manufacture, engineering and cultural theory, as well as those in architecture. (There is also a preface by Michael Speaks and an interview with Bernard Tschumi.) In effect, versioning advocates that emerging technology becomes the catalyst that redefines both theory and practice equally, completely changing the trajectory of the avant-garde from text and image to space and effect.

Rick Joy

William Massie

Office dA

SHoP/Sharples Holden Pasquarelli

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

systemarchitects

Bernard Tschumi Architects ... Read more

Book Description

It may come as no surprise that only two percent of new homebuyers work directly with an architect to design the space in which they will live – indeed, architects are usually seen as a luxury most of us, the other ninety-eight percent, can’t afford. Yet, why shouldn’t more people call on the services of architects? With fierce competition for few commissions, why do architects not seek out other sources of work and income? Now, acting within larger institutions or on their own, many architects are taking local initiatives to address the underserved, particularly the poor. Good Deeds, Good Design presents the best new thoughts and practices in this emerging movement toward an architecture that serves a broader population. In this book, architecture firms, community design centers, design/build programs, and service-based organizations offer their plans for buildings for the other ninety-eight percent. Twenty-eight essays and case studies illustrate successes and failures and raise both design and social issues.The success of Rural Studio suggests that there is a large and growing number of people who would like to see good design for all. With its clear, direct, and inspiring message, and numerous illustrated examples, Good Deeds, Good Design follows this important story. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Architecture with a Heart
Good Deeds, Good Design challenges the reader to re-think, or at the very least further refine his perspective on architecture for those who cannot afford an architect. While all the essays promote the premise that the enhancement of life by good design should be made available for those who can least afford it, they approach the "how","what" and even the "why" questions from very different perspectives.

Bell has done an excellent job of compiling these very different points of view in order to make the reader think. I have thought about some point or other from the essays almost every day for the past two weeks, and may well mull many of them over for years.

The great stories told by the case studies, like the elderly native american woman who moved from living in a school bus to a home, or the village which was given a place to gather and to worship, inspire the reader to take up the cause and act. This book should be required reading for every student of architecture (and probably for every public policy wonk as well). ... Read more

Book Description

The Yokohama Project:
An interesting building usually has an equally interesting tale to tell, an epic embedded in the organization of the massive, complex amount of matter used to create the structure. This book recounts the story of the Yokokama Project, an inventive, undulating, grass-covered ferry terminal that was never meant to be built. Asked to produce some material for an architectural journal, London-based architects Farshid Moussavi and Alejandro Zaera-Polo of FOA (Foreign Office Architects) set themselves a program of entering three competitions, through which to explore design ideas they had become interested in. When they actually won the second competition, for the Yokohama International Port Terminal, in Yokohama, Japan, their plans suddenly changed. The Yokohama Project presents a textual and visual replica of the way their winning building was developed, over eight years, by FOA and a huge team of engineers and researchers in Tokyo and Yokohama. Unlike the typical architectural book, this one offers no critical texts and no theoretical analyses of the structure; instead, it aims to rediscover the linearity of the building's creation. The reader is thus moved linearly through the following chapters: Design Evolution, Building Permits, Structure, Services, Finishes, Circulation, and Final Documents. Peppered throughout with detailed plans, elevations, diagrams, and sketches, as well as candid snapshots of the design team at work (sometimes asleep at and under their desks!), The Yokohama Project is not only an homage to a building but to the many people who worked on making it real.
Foreign Office Architects is a pioneering architectural practice founded in London in 1992. It has since expanded to include an office in Japan. The principal partners are Farshid Moussavi and Alejandro Zaera Polo, both of whom are graduates of Harvard University's Masters in Architecture program and former employees of Rem Koolhaus's OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture). Current projects include a publishing headquarters in Paju City, Korea, and a park and open-air auditorium in Barcelona, Spain. Completed projects include New Belgo restaurant and Bermondsey Antiques Market in London. This past year, FOA were among the short-listed winners for the competition to design Porto Antico in Genova, Italy.

Edited byTomoko Sakamoto, Alberto Ferre, Michael Kubo and Alejandro Zaera-Polo.

Hardcover 9.44 x 6.69 in., 320 pages, 200 color illustrations ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Edge of the Amateur
The book is an inspiring and surprisingly honest account of the design and the construction of the Yokohama Terminal. The most optimistic part about it is the rather obvious fact that it was conceived and managed by a few academically rigorous but professionally inexperienced architects. The enormity of the project, the complexity of the structure, the problems of circulation, security, fire safety, seismic performance, etc. should all have choked the project before it even had reached the competition entry boards - the fact that it did not is an early tell-tale sign of the fresh naiveté, which must have fueled the design team.

The true merit of the team (and the story as whole) is the fact that the designers decided to go through with it. They moved to Japan and spent over two years and 23.5 billion yen supervising the project through construction administration. The writers talk as openly about their greatest successes and their worst failures.

The very extensive photographic documentation of the design and construction show the amazing story of the metamorphosis of an architectural idea into a material form. As I was reading thorough the text I saw myself picking favorite parts of the design and browsing impatiently ahead to see how they resolved themselves in the actual construction - sometimes I agreed with the chosen solution and sometimes I did not. The point is that the process of decision-making is revealed very clearly.

I would like to finish with a quote from the book, which offers a most delightful message to the youthful talent in all of us:

"This is where amateurs have advantage over pros. A pro knows what he can deliver and rarely goes beyond it. An amateur has no concept of his limitations and generally will go beyond them." ... Read more

Book Description

With over 50,000 engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting firms in the U.S., many observers feel that continued consolidation in the professions is inevitable. The Insider's Guide to Mergers and Acquisitions is a result of the collaboration between the attorneys of Burns & Levinson, LLP, and the consultants of Zweig White & Associates, and combines the insights of seasoned attorneys and management consultants who make their livings assisting consulting engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting firms with ownership transition and mergers and acquisitions. The guide is organized to give A/E/P and environmental consulting firm principals a step-by-step understanding of how mergers and acquisitions happen. Topics include what's driving the market, who the players are, and the steps to exploring, structuring, and successfully completing a merger or acquisition. You'll learn how to prepare your firm for a merger or acquisition, tax and corporate considerations for both buyers and sellers, drafting a letter of intent, conducting due diligence, the transaction documents, preparing for closing, the closing itself, integration, and measuring the success of your transaction. The book is packed with forms, checklists, examples, war stories and special tips, other resources, and more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Written in a plain English Style
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. ... Read more

Book Description

In a new expanded and updated edition, the design management classic Design plus Enterprise: Seeking a New Reality in Architecture & Design has been reissued with five new chapters and contributions from leading practitioners and advocates for architecture. The author, James P. Cramer, is a former CEO of The American Institute of Architects and former publisher of Architecture magazine. In this updated version of his 1994 book, Cramer urges designers to embrace change and responsibility. As principal of a leading A/E/C consultancy, Cramer uses specific examples from his work to illustrate the business and philosophic principles that can guide designers to greater professional and personal successes. A longtime advocate of design as a positive force for social change, the author also demonstrates how smart design can drive economic success.

In his foreword, leading architect and RTKL chairman, Harold L. Adams, articulates the mission of the book succinctly, writing: "Jim sees successful architects as playing on a worldwide stage, offering creative relevance and value, not just as spear carriers, but full leaders, including–horror of horrors–assuming the risk inherent in true leadership of the building team. He defines his total leadership as essential to success in today’s terms, and concludes that never have the opportunities for the profession been greater." Included among the new chapters in this 180-page book is a section entitled "The Ascendant Designer," in which Cramer offers steps for developing a future vision and a sustainable business model. This chapter includes new sections on design information flows and technology issues, efficiency, value and future trends. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Inspiring
Jim Cramer has performed an inportant and admirable service to the design world. While clearly addressing the business interests of architects and designers, he not only avoids compromising their professional integrity -- he shows how, at the same time, they can answer their higher callings to create architecture that is more than beautiful; more than responsible--architecture that makes better people; that sets us free.

Insightful
This book points out that success in the design field rests upon the relationshiops of trust and loyalty that are established by the designer's effort and the client's needs and interests. I appreciate the message of identifying new opportunities and the many creative ways to take advantage of them. ... Read more

Book Description

* Includes Federal and other regulations and ADA site requirements
* Covers sustainable practices such as storm water rehabilitation and quality assurance
* Includes guidance on project management issues including permitting and quality assurance ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

Great Book!
I am currently building a Cabin and found Len McDougals book intresting. Whatever his publisher paid him for this story could not be enough money for me. Having previously lived in Michigan for 23 years, it brought back some fond memories of both camping and the bugs. I will most likely purchase another one of his books.

An excellent book with an incredible story.
Probably most people have fantasized about what it would be like to build and live in a log cabin the way our forefathers did, but almost no one ever does. Len McDougall did, and the stories he relates of that experience are just incredible. The brutal labor, swarms of biting insects, the injuries and loneliness, encounters with dangerous animals, and the sheer unfettered freedom he found all make this book a must-have for anyone who reads.

You won't want to put this book down!!!
This book is great, McDougall's writings put you right into the woods! If you ever wanted to escape the city life and head for isolation in the woods you will enjoy this book. And if you ever thought that being self-reliant was a piece of cake you need to explore the chapters of this book, written by an experienced woodsman. I Highly recomend this book!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

This unique book provides a framework for understanding the significance to the workplace of changing work patterns and offers guidance on workplace design ... Read more

Book Description

Desk-top guide to your professional rights and obligations Are you prepared for legal problems that could easily come up in your practice? Will you know when it's wise to call a lawyer and how to work with him or her for outcomes favorable to you? In a new edition that takes a keen look at how the law is adapting to fast-changing technology, Contracts and the Legal Environment for Engineers & Architects, Sixth Edition, by Joseph T. Bockrath, gives you a sound foundation in basic legal principles, emphasizing your own area of contracts and specifications. This savvy advisor uses illustrations drawn from recent litigation to help you understand:*Types of contracts *Performance or breach of contract obligations *Termination of contracts *Contracts for construction and engineering services...advertising for bids...proposals *Contract clauses relating to finances, including damage claims, extras, partial and withheld payments *Professional liability of architects and engineers *Much, much more ... Read more

Reviews (1)

textbook style, complete overview
I read this book as a contractor seeking to modify my standard contract to that which would apply to architects and engineers as sub-contractors. This book clearly introduces every aspect of contracts, and amplifies the reasoning behind these aspects using cases and examples. This book is only for those who wish to study and apply these concepts. It has no "templates" or boilerplate contracts. It is very valuable in developing an understanding of what is in construction contracts and why. ... Read more

Book Description

Explains how the same quality improvement techniques used successfully in manufacturing can be adapted to design projects. Includes every aspect of how a technical service firm conducts its business. Describes how to solve sales, administration, budget control and other problems as well as ways to keep clients happy. Contains actual examples of TQPM in a variety of applications. Features numerous forms for self-analysis, evaluation and action. ... Read more

Book Description

Construction Business Development is the first book to provide an insight into business development strategies, tools and techniques in construction. This edited text combines academic research with the broad industrial experience of construction business development professionals and marketing consultants. It uses illustrations and case studies in addressing current and future challenges and opportunities in a highly competitive business environment.

This practical book will help construction managers learn how to turn clients into loyal customers.

* Practical help for client/contractor co-operation
* Based on international case studies
* Builds up into a Business Development Plan for construction companies ... Read more

Book Description

There was military project management. There was construction project management. Then there was business project management, a tool described as 'the wave of the future'. Where are architects in all this, professionals whose work has always been project-driven?




There is design management in engineering, product design, graphics, packaging, management theory and even in politics. Construction consultants talk about managing design. When are architects going to become committed to managing design?

Getting There by Design adopts an architect's view to design and project management. It sets out the fundamental principles and shows how they are applied, dealing with these two topics as one indivisible subject.

'Getting There by Design' demonstrates how to:
- make project efforts goal-oriented
- set up a planning and monitoring basis to architectural projects
- put the architect's fee calculus on a rationale basis
- diagnose your firm's practice culture
- develop successful teams

Put your practice onto a more effective basis.

Ken Allinson is an architect in private practice and principal of 'Architectural Dialogue'.He also teaches design studio and lectures on design and project management.He was formerly an associate at DEGW London and the Terry Farrell Partnership.He has practice experience in Europe, the USA and Japan and is the author of 'The Wild Card of Design' (1993).

A clear guide that helps you make project efforts goal-orientated
Learn how to set up a planning and monitoring basis to architectural projects
Be able to diagnose your firm's practice culture and develop successful teams ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good PM book for creative types
Allinson covers the bases on project management from the perspective of the creative side of the brain. This isn't a "create a WBS following these rules and get an M&M" style book. You will have to think to use the information but it is well worth while. If you are a creative type working in a project managed environment, this is a very good book. The references and his descriptions are very useful. ... Read more

Book Description

Written by a cost-control expert with more than thirty years of design and building expertise, this volume in the Professional Practice Essentials Series gives you practical, user-friendly guidance on how to better manager costs through all phases of a project. Dell'Isola first explains the basics of cost management-from estimating costs during the design phase to managing costs during construction and even after occupancy. He then covers all of the tools and techniques available to architects/designers and explains how best to use them. A number of useful case studies clearly show how the author's principles work in real-life situations. ... Read more

Book Description

This book provides comprehensive coverage of issues that facility managers in the property industry need to understand and apply in the pursuit of value for money over the life span of built facilities.

The authors introduce the fast-growing discipline of facility management, examine the core competencies that facility managers should possess and study different contemporary drivers of change.

The book emphasises the need to consider facilities management issues at the pre-design stage of the construction process, rather than only when the building is completed, in order to maximise value for money.

* Offers a practical approach to cost-effectiveness
* Provides a set of widely applicable decision making tools
* Introduces a client perspective to practitioners and students ... Read more

Book Description

Help in handling a common problem in architectural education and practice: getting the job done on time. This book addresses the special time management issues that confront designers. It offers students and professionals guidance in recognizing and understanding these problems and developing effective strategies for overcoming them. Illustrated with lighthearted drawings, it includes exercises aimed at exploring each designer's personal situation and reinforcing good practice. 120 line drawings. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Must read for design students and professionals
An extremely lucid and entertaining manual on a subject that can be tedious. Humorously illustrated by the author, it includes a good summary of pitfalls in the design process. This book can go a long towards meeting design deadlines, while still having a life outside the design studio. ... Read more

Book Description

* Provides instant access to more than 1100 architectural equations
* No math menus and shortcuts allow any building element to be sized quickly and accurately ... Read more