Reviews (21)

Architectual Graphic Standards February 23, 2006
The most up to date technical information for the architectual and construction community.A must have source of information.

Regarding 1934 reprint of 1st edition: good resource
This is an excellent resource for anyone looking to understand traditional building materials and methods. The printing is excellent. The actual plates from the original work are valuable not only for the technical information they contain, but the artistry with which they were composed is superb.
Architectural Graphic Standards
About every thing you need to know about architecture, drawing architechture, and understanding architecture.This is a valuable addition and source of information for my architectural library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architectural Drawing    2. Architecture    3. Design & Drafting    4. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    5. Reference    6. Architectural structure & design    7. Architecture / Reference    8. Engineering graphics & technical drawing   

Editorial Review

In this fanciful volume, Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, founder of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (O.M.A.), both analyzes and celebrates New York City. By suggesting the city as the site for an infinite variety of human activities and events--both real and imagined--the essence of the metropolitan lifestyle, its "culture of congestion" and its architecture are revealed in a brilliant new light. "Manhattan," Koolhaas writes, "is the 20th century's Rosetta stone . . . occupied by architectural mutations (Central Park, the Skyscraper), utopian fragments (Rockefeller Center, the U.N. Building), and irrational phenomena (Radio City Music Hall)." Filled with fascinating facts, as well as photographs, postcards, maps, watercolors, and drawings, the vibrancy of Koolhaas's poignant exploration of Gotham equals the heady, frenetic energy of the city itself. Anyone who loves New York will want to own this book. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Eating oysters with boxing gloves, naked, on the nth floor.
The quote written above is excerpted from Delirious New York. It is a perfect example of the lyrical quality of the writing prevalent throughout this amazing book. Delirious New York is not an objective chronological listing of New York's development, but a collection of manifestos and stories with opinionated perspectives about a city founded on the idea that maximum congestion is a desirable factor. It is informative, funny (the midget firefighters of Coney Island had me laughing aloud for a solid minute or two), twisted, and inspiring.
best koolhaas ever, man
koolhaas is a bit over-the-top for me, but this I think is is best work. it's worth checking out if only for the story of coney island. once you get past blisteringly pretentious phrases like "coney island is a fetal manhattan", you'll find it gloriously entertaining as both a narrative and theoretical work.

the culture of congestion
This is by far Koolhaas's most accessible work, as it is rooted so clearly in detail from the city's past. Further, the book is simply brilliant. His take on urban history is to Jane Jacobs what Socrates is to common sense. New York is a special case of modernism that sprang from a special constellation of poltiical and technological forces that collectively create a cultural "big-bang" at the turn of the century. Read it. Blow your mind. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American architecture    2. Architecture    3. Buildings    4. Criticism    5. New York    6. New York (N.Y.)    7. New York (State)    8. New York - Local History    9. Planning    10. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    11. Social History    12. U.S. Architecture - General    13. Art / Subjects & Themes / General    14. Local history    15. USA   

Reviews (4)

A Must Own Book for Serious Residential Do-It-Yourselfers
This book is an excellent reference book for use in designing, planning, and building a new house or remodeling an existing one. Whenever I plan on doing something on the house, I double check with this reference before finishing my designs and plans. It's a must own book for serious do-it-yourselfers.
Readers' Digest Version of AGS
Although these editions change little, this review is based upon AGS 10th Ed. & AGSRC 2003.
One volume encyclopedia
Experienced readers will benefit from its brief summaries and drawings covering the broadest range of topics imaginable. Some economizing is evident in the paper and printing quality, some of the drawings look 50 years old, but there is lots of reference information, like span tables, solar position data, etc. Probably not the last word on every topic, but still worth consulting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architectural Drawing    2. Architecture    3. Building    4. Construction - General    5. Design & Drafting    6. Details    7. Drawings    8. Reference    9. Residential Construction    10. Standards    11. Architectural structure & design    12. Architecture / Reference    13. Building construction & materials    14. Residential buildings, domestic buildings   

Reviews (2)

Extremely valuable tool
"Land Development Calculations" provides an excellent and innovative strategy for working towards sustainable land use and development.The models for varying land development strategies can assist local government land use decision makers and planners as well as developers determine the carrying capacity of land within realistic thresholds.The accompanying spreadsheets for the development scenarios on the CD-ROM are extremely user friendly and do not place an undue burden on the user by requiring what may be hard to find or to collect data.All of the data required just is typical of what is necessary to make appropriate land development decisions.As a local government planner, I am working towards incorporating the information received from the models in to the zoning and development code as part of the approval process by using it to further assess suitability of the property for the purposes proposed (a zoning consideration required in accordance with the State of Georgia Zoning Procedures Act).I strongly encourage other land planners and developers to read "Land Development Calculations," because of its highly practical and very timely material.

Author Delivers Valuable Techniques and Tools
This is a terrificaly valuable technical reference for practitioners who need an efficient method of performing land development calulations. The book and its companion set of spreadsheets enable users to answer two key questions: 1) how much can be built on a given piece of land; or 2) how much land is needed to accommodate a given use? The material is clearly written and well illustrated, especially a series of worksheets leading through the method. Another strength is its comprehensiveness and detail, including all major land-use and micro site conditions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Land use    3. Mathematical models    4. Natural Resources    5. Planning    6. Public Policy - City Planning & Urban Dev.    7. Real estate development    8. Reference    9. Architectural structure & design    10. Architecture / Methods & Materials    11. Structural engineering   

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.
Read more

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!!
Read more

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..."
Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Dictionaries    3. General    4. Picture dictionaries, English    5. Reference    6. Architecture / Reference    7. Landscape art & architecture    8. Reference works   

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)

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   

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   

Reviews (3)

Codes are Fun!
Could studying building codes actually be fun?Much to my surprise, when you combine this book with the companion study guide workbook it is.The author presents the information on the codes clearly and in logical order.I am studying for my NCIDQ exam and was really nervous about the "codes questions" until I got this book.

The Codes Guidebook for Interiors- professional peer review
I own each of the 3 editions of this book, and have found the information to be a well source of sound, practical advise concerning the application of codes as they relate to interior projects. I am an Interior Designer and I refer to my copy of Codes Guidebook for Interiors regularly for projects I am involved in. This book and the companion study guide are part of the recommended resources for studying and preparing for the NCIDQ examination. I believe this book should be a part of every commercial practitioners library, whether they be an architect or interior designer.

Informative
The Codes Guidebook for Interiors is a simple, straight forward guide to understanding how building codes regulate design.The guidebook builds a chapter by chapter systematic approach to code research and applicationthat can be followed by every practictioner regardless of building locale. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Building laws    3. Buildings    4. Interior Design - General    5. Interior architecture    6. Specifications    7. United States    8. Architecture / Interior Design   

Reviews (4)

Great Site Design Reference
I was a bit tentative when I started to use this text. The book has some minor editing problems, but if your desire is to really understand site design with an emphasis on drainage and grading plan design this text does the trick and does it well. I would recommend this book to any Jr. land development designer/engineer as a must have reference.

Great reference book!
This is a great book to have on your shelf. Kept referring to it for my Site Technology classes and I know I'll be referring to it in the future. I found it very helpful and clearly written. Would highly recommend it.

Thorough but Poorly Organized
Puchased this text to help review for the LARE exam.The text has all of the necessary information but is not layed out well.Illustrations are not located on pages where they are referenced in the text making it so that you have to flip back and forth across several pages to understand the text in relation to the examples.Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Building sites    3. Engineering - Civil    4. Landscape    5. Landscape architecture    6. Landscape construction    7. Architecture / Landscape   

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Engineering - Civil    3. Reference    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Standards, Engineering    6. Structural engineering    7. Technology    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. United States   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. General    5. Interior Design - General    6. International Architecture - General    7. Reference   

Reviews (15)

EXCELLENT rendering help
My rendering skills have improved HUGELY scince recieving this book.It helps with marker, colored pencils, pastels, how to treat light, etc.My renderings look amazing and it is a great reference for when I'm not sure how to treat a surface/object.I would absolutely recommend this book.

Color Drawing Book
I needed this book expedited and it got to me even before the dates listed on my confirming email. Very pleased.

Color Drawing: Design Drawing Skills for Interior Designers
Excellent reference book for explaining techniques for drawing with Prismacolor markers and pencils, which are the primary instruments used by interior designers to use in color renderings.Book has the shortcuts and techniques needed to help take what you learn in drawing class to a higher level. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architectural Drawing    2. Architectural rendering    3. Architecture    4. Art & Art Instruction    5. Color drawing    6. Design & Drafting    7. Drawing    8. Technique    9. Techniques - Drawing - Colored Pencil    10. Architecture / Design & Drafting    11. Art techniques & materials    12. Drawing & drawings    13. Graphic design   

Reviews (3)

A big book with an awful lot of information.
Now in it's third edition published in 2006 and brought up to date. This is the standard reference guide to the NCIDQ examination, but more than that this is an excellent reference book into designing the interior of a structure be it a house or a commercial building.
Interior Design Reference Manual
This book has all you need to study for the NCIDQ exam.I'm also glad I found the 3rd edition on Amazon because all the other book places I looked were $100 plus for this book!

best available study guide
this one's the best book to study for the NCIDQ. but they need to make an updated version.i just took the ncidq and items on the test but not in the book were drapery, carpet and wallcovering calculations and sustainable design. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decoration & Ornament    3. Examinations    4. Interior Design - General    5. Interior decoration    6. National Council for Interior Design Qualification (U.S.)    7. Personal & Practical Guides    8. Reference    9. Study & Teaching    10. Study and teaching    11. Study guides    12. United States   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture (General)    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    5. Decoration and ornament, Architectural    6. Design    7. Design - General    8. General    9. Interior Design - General    10. Repetitive patterns (Decorative arts)    11. Symmetry (Art)    12. Architecture / Design & Drafting    13. Art    14. Fashion    15. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design    16. Interior Design    17. Patterns    18. Theory of art   

Reviews (3)

Landscape Lighting 101
The Landscape Lighting book, by Janet Moyer, provides both an academic and practical level of landscaping lighting knowledge. Another good book, if you can find it, is the Ortho's book of How to Design and Install Outdoor Lighting.
The Art and Craft of Landscape Lighting
The second edition of Janet Lennox Moyer's THE LANDSCAPE LIGHTING BOOK is an absolute necessity for everybody who works in landscape lighting or who is seriously interested in creating their own garden lighting. Ms Moyer has greatly revised and expanded the color plates and Chapter 4, "The Design Process - Documenting and Installing Landscape Lighting" as well as writing an entirely new Chapter 5 "Follow-up Work - Record Documents and Project Maintenance." These changes and additions and the many other updates make the new edition well worth the purchase price.
expert opinion
Still the best book for the professional.Invaluable resource for architects, landscape architects and landscape lighting designers.Broad and deep with plenty of technical information.I purchased this book in1992 and I bought it again today (an electrician friend "lost" myoriginal copy).A second edition (if planned) should include betterinformation about transformer regulation (the ability of a low voltagelighting transformer to maintain 12v under load) and voltage drop (thedreaded decrease in voltage through the main supply cable) which arepresented as formulae rather than actual measurements.Great photographsmostly of large scale projects.This book should be in every outdoorlighting designer's library.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Garden lighting    3. Landscape    4. Landscape architecture    5. Optics    6. Architecture / Landscape   

Reviews (5)

Interesting...
This book arrived in good condition from the sender and before time.The book inself is very interesting and will serve its purpose.

HUMAN FACTORS
I AM A BIG FAN OF THE AUTHOR, AND HAVE USED HIS WORKS IN THE PRACTICE OF MY WORK MANY TIMES, THE BOOK, IS GOOD WITH MANY PRACTICAL EXAMPLES, BUT SADLY DOES NOT SEEM TO TELL ME ANYMORE THAN I ALREADY KNEW. ....I WAS HOPING FOR MORE.
great reference - cd is pretty worthless
this book is a great reference for those who deal in any way with the human form. i, for example, am a 3d character animator andthis book is perfect for nailing correct human proportions and visualizing range of motion. however, the accompanying cd is basically an advertisement for ErgoForms, the autocad version of the drawings in the book. only the 1% man drawing (the smallest average male figure)is included on the cd, which is pretty useless for what i need. if the book weren't so expensive i'd give it a four star rating. i thought i was getting more on the cd to warrant the price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Design & Drafting    3. Design, Industrial    4. General    5. Human engineering    6. Industrial Design - General    7. Interior Design - General    8. Architecture / Interior Design    9. Ergonomics    10. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design    11. Mechanical Engineering & Materials