Book Description

This new continuing education title gives real estate professionals an insideer's view of commercial building structures basics.Commercial Structures explores the main structural components of the most common commercial building types and discusses the differences between single family residential and commercial structures.(58 pages, 2003 copyright) ... Read more

Book Description

Ideal for beginning through intermediate users, Accessing Architectural Desktop provides a "nuts and bolts" introduction to essential commands and features of AutoCAD Architectural Desktop Release 2.Detailed examples and applications of commands for development of both residential and commercial buildings are included. Each Chapter also features numerous tutorials that offer you hands-on opportunities to use your own Architectural Desktop software to develop each building, step-by-step, while outlining procedures necessary to create the associated architectural working drawings.Keywords: AutoCAD for ArchitectureKeywords: Architectural Desktop ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It's like having your own personal teacher right there
Having to keep up with CAD technology like I do, I do not have the time to take classes on the new AutCAD programs that come out. This book is constantly being pulled out and used to get me through Architectural Desktop R2. After I got through the beginning chapters that got me familiar with the program, I have been able to go to the chapters that deal with the specific commands that I need to use. The exercises that come with the book have been extremely helpful and make it so that I do not need to experiment on the drawings that I am working on. I have been able to, with the help of this book, make Architectural Desktop become a profitable purchase for the drafting company that I own. I would recommend this book to anyone that has Architectural Desktop R2 and for anyone thinking about purchasing the program. If you are in the latter category, you will be able to see the potential for the program. If you already have the program, get this book. ... Read more

Book Description

With Issue #64, Rant, Rudy VanderLans, founder and editor of Emigre, set out to shake things up in the design community by reformatting the venerable magazine/font catalog as a text-only "chapbook" filled with trenchant criticism, mini-manifestoes, and other calls-to-arm to reinvigorate what VanderLans fears has become a complacent, client-driven profession without meaningful self-examination, criticism, and possibly even purpose. Even he must have been surprised by the size of the firestorm Rant set off -- it's been called a kick in the groin, a blockbuster, scary reading, diatribe, an inspiration, a wake-up call; in fact, thousands of words have benn spilled on weblogs, discussion boards, and journal reviews on this earthshaking book. Emigre #67 picks up where Rant (and its successor, If We're Standing on the Shoulders of Giants, What Are We Reaching For?) left off, with more thought-provoking criticism that makes Emigre required -- if not universally accepted -- reading for anyone interested in contemporary design. ... Read more

Book Description

This book pioneered the concept of townscape. 'Townscape' is the art of giving visual coherence and organization to the jumble of buildings, streets and space that make up the urban environment. It has been a major influence on architects, planners and others concerned with what cities should look like. ... Read more

Book Description

Zaha Hadid is one of the leading architects of our time.True to her provocative architectural research, her recently built works realize challenging and innovative designs once thought unbuildable.Moreover, a look at her pending projects promise even more dramatic shifts in our understanding and experience of architecture.

Built works include: Contemporary Arts Center, Bergisel Ski Jump, Car Park & Terminus Hoenheim-Nord.

Projects include:Phaeno- Science Center Wolfsburg, MAXXI- Museum of Arts of the 21st Century, BMW Plant- Central Building, One-North- Vista Masterplan Price Tower Arts Center.

Features: Video Interviews [60 min] VR Panoramic Views [11] Paintings[12] Photographs[70] Models[73] Drawings[70] Computer Renderings[90] Computer Animations[13]

The PlanetArchitecture.com Series of e-archives provide virtual tours which transcend the capabilities of traditional media. Utilizing an intuitive multi-referenced interface, e-archives allow users self-directed experiences through a comprehensive collection of videos, photographs, VR panoramic views, drawings, and renderings.[Mac/PC compatible] ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Fantastic!!!
Planet Architecture has the best information on some of the most influential architects today and the past. And whats great is that its all grouped in ONE CD, not in a bunch of separate books. Whether you are a student doing a project or an architecture enthusiast these cds are great buys. The cd is easy to navigate and graphically interesting. I suggest you buy one for yourself and a friend.

great tool for research
Planet architecture is an innovative concept to better appreciate and understand architecture in an easy and fast manner. Within a few minutes of navigating this CD you're going to have a better understanding of Zaha Hadid's architecture than reading a book. Not only does it provide drawing and photos, but also interviews with the architect, and a virtual walk through to her most famous works.

Great Overview
The Zaha Hadid Works is a great CD that introduces and walks the viewer through her works. It clearly explains the projects through sketches, computerized images, and models. Also, the architects own comments help the viewer better understand the projects. These CD's are good for students and those interested in learing more about certain architects. I recomend this product to all architecture students around the country.

The best study case cd about Zaha Hadid
This CD, "Zaha Hadid works," from planet architecture is the best cd for study case that i ever viewed. Planet Architecture provided many informations and pictures about the works from Zaha Hadid. They give you more information than the books from the library. In some of their cds, they even have the interview video with the architect. With the new technology, planet architecture let you see the building like you are there. From scale 1 to 5, I gave it a 10. ... Read more

Book Description

This general, multidisciplinary text provides an overall explanation of the building process through an examination of underlying principles as well as design examples. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Hyperboloid Of Revolution
This book was written mainly for aspiring architects and civil engineers, and covers almost all types of building systems thoroughly. It is very detailed and has separate chapters for important topics such as structure, climate services, lighting, acoustics, fire safety, etc. Although the author largely stays away from mathematics, he is always clear and concise in dealing even with complex analytical problems. As an example I would give his excellent treatment of two and three-hinged portals, and the fascinating parallels he draws between the engineering ideal of arches and the different types of portals. He covers all major construction techniques from timber platform frame construction (generally of houses), to more complex forms such as the hyperbolic paraboloid (opposed double curvature), and the esoteric "hyperboloid of revolution", the opposed double curvature architecture (almost always in concrete) common in power station cooling towers.

His writing on accessory systems such as heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and fire detection and prevention are both introductory and comprehensive. In all areas from structure to systems he is careful to explain real-world rationale in an approachable format that is both thorough and easy to understand.

This book is wonderful. It should be read by every student in engineering or architecture school (the section in chapter one on stresses is of enormous value to technical students), and I would further recommend it to practicing professionals as an excellent conceptual 'refresher course' of real world building systems wisdom. This is an excellent book.

Excellent Architectural And Engineering Primer
This book was written mainly for aspiring architects and civil engineers, and covers almost all types of building systems thoroughly. It is very detailed and has separate chapters for important topics such as structure, climate services, lighting, acoustics, fire safety, etc. Although the author largely stays away from mathematics, he is always clear and concise in dealing even with complex analytical problems. As an example I would give his excellent treatment of two and three-hinged portals, and the fascinating parallels he draws between the engineering ideal of arches and the different types of portals. He covers all major construction techniques from timber platform frame construction (generally of houses), to more complex forms such as the hyperbolic paraboloid (opposed double curvature), and the esoteric "hyperboloid of revolution", the opposed double curvature architecture (almost always in concrete) common in power station cooling towers.

His writing on accessory systems such as heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and fire detection and prevention are both introductory and comprehensive. In all areas from structure to systems he is careful to explain real-world rationale in an approachable format that is both thorough and easy to understand.

This book is wonderful. It should be read by every student in engineering or architecture school (the section in chapter one on stresses is of enormous value to technical students), and I would further recommend it to practicing professionals as an excellent conceptual 'refresher course' of real world building systems wisdom. This is an excellent book.

Building construction and services deftly explained.
It's rare to find an architect who can explain things in such a conversational way. The underlying principles are always laid out, first for a small building and then for a large one, to show the effects of changing scale. For example as the surface area to volume ratio changes, so do heating and cooling demands. And for me it was educational to see the British way of building houses: floor joists over concrete slabs, or brick basements. I learned the dew point drops gradually toward the exterior inside porous materials, and 15 deg east of south is the optimum solar orientation in the Northern hemisphere. And the slogan of the man who invented the revolving door ("It's always closed.")
The second half of the book covers building services--heating, plumbing etc.--concisely, and it becomes apparent the author has plenty of real world experience and is no mere academic. Lighting, acoustics and fire safety finish the book. Even at 20 years old, still educational.

Clear, simple, complete coverage of building systems
Mr. Reid presents each aspect of building development and construction simply and clearly while constantly highlighting their significance in the overall project development and construction process.

The manner and tone of the material presented, as well as the text and illustrations make this book a valuable reference for people needing to grasp any or all aspects of building projects large, intermediate or small in scope and size. ... Read more

Book Description

This course by Lester Wertheimer, FAIA, deals with the ideas and examples which have established the architectural tradition of the Western world.Although there is no written test specifically on this subject, architecturalhistory questions are included in many sections of the exam.The seven lessons review the theories, influences, characteristics, and major monuments from ancient times through the 20th century, including:
* Ancient architecture
* Greek and Roman architecture
* Medieval architecture
* Renaissance architecture
* Roots of modern architecture
* American architecture
* 20th century architecture
* Checklist of significant 20th century structures

The course is attractively illustrated with numerous sketches, plans, and diagrams, and enhanced by a glossary, bibliography, and an extensive index.A short reviewquiz follows each lesson, and the course concludes with a major examination.Complete explanations of all quiz and examination answers are included. ... Read more

Book Description

The essential design companion-now in an up-to-date new edition

For architects, drawing is more than a convenient way to communicate ideas; it is an integral part of the creative process that has a profound impact on thinking and problem-solving. In Graphic Thinking for Architects and Designers, Third Edition, Paul Laseau demonstrates that more versatile and facile sketching leads to more flexible, creative approaches to design challenges. To encourage this flexibility and stimulate graphic thinking, he introduces numerous graphic techniques that can be applied in a variety of situations. He also helps readers acquire a solid grasp of basic freehand drawing, representational drawing construction, graphic note-taking, and diagramming.

Important features of this new edition include:
* Easy-to-understand discussions supported by freehand illustrations
* A new format with superior representation of techniques and concepts
* Dozens of new and updated illustrations
* Extensive coverage of new technologies related to the graphic thinking process

For architects and students who want to maximize their creativity, Graphic Thinking for Architects and Designers is a valuable tool in the pursuit of architectural solutions to contemporary design problems. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A helpful hint in the right direction
As an Architecture Student, I really enjoyed this book. It was very helpful with sketching techniques and just general concepts related to architecture. It was a required text for a class, but it has been a helpful reasource since. I recommend this book to any person wishing to develop a good sketching technique. This book refrences very important works by Aalto and Wright. It also addresses important and helpful hints about abstraction of ideals and their graphic weight.

Very helpful book
As an interior design student I have found this book to be very informative and helpful. The step by step analysis of the design process is terrific and I've practically worn out the copy at the library, so it's time to buy it for myself. ... Read more

Book Description

Founded in 1978 by architect Steven Holl and bookseller William Stout in an attempt to skirt the editorial control of the reigning architectural magazine culture, Pamphlet Architecture has been disrupting the status-quo ever since. This series of small experimental volumes has introduced important ideas and spurred much-needed debate among students and practitioners alike.

Pamphlet Architecture 23 carries on this tradition with a book selected in an open competition. Johanna Saleh Dickson's entry was chosen from over seventy submissions received from architects, academics, and students from across the nation and around the world.

Her pamphlet investigates the events of May 13, 1985, when a bomb was dropped by police on a Philadelphia row house in order to evacuate its residents-members of the radical organization MOVE. The fire that ensued killed 11 MOVE members and destroyed an entire city block. Tainted by these traumatic events, the reconstructed house located on the site has stood unoccupied for nearly two decades. Dickson proposes an architectural treatment that might facilitate and promote healing within the affected community.

A call for ideas for Pamphlet 24 has already gone out. A winner will be selected in September of this year and the next innovative project will be published in spring of 2003. ... Read more

Book Description

For more than a decade, architects and students at the University of Washington have been working with squatter communities in Mexico, migrant laborers in eastern Washington, and Indian reservations of the inland West as well as communities in Cuba, India, and Africa to provide housing, schools, clinics, and other vital structures. Led by Sergio Palleroni, these pioneering design/build programs have combined innovative architectural training with cross-cultural immersion, social activism, and environmental science, using design skills and hands-on construction projects to confront poverty and urgent social problems one building at a time.

Studio at Large documents the international and regional community studios organized by Palleroni and his colleagues, typically held in intensive ten-week builds in marginalized communities. Involving community members and students, these studios promote maximum use of recycled or inexpensive, locally available materials, as well as lighting and energy systems that reduce utility costs and promote resource conservation. They serve as models for making architectural education relevant to urgent social problems, helping communities mobilize indigenous resources and social capital to develop creative problem solving skills and long-term sustainable practices that protect rather than erode cultural identity, dignity, and stability. By linking sustainable design to active community participation, by demonstrating the interdependence between the way the first and third worlds live, and by making the whole process into a pedagogical experience these design/build programs bring home the lessons of global interdependence in a vivid and durable way. ... Read more

Book Description

Since 1995 there has been a worldwide innovation-led boom and subsequent slump meaning enormous change in regional economies. The new edition registers this change and provides an interesting test of the robustness of the original arguments. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Into the Depth of Regional Innovation Systems
A lot has been written about evolutionary economics and regional innovations systems. This book explain the origin of this tradition and do go into depht with the concepts. It discusses examples of industrial districts and other agglomerations in a very interesting and inspirating way, witch lead you further into theese thoughts. For those who are interested in innovations and modern approaches to these, this is something! Thus, this book might be worth reading for you! ... Read more

Book Description

Written by Caleb Hornbostel, this course presents a comprehensive review of modern building materials and methods used in architectural structures.The topicscovered in the nine lessons of this course include:
* Site work
* Concrete
* Masonry
* Wood
* Metals
* Moisture and thermal protection
* Doors, windows, and glass
* Finish work
* Vertical transportation

Consideration is given to safety, economy, practicality, durability, and architectural expression.Also included are examples of construction methods, specifications, andpotential defects.

The course contains detailed illustrations and diagrams, a helpful bibliography, an extensive glossary of construction terms, and an index.Each lesson concludes with a short review quiz, and the course also contains a major simulated exam.Complete explanations of all quiz and examination answers are included. ... Read more

Book Description

Traditionally a critical component of the education of any architect was to draw the ruins of ancient Rome, reconstructing either from ancient sources or, more often, pure fantasy, what the original structures must have looked like. From this training emerged generations of architects imbued with the aesthetic ideals that would form the Neoclassical and Beaux-Arts building styles. In this magnificently printed volume are reproduced some of the most extraordinarily handsome drawings of the ruins of ancient Rome made by French "Prix de Rome" architects from 1775 through 1925. Accompanied by text that explains how the Prix de Rome was awarded and the significance of the prize in the history of architecture, as well as how the study of ancient models formed the basis for nineteenth- and early twentieth-century architectural styles, these drawings provide an invaluable understanding of how the modern imagination recorded and transformed ancient fragments into a modern architectural idiom. ... Read more

Book Description

This unique text, which focuses on architectural drafting skills, presents information based on current drafting standards and trend int he architectural industry. A very graphically organized text, it will apeal to both stuents and instructors. The "hand-lettered" text and illustrations are easy to read and relate well to the details. Step-by-step prodcedures are given for laying out and drafting working drawings. This text instructs students to prepare sets of drawings in light commercial and residential construction. Basic drafting procedures, prject assembly techniques, computer-aided drafting, building materials, prblem solving, site plans, floor plans, and schedules are among the up-to-date topics covered. Cut-out models assist students in visualizing buildings in three dimensions. Working drawings are organized inthe text so that students can see the complete picture. The models and working drawings include a college library, a fiew station, and a skyway house. The text contains numerous end-of-chapter questions and drafting problems as well as abundant illustrations and examples. The Instructor's Guide contains learning objectives, answers to end-of-chapter questions, and drafting problems. ... Read more

Book Description

Rental properties make up nearly 40 percent of the housing market, with investors increasingly interested in hands-on landlording.

Becoming a landlord is not for the faint of heart!As tens of thousands of new investors join the ranks of landlords each year, they need a mentor willing to show them the ropes.In this third edition, experienced investor and landlord Bob Irwin takes newbie landlords step-by-step through the process, explaining what no one ever bothers to mention about the landlording game.

The Landlord's Troubleshooter is a clear, engaging guide that covers all the bases.It pays to start with the right property by analyzing the rental market.Then, active landlords learn proven techniques to:
* Find tenants who will pay on time.
* Avoid disputes using the sample forms and suggestedlanguage for every challenging situation.
* Deal with repairs, tenant problems, eviction, andsecurity deposits.
* Understand liability, legal issues, and recent lawchanges.
* Cash out at the opportune moment to optimize the investment.

The Landlord's Golden Rules offer savvy advice for the hands-on investor.This do-it-yourself landlording primer addresses what to do to avoid mistakes when renting properties, and outlines the best practices of the most successful landlords. ... Read more

Book Description

*The only book to cover the full range of Jones' work - a student of Frank Lloyd Wright's and one of the most influential architects of the second half of the 20th century
*Features award-winning text and photography
*Newly reissued in paperback, it is a must-have for experienced and novice architects ... Read more

Book Description

This highly original and sophisticated look at architecture helps us to understand the cultural significance of the buildings that surround us. It avoids the traditional style-spotting approach and instead gives us an idea of what it is about buildings that moves us, and what it is that makes them important artistically and culturally. The book begins by looking at how architecture acquires meaning through tradition, and concludes with the exoticism of the recent avant-garde period. Illustrations of particular buildings help to anchor the general points with specific examples, from ancient Egypt to the present day. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Western architecture as fashion
"Style" comes from the Greek word for column, as the author explains in the book. Which is just one of many fascinating facts contained inside this look at the the most expensive of fashion statements. It especially focuses on Western European architecture from about the Rennaissance on, when architecture as a profession began, although Classical and Gothic are covered because they are, after all, the models for all that followed. But it's no textbook chronology of well-known buildings.

Instead it's an essay on society and its buildings, by someone knowledgeable enough to be able to toss in a new fact about all the familiar names. (Although his claim that the extra glass in the Reitveldt Schroder house required an industrial boiler that cost as much the house itself is a little hard to believe.)

The writing is witty, full of good stories, and avoids the cliches often found in these books. Even manages references to recent movies, like Fight Club (the character's excessive brand consciousness) and Amelie (showcases the venerable Art Nouveau subway stations).

somewhat interesting, perfect if you know nothing
it serves its purpose very well. i skipped the second chapter because it didn't seem to interesting to me. but the other two chapters were good. i learned plenty from it. i got a few very good points from it, but it seems like the same major points were stated over and over again, but that's how i feel about everything educational i read. ... Read more

Book Description

Feng Shui for Architecture is a guide to using the ancient science and philosophy of feng shui for the purpose of designing, building, remodeling, and decorating our homes successfully so that they will become environments that support our lives and our well-being. The information is presented in a user-friendly manual format and can be utilized by homeowners and builders and also by professional designers and architects.

When first introduced to feng shui, most people ask, "Should I wait until after the building is designed, constructed, and decorated and have it all in nice shape before I call in a feng shui expert, or should I work with a consultant before I start all this?"

Some may think that by bringing in a feng shui consultant after everything is completed and seems perfect to their eyes, things will more likely look complete and perfect to the feng shui master’s eyes, as well. In almost every situation such as this, the feng shui master will be facing a dilemma: "Should I tell this person where the errors are and then displease them by finding flaws where they thought there was perfection, or should I just make them feel good about the effort they have made so far and tell them that everything is okay?"

The primary goal of the book is to assist homeowners and professionals in designing houses with "good feng shui" from the start instead of trying to put a bandage on problems or make patchwork corrections afterwards.

For years, an ongoing architectural debate has raged between style and functionality. The ideal solution takes both into account and also considers the subtler energies that can affect the health and happiness of a building’s occupants.

Many of the greatest architects of the past, such as Michelangelo, Borromini, and Guarino Guarini, have pursued the study of metaphysics. They have searched for an invisible ideal order for design. The celebrated Frank Lloyd Wright was a great admire of the Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu. Curiously, however, some of the great masterpieces of architecture do not always appear to be the most comfortable structures to live in. Like many other masterpieces of architecture, some of the most original works have become museums or showcases, not happily inhabited residences. Is it the style, the design, or something else that makes a house a dream home? Perhaps it is the ambient energy that determines whether a building supports its occupants in a positive way. Regardless of the particular design style, the energy blueprint of a building and its relationship to the occupants should be considered before any other concerns.

Readers of Feng Shui for Architecture may decide to familiarize themselves with the practices outlined in the book and then use it as a reference guide for home design and furnishing. Those in the process of building or buying can use it as a checklist for the various aspects under consideration. Readers in the architecture, construction, or design industries can also consider it as a formal study aid, digest the contents of each chapter, and then refer to the book in their daily work.

In order to help readers to better understand the practical application that constitutes most of the book, an initial overview of the history, the underlying theory, and the more abstract aspects of feng shui are offered in the first two chapters. Readers who would rather focus on direct applications can skip the beginning of the book, go to Chapter Three, and perhaps read the historical and theoretical material later.

The book opens with an introduction. Part One then describes what feng shui is, how it came about, and what it can do for the reader. Part Two deals with the relationship between architecture and feng shui and how the two interact. Part Three explains the concept of Qi (life-force energy) in its various forms and its actions and importance in daily life. Part Four deals with basic theories such as Yin/Yang, the Five Elements, and the Eight Trigrams. Without a proper foundation in these basic principles, it is difficult to understand how feng shui works in practice and how to apply it successfully.

Part Five elaborates on the environment of a property, whether in an urban or country setting. It includes the application of principles concerning how Qi operates in the environment, how to spot potential problems, and how to correct them. Part Six describes guidelines for landscape features and garden arrangements as they relate to a building. Part Seven gives a thorough description of features to avoid because they create polluted Qi.

Part Eight introduces guidelines to keep in mind when designing the floor plan, information about the size and shape of rooms, and the design features that are preferred or are to be avoided. Part Nine goes into detail concerning interior decoration, light, color, and materials, based on the building’s directional orientation. Part Ten reviews a house room by room. Part Eleven introduces readers to advanced theories and makes suggestions for engaging an expert to review the project.

This book offers a doorway to the metaphysical aspects of design and decoration of living environments by providing a new understanding of how life-force energy behaves in a home or office setting. This interaction is important because it will eventually affect the occupants who, by the mere act of living there, will attune to the building’s energy. Any unbalance present in the structure may be reflected in their life experiences.

Through this book, readers will become more aware of what may be affecting their lives in relation to the buildings where they live and work. Such perceptions are part of expanding consciousness and knowledge, which supplies a foundation for building greater awareness in this new century.

While the study of feng shui is a lifelong endeavor, Feng Shui for Architecture can provide readers with a basic understanding of its principles and practices so they may use this ancient Chinese art and science to the greatest benefit in their everyday lives. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I Recommend: Feng Shui for Architecture
The title and subtitle promises a lot and this book delivers even more. Mainini has done a fabulous job organizing and explaining, in a clear, precise manner, the principles of Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of placement for good energy flow, as it applies to the spaces in which we live and work. Not only is this book great for the preparation of buildings, but it is extremely useful even if you are searching for an energetically superior apartment, house or office to rent. If you are looking for an invaluable source of feng shui information to help bring harmony to your living and working space and your life, this is a book for you. I applaude Dr. Mainini for the publishing of this, her first book offering, and highly recommand it to those who want to learn more about this most fascinating modality of healing. A+

I Recommand:
The title and subtitle promise a lot, and this book delivers even more. Mainini has done a fabulous job organizing and explaining, in a clear, precise manner, the principles of Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of placement for good energy flow as it applies to the places in which we live and work. Not only is this book great for the preparation of buildings, but it is extremely useful even if you are searching for an energetically superior apartment, house or office to rent. If you are looking for an invaluable source of feng shui information to help bring harmony to your living and working space and your life, this book is for you. I applaude Dr. Mainini for the publishing of this, her first book offering, and highly recommand it to those who want to learn more about this fascinating modality of healing. ... Read more