Book Description

Quickly master architectural programming concepts, skills, and techniques

In the essential discipline of architectural programming, the ideas of philosophy, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and history find their focus in the realities of site conditions, budgets, and functionality. Author Edith Cherry vividly demonstrates in this inspiring tutorial that the programming process not only helps architects avoid the endless design revisions occurring in most projects, but that it is also the key to designing for optimal form and function.

Programming for Design lets you rapidly acquire the knowledge and skills needed to successfully program a moderate-size space. Rather than simply describe basic principles and practices, this straightforward guide helps you master architectural programming by actually doing it.

Professor Cherry identifies the central issues involved and describes the skills needed to work with clients to identify problems to be solved by a design effort. Emphasizing designing for people, she offers proven strategies and techniques for goal setting, information gathering and analysis, concept development, program synthesis, and communicating with clients.

The book is also devoted to practical applications. The author walks you step-by-step through a project of your own choosing, providing numerous examples and four case studies within each step that vividly illustrate how to effectively gather, process, and communicate information.

Programming for Design features more than 200 supporting illustrations, diagrams, and sidebars appearing throughout the text, reproducing pithy sayings by such far-flung figures as Plato and Yogi Berra, Einstein and Lao Tzu, that help relate the programming process to other disciplines. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Essential for the UNESCO-UIA's architectural education
In July 2002, UIA agreed to promote their criteria on Architectural Education, worldwide. Among various criteria, we can clearly find necessity of teaching the architectural programming in school. With understanding this situation, I can recommend this as the BEST TEXT BOOK among others in this field,
compulsory for students and educator. ... Read more

Book Description

Render masterful color drawings in half the time! Discover time- and effort-saving techniques for creating color drawings that will knock your clients' socks off in John Chen's Architecture in Color Drawings, Superstars in the world of architecture give you easy-to-apply rendering tools, tip and shortcuts that streamline the entire design process and produce high-quality finished architectural drawings every time. Featuring a portfolio of 240 drawings by noted international architects, this step-by-step productivity tool shows you how to: Render in color using the full range of water- and non-water-based media--including watercolor, tempera, gouache, markers, and colored pencils; Utilize state-of-the-art electronic color rendering methods; Produce great finished work that communicates, accentuates, and disentangles visual information; Capitalize on the advice of masters such as Mario Botta, Charles Gwathmey, Helmut Jan, Richard Meier, Cesar Pelli, I.M. Pei, and others. ... Read more

Book Description

The Interior Design Practicum Exam Workbook contains a complete practice test for the Practicum portion of the NCIDQ exam. The second edition has been updated for the new NCIDQ exam format. Special paper is provided for the exercises and solutions are included. ... Read more

Book Description

This clearly written, fully illustrated survey of Western architecture defines and explains structure, function, history, and meaning. Architecture is examined as a cultural phenomenon as well as an artistic and technological achievement. The book is divided into two parts: Part One, "The Elements of Architecture," deals with the basic properties of architecture in chapters that explain function, structural principles, and elements of design, including examples in the text and illustrations from all periods and styles. Part Two, "The History and Meaning of Architecture," is a chronological survey of Western architectural development from prehistoric times to the present. The approach is selective in terms of buildings and architects included; the examples are chosen for their importance and significance and are fully explained. Each chronological chapter begins with a concise, historical outline giving the social and cultural background. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Clear cut and Simple
Understanding Architecture is a great book. I found it to be useful to start down the road of being an Architect. This book gives you a clear understanding of the value of architecture in the world. If you have any interest at all in architecture or the built environment you will love this book. I have recommended it to numerous friends.

Understanding Architecture and Urbanism
This is a very well written approach to the understanding of Architecture and Urbanism. In the first half of the book, Roth analyzes the basic concepts or "elements" that conform today's Architecture. The second half of this clear and readable text is dedicated to the investigation of the history and significance of Architecture. These enjoyable and didactic thirteen chapters are an excellent starting point for a journey into past and present Architecture ... Read more

Book Description

The first task for any architect is determining the requirements of a proposed building or site--a process referred to as programming. This systematic process includes gathering and analyzing information about a building or other setting, and using that information to create guidelines for the performance of that setting. Problem Seeking: An Architectural Programming Primer instantly recognizable, classic book on programming by one of the world's premier architectural firms--HOK. In this new edition, the authors have extensively revised and updated content to reinforce the programming method that they have refined through 50 years of practice. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The "Bible" of Architectural Programming
If you're interested in architectural programming--defining a project's requirements prior to designing--then this book is a "must read." Why "Problem Seeking?" Pena explains that since design is problem solving, programming is, "the search for sufficient information to clarify, to understand, to state the problem."
Part One of the book is a primer, focusing on theory and principles. Part Two is the "how to do it" section, providing details and examples. The book is based on decades of real-life project examples from one of the most experienced architectural programming teams in the nation.


The core idea is profound: Separating programming (analysis) from design (synthesis), brings tremendous clarity to the design problem. Focusing first on the goals, facts and concepts, then translating those into quantifiable needs (independent of the solution!) facilitates decision-making and encourages innovation.


Reading this book won't make you an architectural programmer, but it provides an essential foundation for anyone involved in a building project--architects and owners alike. The book is used as a text book in architecture schools across the country, and is required reading before taking the Architectural Registration Exam. A 9 out of 10 only because it will leave you yearning for more. ... Read more

Book Description

This major reference describes and analyses the recent developments in the architectural application of the latest digital design and fabrication technologies. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Compilation
This book provides a great overview of the developing technolgies in digital design and fabrication. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a comprehensive study in the current trends in digital architecture. A series of 20+ articles by designers working in this area of architecture, this book updates the conversation to what is happening today and what is being projected in the future. Great resource! ... Read more

Book Description

Designed to demystify drawings and specifications, this helpful book reveals the inside techniques practiced by every architect. It provides readers with the tools necessary to understand drawings, how they are created and what they mean. Contains a series of illustrations using easy-to-follow "balloons" to point out and explain the symbols, codes and graphics essential to comprehending the drawings themselves. ... Read more

Book Description

Architects: Design Electrical Systems with Ease! As an architect, you're the final authority on the design and application of a building's elctrical system whether you do the work or a contractor does it for you. That's why Electrical Systems for Architects, by Ali Dadras, AIA, is so useful and unique-it's the first guide of its kind written by an architect for architects. Step-by-step, you'll see how to design and place electrical systems within the overall design, prepare construction documents, even check someone else's work. And you'll benefit from clear, simple explanations of: energy production-turbines, generators, direct and alternating currents, system components and calculations; conductors-wires, cables, design systems; electrical service-local calculations, types and systems of devices used to serve power; circuits-design of general and special use circuits for residential and commercial application; electrical systems-codes, licenses, permits, voltage systems, transformer systems, motor types, control and design criteria; and much more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

elctrical systems made easy!
this practical, easy-to-understand reference book will help to expalin the (sometimes) complex electrical systems for buildings -to the practicing architect, student, or layperson; excellent general information, with specific examples; concisely written, with MANY graphics and illustrations; a MUST for your architecture library -especially if you practice! ... Read more

Book Description

This book presents a collection of recent writings on architecture and urbanism in the United States, with topics ranging from colonial to contemporary times.It is the first course reader on the subject of American Architectural History. ... Read more

Book Description

These books cover both the documentation and the administration of construction.

Candidates may enroll in both Construction Documents and Services 1 and 2 for a special combined fee of $102. ... Read more

Book Description

This volume is a unique compendium of the works of Robert and James Adam, both built and unbuilt.It includes 900 illustrations.


The Complete Works of Robert and James Adam is reprinted here in its entirety, updated and corrected.This title covers every one of the 230 or so built works, including 12 that have been recently discovered.It is complemented by a completely new title, Unbuilt Adam. This mentions all the brothers' important unbuilt projects, and it discusses and illustrates 130 of them.

This volume gives an exceptionally thorough review of the brothers' designs.From public buildings to country houses, and monuments to ceilings, it is well informed and erudite.It provides a mine of information for both the expert and the general reader, and it uses the works covered to give an understanding of the Adam manner.

* The definitive collection, one complete source of Adam 260 executed and 230 unexecuted works
* Detailed descriptions with photographs, drawings, plans, elevations and sectional drawings
* Covers works ranging from public buildings and country houses to estate buildings, monuments to ceilings to aid understanding of the Adam style and design ideas ... Read more

Book Description

This book is the best and most concise reference available on the design of concrete structures. It covers new materials, practices, and research in the field, examples of general building structural systems and the use of computers in structural design. Covers the basics as well as practical design examples. Examines a wide range of concrete structures, building types, and construction details. Includes numerous illustrations, text examples, and exercise problems with answers provided, plus a general question and answer section and a glossary. Updated to reflect changes in standards, industry technology, and construction practice; conforms to the widely accepted ACI Code. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Simplified Design of Concrete Structures, 7th Ed.
This is a decent introduction to reinforced concrete design, but I do not like the way the material is presented.Ambrose has done a poor job in picking up Parker's work.

First and foremost, Ambrose does not appear to be a very good writer.The text is written in the first-person, which I find awkward and unprofessional for such a topic.There are numerous typograpical errors.The first six chapters of the book are largely qualitative and superficial discussions on concrete uses, production and so forth.Earnest problem solving doesn't start until Chapter 7.

Parker's 3rd Edition of Structural Steel design has been a trusted companion of mine for many years.The information is concise and the presentation robust without a lot of nonsense.I was hoping to get that same treatment out of Ambrose with this edition of concrete design.Ninety dollars later, I discovered that I have not. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Included in my course syllabus
I have been teaching construction documents to interior designers at Parsons School of Design for the past three years. The Wiggins Book is one of the two prime texts included in my course bibliography. The sheet by sheet instruction are very clear and show the process of putting together a set of drawings. I don't always follow the same standards as Wiggins, but it's the best that's out there. As previously commented, not recommended for residential or specialty interiors projects. Very good reference for general commercial construction documents.

Good, But Not for Residential Projects or Beginners
I was looking for an introductory book to explain how to prepare construction drawings, and the title seemed like it might do the job. However, this book is ENTIRELY dedicated to commercial buildings and the target seems to be intermediate users. There is very little useful information for residential Projects or Beginners.

The book was done well however, and I wish the author would make a similar book for residential work and revise the title or taglines these books. ... Read more

Book Description

The increasing interst in effective energy use in buildings and of the effectof this on human health, has generated the need to consider more carefully designing buildings with climate in mind.

This book provides a unique source for those requiring guidance on climatic design. Covering theory and application, it provides examples of innovative and best practice in 'responsive architecture' through case studies.The book also covers the broader topic of technology as a generator in design which will be of interest to all those involved in design and building. The book focuses on tropical climate but some of the theory can be applied to other climates; the difference in application is clearly delineated. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful Useful Information!
What a relief it was to find this book!

After ordering and returning 'Architectural Design for Tropical Regions' by Cleveland Salmon (avoid Salmon's book, unless you don't already know that "the sun can be very bright when the sky is clear and the sunlight is intense"!), this book came to my rescue.

Packed with detailed information and design strategies, along with good illustrations, this book is well suited to architects or well-educated laymen (it is NOT written at a grade school level). I was at first hesitant to order this book, as little information was provided by Amazon. After reading it cover to cover more than once, I'm happy to recommend CLIMATE RESPONSIVE DESIGN as one of my two best books for hot humid building design.

(The other favorite is COURTYARDS: Aesthetic, Social & Thermal Delight. Not just a "pretty picture book," Courtyards contains lots of highly useful information (charts, graphs, formulas) as well as wonderful color & B&W photos, plus line drawings.)

Climate Responsive Design has provided a wealth of solid, useful, pertinent information while working on projects for the Yucatan, where the climate ranges from hot humid in the summer/rainy months, to warm humid in winter/'dry' months, to WHEW in April & May (hot hot hot & maybe humid or not). ... Read more

Book Description

rIAnalysing Architecture offers a unique 'notebook' of architectural strategies to present an engaging introduction to elements and concepts in architectural design. Beautifully illustrated throughout with the author's original drawings, examples are drawn from across architectural history (from primitive places to late 20th century structures) to illustrate analytical themes and to show how drawing can be used to study architecture.

Simon Unwin clearly identifies the key elements of architecture and conceptual themes apparent in buildings. He describes ideas for use in the active process of design. Breaking down the grammar of architecture into themes and 'moves', Unwin exposes its underlying patterns to reveal the organizational strategies that lie beneath the superficial appearances of buildings.
Exploring buildings as results of the interaction of people with the world around them, Analysing Architecture offers a definition of architecture as 'identification of place' and provides a greater understanding of architecture as a creative discipline. This book presents a powerful impetus for readers to develop their own capacities for architectural design.

In this second edition the framework for analysis has been revised and enlarged, and further case studies added. Many new drawings have been included, illustrating further examples of the themes explored. The link between analysis and learning about the possibilities of design has been reinforced, and the bibliography of recommended supplementary reading has been expanded. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

So, so
I used this text for a architecture class I was enrolled in. The writing isn't exactly a brilliant discovery into architecture, but it is a great starter book to figure out how architects think and what building design means. The figure/ground drawings are useful.

An informative book on the fundamentals of architecture
This book establishes a systematic method in analyzing architecture. It explains how architectural elements are combined together to form designs that could relate an appropriate sense of 'place' specific to the programme as well as the environment surrounding it. The book is well illustrated with diagrams and examples. An extremely useful introductory guide for those who want to learn more about the basics of architecture.

Excellent introduction.
Beginning with the root definition of architecture as its "conceptual organization, its intellectual structures"., the author makes clear its function as "identification of place", goes on to identify the basic elements and concepts, examines the use of natural features of the landscape, analyzes primitive place types, geometry in architecture, space and structure, and other key concepts.
From the campsites of primitive man to the sophisticated structures of the late twentieth century, architecture as an essential function of human activity is explained clearly, and illustrated with the author's own excellent drawings. Highly recommended as a well-organized and readable introduction.

(The "score" rating is an unfortunately ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score" books.) ... Read more

Book Description

The CD-ROM with the most comprehensive, highly visual introduction to the most public of all arts. Perfect as an introductory survey for students and the general public or a visual reference for professionals, this elaborately designed multimedia tool offers the most exciting and thorough introduction to the basic concepts and history of architecture. Architecture: An Interactive Introduction features 1,000 full-color slide images, 150 drawings, 75 computer models, 200 Quicktime film animation sequences, maps, narration, and a timeline in a bundled book and linked in an interactive CD-ROM. Together, they uniquely present history, structures, materials, engineering, technology and design of architecture, and related fields. Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts, this work from the teachings of two architects stands alone as an engaging educational resource of quality and scope. ... Read more

Book Description

Now you can acquire the savvy needed to capitalize on the boom in correctional facility construction and renovation! This guide offers you a one-stop reference on designing, detailing, and specifying correctional facilities of all kinds. Ranging from rural, campus-like settings to urban high-rises, the book covers all major components of typical jails and prisons, including inmate housing, support functions, and security requirements ... features an easy-to-use, graphical approach based on modules ... and presents a wide range of case studies of both new and remodeled projects. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Architects Know Best
Peter Krasnow is an architect with 25 years hands-on experience in designing and executing correctional structures. He starts with an overview of the Justice process and system, goes on to differentiate jails from prisons and spends a lot of time discussing material organization. Now continuing to Planning and Design Principles (inventorying personnel needs and types of settings desired), he talks about facility operations costs including salaries and benefits. He is extremely well-versed in the types of programs and their architectural needs. Subchapters including physical plant and maintenance. He includes basic blueprints of true-to-life real prisons and jails for which he has had to deal with. Everything is here: phones, electronics, acoustics - you name it. The Glossary and Bibliography are worth reading, too.

Get one for yourself if you are in any way involved with deciding on, budgeting for, managing or investigating any given prison or jail. Your time and money investment will be very worthwhile. ... Read more

Book Description

EUROPEAN LUXURY HOME PLANS
65 European-Inspired Luxury Home Plans from the Sater Design Collection

Dan Sater has applied his considerable talent for planning and detailing luxury houses in creating European Luxury Home Plans.This new collection of 65 European-style plans is published for the first time ever, in its entirety in this book.Home plans range in size from 2,200 to over 4,600 square feet of living space. American in origin but heavily influenced by classic Old World-styles, the plans in the book are organized into these four sections:

Italian - Homes with dramatic exteriors, raised porches and pedimented porticos.Inspired by Renaissance, Rococo, Villa and Tuscan styles.

French - Revival styles meld massive turrets and stone gables with open galleries and grand staircases.In the spirit of Beaux Arts, Chateaux, Country, Normandy and Revival.

English - Homes with sculpted arcades and breezy porches with formal and sophisticated yet, open and livable spaces.Featuring British, Classical, Cotswold, Country, Gothic, Regency, Revival, Rural and Tudor styles.

Spanish - Decks and porticos create pleasing rooms that promise untamed views.Styles such as Revival, Colonial, Romanesque and Moorish.

Each home in this newly created plan series is featured on a large, easy-to-read, two page spread. The front of the house is rendered in a beautiful, art-quality, perspective rendering to show how the home will appear from the street. And, nearly as important, all designs also include a full-color rendering of the rear of the house. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

European Excitement!
This book of European home plans is what I've come to expect from The Sater Design Collection, absolutely fabulous home designs! The attention to detail of each plan offered was clearly evident. I paticularly liked the open flowing floor plans. The designs seemed to bring the best of classical exterior styling with modern amenities.

I've picked my dream home, its plan no. 8043. ... Read more

Book Description

London's modest eighteenth-century houses-those inhabited by artisans and laborers in the unseen parts of Georgian London-can tell us much about the culture of that period. This fascinating book examines largely forgotten small houses that survive from the eighteenth century and sheds new light on both the era's urban architecture and the lives of a culturally distinctive metropolitan population. Peter Guillery discusses how and where, by and for whom the houses were built, stressing vernacular continuity and local variability. He investigates the effects of creeping industrialization (both on house building and on the occupants), and considers the nature of speculative suburban growth. Providing rich and evocative illustrations, he compares these houses to urban domestic architecture elsewhere, as in North America, and suggests that the eighteenth-century vernacular metropolis has enduring influence. ... Read more

Book Description

Material Process is the fourth in an annual series of publications that features the best young architects as selected by The Architectural League of New York. This year, candidates were asked to examine construction, particularly new or reinvented building materials, and the means of creating buildable design through new technologies. As complex in materials as they are thought-provoking in design, the work of these varied architects – including Is.Ar Iwamoto Scott Architecture, MESH Architectures, L.E.F.T., Della Valle + Bernheimer Design, J. Meejin Moon, and Degree Zero Architecture – is both innovative and inspiring, establishing a solid material vocabulary for future architects and designers. ... Read more