Reviews (4)

Academic. A text book that needs a refresher for today's issues.
Rick is first and foremost a professor, so the book follows an academic format best suited for the young student of development seeking a broad introduction to the process.Of course, the real world is more complex than any textbook could ever capture.That said, the book has become a bitdated for the contemporary developer, whose world is increasingly governed by investors, special interest groups and oft ill-informed government officials!The book delivers fundamental building blocks in a logical, sequential process.The examples cited are, as another reviewer pointed out, on average probably 14 year old analogies.Perhaps the largest ommission is an accurate portrayal of what a developer really does - assembles a diverse team of people together to share in a singular vision, then rule over this creative, temperamental team with an iron fist in velvet gloves.A chapter called 'Cat Herding' would best summarize that world.
Excellent starter book
Excellent starter book. Should be required reading for every real estate professional. Wished I'd had about 5 years ago.

ULI Guide
For its high price, you may want to seriously think about your needs.If your intention is to buy a book for a broad overview of the development process with a somewhat academic approach, then this may be right for you. If you are builder or someone with prior real estate brokerage/service experience, you may find this too ivory tower and not practical.This book was a bit theoretical for my taste.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Public Policy - City Planning & Urban Dev.    5. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    6. Real Estate - General   

Reviews (22)

History of Graphic Design
The book is in wonderful condition and is filled with very interesting material.

The Man Behind the book
I was one of Philip Meggs students at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. Our class was the first to use the first edition of this book as a classroom textbook for his History of Graphic Design class. He was a wonderful storyteller, with a true passion for graphic design. And more than that was the obvious joy he had in sharing that knowledge and whimsical annecdotes in his own style of humor. Philip Meggs was an exceptional man that will truly be missed.

Borrow
Borrow this book from a friend in class and photocopy the pages, thats my advice.Good book, just over priced. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Book design    4. Design & Drafting    5. Graphic Arts - General    6. Graphic design (Typography)    7. History    8. History - General    9. Typography    10. Architecture / Design & Drafting    11. Graphic design    12. History of specific subjects   

Reviews (18)

Great book!
This book is not only beautiful, but includes a great text!With helpful hints on everything, I refer to it on a daily basis.
A visual beauty but...
If you are not Donald Trump and your house is not Mara Lago you may be a tad dissapointed. I was expecting an affair w/ this book. According to the author, what every guest room needs is Egyptian cotton percale sheets w/ a 400 thread count. Ok..lol...shoot me...I buy my sheets at Target. I found the book a bit stuffy for my taste.

a special book, a special gift
When I bought my new home in Italy I wished a book which could give me ideas for decorating the rooms in country style. I chose this by Bunny Williams and I am relly satisfacted because there are a lot of nice suggestion and beatifull pictures.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Dwellings    5. Gardening    6. House & Home    7. Interior Design - General    8. Interior decoration    9. Remodeling    10. Remodeling & Renovation - General    11. Residential Buildings Architecture    12. Residential Interior Design    13. Architecture / Interior Design    14. Interior design   

Reviews (4)

Weighty tome shows how engineering intersects architecture
This almost 1800 page treatise on mechanical and electrical design as it relates to architecture is one of a kind. It is not an artistic book on the subject, although some artistic ability is always needed in any aspect of building design. Instead it is a very technical book that shows how the architect must be part electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, electrician, physicist, plumber, safety specialist, and transportation engineer in order to design the modern building. And to top it all off, you need to be knowledgable of current mechanical and electrical equipment - their specifications and their costs.
Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings
Excellent. The best book I have seen on the subject.

An Invaluable Reference Source
That a book has gone through ten editions says something about the acceptance of that book. In the case of this book, it says that this is basically the Bible of the subject, after all it's been around since the first edition in 1935. And it's subject is basically everything not covered by the structure of the building. This includes heating, cooling, electricity, lighting, water, plumbing fixtures, even acoustics, fire protection, and for bigger buildings such things as burglar alarms, elevators and moving stairways, and more.
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Subjects:  1. Buildings    2. Design & Drafting    3. Do-It-Yourself - Plumbing    4. Electric equipment    5. Engineering - Mechanical    6. Environmental engineering    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. Mechanical equipment    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Technology    11. Architecture    12. Architecture / Design & Drafting   

Reviews (25)

Excellent Edition to Your Reference Library
I purchased this book during my first semester as an architecture student and am still referencing it well into my third semester.It has good text but the high quality illustrations are what I find most helpful.Many of them are representations of existing structures.Great Book!

A Primer not just for Architecture but for Creative Thought
As an artist, designer and storyteller, I find Dr. Ching's book to be a revelation. You can open it to any page, like casting the I Ching, and begin to read. His draftsmanship, his infinite patience and exceptionally ordered mind places even the most esoteric subject firmly into perspective. And it seems to rub off on the reader. If you are ever blocked for any reason, duplicate a page. I guarantee you'll return to your own work with fresh insight.

Can't Afford To Miss It!
Hi! I'm a practising architect. All 5 years of my study, i evaded buying the book: always taking photocopies of isolated pages from my college library. After practising for more than an year now, i feel that one simply ought to know Ching (this book). Without the fundamentals of this book, our architecture does not speak the language it ought to. After saving enough money, this is the costliest and most eagerly awaited book for me, ever...i'm waiting for it to land so that I can start digging!!
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Composition, proportion, etc    3. Design & Drafting    4. Planning    5. Reference    6. Space (Architecture)    7. Architectural structure & design    8. Architecture / Reference    9. Theory of architecture   

Reviews (5)

This book would even make the Sun King proud
What an amazing book, it is nothing short of spectacular.The pictures are vivid and the book quality is of the highest caliber.The other reviewer was correct in noting that the reader has to been careful with this book, the pages are so heavy that it will pull from the binding if you are not careful when positioning the book.I have always had a facination with Versailles and this book really captures the chateaux, it makes you feel like you are stolling the gardens and taking in the sumptuous wonders of the palace. Unlike other books on Versailles this one is complete, it covers everything and in striking detail.I urge anyone with any interest in Versailles to buy this book, even used at 200 U.S., it is a bargain.I assure you you will not be disappointed in this book.

NEWEST EDITION BETTER BOUND!!!!
Five stars PLUS! I have a new edition and it is very well bound - no need to worry about it falling apart! If you've ever been to Versailles this book will mist you up! If you're planning a return trip this book will be your bible... It is amazing how inexpensive this book is when you consider the spectacular colour photos.

Really deserves 10 stars! However, I must warn you...
This is THE BEST book there is on Versailles (which is probably why its normally a hundred bucks!) There is only one problem I have ever had with the book and that is the poor physical quality. I had to order it twice because my first copy fell completely apart within a few weeks. Needless to say I was not happy at all when that happened. Every copy that I have seen (in libraries, other bookstores) has the same problem. Normally, I would not have tried again after that, but I HAD to have this book. My second one has also begun to separate from the binding, so I rarely read it... but when I do, I use **EXTREME** care. I think the main reason for this is the size and weight of the book, so if you decide to purchase it, keep that in mind. I recommend turning the pages *slowly* and not leaving it completely flat and/or open for any long period of time. Also, store it horizontally, NOT vertically... the pages are so heavy, they will end up tearing themselves out! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 17th century    2. Architecture    3. Chateau de Versailles (Versai    4. Classicism in art    5. France    6. Gardens    7. History    8. Interior decoration    9. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    10. Reference    11. Versailles    12. Art patronage    13. Louis    14. Public buildings: civic, commercial, industrial, etc   

Reviews (14)

The Visual Dictionary of Architecture
As with other materials by Francis D.K.Ching, the illustrations are not only clear and precise but aesthetically pleasing. It is a pleasure to read through the material for a comprehensive understanding of architectural concepts, presented in an historical perspective which clarifies the how and why of modern day building technology.The Visual Dictionary of Architecture
Ching's books are great!
This book is really good for architecture students. I do not use the book every day, but when I need it, it proves very usefull. All books from this author that I purchased are really good so far. This one has a lot of details drawings which are great.
Easy to use and read and understand
Somewhere near the very beginning of my lecturing career, I showed a slide onscreen and was trying to point out a unique feature of a home. Gesturing toward the screen I said, "that thingie over the window..."
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Dictionaries    3. General    4. Picture dictionaries, English    5. Reference    6. Architecture / Reference    7. Landscape art & architecture    8. Reference works   

Reviews (9)

Residential Lighting - A Practical Guide
This is an excellent practical and technical book for learning about and designing lighting for a home. It's aimed at the professional, which I appreciate as an intern architect. Part of my job is to design sophisticated lighting schemes for custom homes, which takes a lot of experience and knowledge. This book has really helped me to pinpoint the different kinds of lighting needed for each space and how to place it and specify it in a professional way for the greatest effect. Most architects take years to learn this, but I'm getting a crash course by having this resource. It's not a fluffy coffee table book, it's a technical manual that teaches HOW to properly understand and design lighting for a residence. I highly recommend it.

Excellent Resource
This is the best book that I have seen on the topic.The practical advice is well balanced with technical information.A must-have for any Designer's Resouce Library.

Lighting secrets revealed!
As a designer, I can't say enough good things about Randall Whitehead's Residential Lighting, A Practical Guide. This is his follow up to his wonderful Lighting Up! A Practical Guide which has been a staple of the design community for seven years. All the best parts of the earlier book have been retained with the addition of more than 200 photos in both color and black & white.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Dwellings    5. Interior Design - General    6. Lighting    7. Architectural structure & design    8. Architecture / Interior Design    9. Heating, lighting, ventilation    10. Housing & property for the individual    11. Interior design   

Subjects:  1. Architectural & Industrial    2. Architecture    3. City planning    4. History - General    5. New York    6. New York (State)    7. Planning    8. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    9. U.S. Architecture - General    10. Urban renewal    11. Architecture / Planning   

Reviews (10)

Useful and interesting - STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
Despite the intimidating name and size of this tome, I found it fascinating to read. It covers everything from light bulb selection to rooftop chiller maintenance. The depth and breath of coverage is amazing.
Superlative! A must have!
Superlative! �The ENERGY EFFICIENCY MANUAL by Donald Wulfinghoff is a "must have" for professionals, libraries, facility managers, policy makers, homeowners, and anyone else who is serious about saving energy and cashing in on lower energy bills.It is the ultimate energy saving resource for businesses, industry, and government.PLUS, it will save money and reduce pollution, satisfying corporate bottom lines, policy makers, and environmentalists all at the same time.This book is unique.Highly informative, illustration-rich, and user-friendly, it is treasure trove of everything you need to know about energy efficiency from A to Z. Don't bother looking elsewhere --the ENERGY EFFICIENCY MANUAL simply has it all.This book will pay for itself almost as fast as you can spot a hot air leak or install an energy-efficient light bulb! A secret weapon for the energy auditor
As an energy auditor I'd almost call the Energy Efficiency Manual a secret weapon, except it has so many good ideas that I can't help but show it to many of the customers and prospective customers I meet. The diagrams are very useful, as is the self contained but well cross-referenced way in which each improvement measure has been written. For example, talking to the maintenance manager of a hospital, we looked at the diagrams of hot/cold deck multi-zone systems while discussing the pros and cons of upgrading a constant volume air conditioning system to a variable volume system. It is by far the most useful book on energy management that I have ever read (well, in the case of the Energy Efficiency Manual, that I have partially read - its an enormously large book!), and the ratings of each of the measures are particularly useful, along with the practical, no-nonsense approach. The book is extremely well cross referenced and Wulfinghoff has covered an enormous body of knowledge in writing the book. As someone fairly new to the field I'm grateful that he went to the effort of documenting and making available his knowledge and 30 odd years experience in the Energy Efficiency Manual. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Construction - Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning    3. Energy Resources Conservation    4. Energy conservation    5. Energy consumption    6. Engineering - Civil    7. Engineering - Mechanical    8. Handbooks, manuals, etc    9. House & Home / Design & Construction    10. Nature / Environmental Conservation & Protection    11. Production & Operations Management    12. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    13. Science/Mathematics    14. Technology    15. Technology & Industrial Arts    16. Architecture    17. Building construction & materials    18. Construction    19. Environment    20. Industry & Industrial Studies    21. The Environment   

Reviews (1)

Power and ample information and graphics
I found this book to be one of the best out on the topic, of which there are too few at present for such an important topic. The depth and breadth of place-making topics and their coverage makes this a very excellent easy-to-read-and-understand as well as a long-term reference tool. The graphics are very well done. Having recently attended a Harvard program on retail for cities and new towns and urban center given by Bob Gibbs and Terry Shook, I especially found the book right on target. I want to see more of these types of books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Case studies    3. Central business districts    4. City planning    5. Community development, Urban    6. Planning    7. Political Science    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Public Policy - City Planning & Urban Dev.    10. Real Estate - Investments    11. United States    12. Urban & Regional   

Reviews (1)

One of those books you keep by the computer.
When the publisher calles this book 'Bible' he means it. 1200+ pages on how to use the software. The back of the book says that this book is intended for 'Beginner to Intermediate' users. To be sure there is an introductory chapter at the beginning of the book might be enough for a beginner to get started with AutoCAD. But I'd recommend starting somewhere else, like say a 'For Dummies' book.
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Subjects:  1. CAD-CAM - AutoCad    2. CAD-CAM - General    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computers    5. Computers - Desktop Publishing    6. Computers - General Information    7. Computer aided design (CAD)    8. Computers / CAD-CAM / General   

Reviews (10)

Excellent Guide to the Codes.
Being an architecture student, this book, and others by Frank Ching, are more than helpful. It really clarifies the IBC and makes design for studio projects go a lot quicker. Definitely get this book if you're studying architecture.

Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the International Building Code
Francis Ching provides high quality, easy to understand, graphic illustrations of building code regulations. The chapters are well organized for checking construction documents for code compliance.

Not Current
Warning, this book i smeant to go with the IRC(2000) revision, not the current IRC(2003). The information is still good, but you'll have fun trying to cross-reference sections to the 2003 version of the IRC. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Building Codes    3. Buildings    4. Construction - General    5. Design & Drafting    6. Project Management    7. Reference    8. Specifications    9. Standards, Engineering    10. Architectural structure & design    11. Architecture / Design & Drafting    12. Building construction & materials    13. Financial, taxation, commercial, industrial law    14. USA   

Editorial Review

Marc Vassallo's Read more

Reviews (2)

An easy recipe for easy living
Vassallo puts into words the kind of home we all want: casual, bright, a place that feels good to call home. The BFH introduces the idea of the easy feeling you get when you're away on a summer vacation, renting a cabin in the woods or a house on the beach. The book provides the recipe for maintaining this feeling year-round, not just one or two weeks a year but every day in your own house.

A lavishly photographed interior design and decorating guide
The Barefoot Home: Dressed-Down Design For Casual Living is a lavishly photographed interior design and decorating guide, with an eye for the laid-back lifestyle. Emphasis on openness, lack of clutter, serenity, ventilation, and ease distinguish these suggestions for everything from kitchens to studios to bedroom. Full-color photographs on every page, diagrams, and extensive writing not only about specific suggestions but also general themes to promote a relaxed atmosphere fill The Barefoot Home cover-to-cover. The perfect interior design antidote to the pressures and stresses of a fast-paced world, The Barefoot Home is written in a tone akin to its subject matter - easygoing and thoroughly accessible to amateur and professional designers alike. Very highly recommended and informative reading.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture, Domestic    2. Decorating - General    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Domestic    5. General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Interior Design    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Interior architecture    11. Psychological aspects    12. Residential Buildings Architecture    13. Room layout (Dwellings)    14. House & Home / General   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture / Landscape    3. General    4. Landscape Architecture And Design    5. Landscape    6. Landscape architecture    7. Landscape design   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (22)

Definitive resource for web masters who consider themselves professionals
Each time I sit down to redevelop a website I revist this book.It can really help you understand the shortcomings of a site's present information architecture and explain those shortcomings to non-techy clients.

Interesting, but a bit on the fluffy side
I'm the kind of reader that enjoys straight to the point books. As interesting as this book was, I found it rambled and went too deep into how to sell IA to administration, or learn about IA in schools, or what steps should one take to become an information architect, etc. I found it presented ideas, often left the reader at the end of each section with "it depends" or "you'll see what works best for you". Which is fine, but isn't really helpful.
A Great Resource
This book is a great resource for IA. Struggling with what type of navigation to use and why? This book is an easy read that helps you get good IA done. It also explains the in's and out's of IA. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Computer - Internet    3. Computer Books: Internet General    4. Computers    5. Data Processing - General    6. Design    7. Information storage and retrie    8. Information storage and retrieval systems    9. Information systems    10. Internet - Web Site Design    11. Programming - General    12. Web sites    13. Computer / Internet    14. Computer architecture & logic design    15. Computers / Internet / Web Site Design    16. Computers/Data Processing - General    17. Computers/Programming - General    18. World Wide Web (WWW)   

Reviews (4)

Classic Prinicples
This book is a must for anyone wishing to understand classic prinicples of design. It gives details unavailable in many standard works.I had an earlier edition while in university and when I lost it after a move, was delighted to be able to find another copy of this valuable resource.It was like Christmas to have it once again in my possession.

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!
As an instructor of Interior Design, I cannot praise this book enough....My students as well as fellow instructors find it an invaluable tool, not only in teaching beginning level courses, but also as a great reference manual after the student graduates....Several of us still have well-worn copies in our offices...Buy this book, you won't be dissapointed!

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!
As an instructor of Interior Design, I cannot praise this book enough....My students as well as fellow instructors find it an invaluable tool, not only in teaching beginning level courses, but also as a great reference manual after the student graduates....Several of us still have well-worn copies in our offices...Buy this book, you won't be dissapointed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decoration & Ornament    3. Decoration and ornament    4. General    5. Interior Design - General    6. Interior decoration    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Sociology - General    10. Art / General    11. The Arts: General Issues   

Reviews (5)

Color theroy
I am studing interior design and this book was recommended to me.I think it is an excellent book.

ANything by John Pile....
This is a great color reference for interior designers, or aspiring designers. It is a great visual reference, offers very good detail and I use it often for reference when putting together story boards and offering ideas to clients.

The Amazing Mr. Pile
If you are an interior design student and you want good interior design books, then, in your search, just key in the words "John Pile".You just cannot go wrong.I have them all.Thanks, Mr. Pile.The books are well written, well produced, the paper excellent, photography excellent.Most of all, I like his style of writing, of getting his ideas across.He makes a student's life so much easier. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Color in interior decoration    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Interior Design    5. Interior Design - General    6. Architecture / General    7. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (5)

the right book, at the right time, in the right place... dubai
the right book, at the right time, in the right place... dubai

A must - read for anyone involved in complex development partnerships
Although this book addressed many tricky scenarios for land use and development, it was the only definitive guide I could find that addressed the acquisition of funding for commercial (high density residential) projects involving multiple partners. I'm sure I will be referring back to it regularly!

What a Phenomenal Job!
I read construction funding, prematurely perhaps, as one of my first ever real estate books - and I loved it! The book takes the reader through several once-real-life scenarios and explains the construction process step by step. I think that both ambitious beginners and more seasoned loan officers and developers would benefit from reading this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Construction - General    3. Construction industry    4. Engineering - Civil    5. Finance    6. Leases    7. Mortgage loans    8. Project Management    9. Real estate development    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Technology    12. Budgeting & financial management    13. Technology / Engineering / Civil    14. USA   

Reviews (6)

great product
item was received in a time manner and in great condition at a cheaper price
try another supplier
I purchased this book for classes at the community college in Arizona. Upon receiving the book, Amazon did not attach the CD-ROM that was suppose to go with it. Amazon still could not correct the order after the second try by sending me the CD-ROM that is stated in the editorial reviews. I had to return both books at there cost. Two weeks later, I am now looking for the book from another supplier. Amazon just couldn't fill the order correctly.

Great for a newcomer to the architectural world
I bought it used (1996 edition)at a bargain rate, in top condition. I'm changing from mechanical to architectural design and the book is priceless for me. It has all the basics, and lots of details. The book is a textbook with assignments and tests. Saves going to class. The focus is on design rather than CAD. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Design & Drafting    3. Drafting & Mechanical Drawing    4. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    5. Technology & Industrial Arts    6. Architectural structure & design    7. Technology / Technical & Manufacturing Industries & Trades