3 stars (Offer some alternatives please....) - Just a note to 'john of a world class architectual firm'. Good to read an honest critique. I agree to a certain point. Yet as a student of landscape architecture, I am always on the lookout for quaility publications and learning tools. What publications have you read or currently refer to in your practice? Any help is good help in my opinion... Thanks jasonandanna@slingshot.co.nz 3 stars (The reviews below are for the OLD edition.) - I agree with the reviewers below that the older edition (1987) has very outdated graphics. However, in trying to find out if this newer edition (2002) is improved, I was unable to do so since there are no reviewers of this edition. I do not understand why Amazon transferred the reviews from the old edition to this newer one. (Note that reviews below are dated before the 2002 publication date of this edition.) If anyone knows if this edition is improved (or not), please post a review! Thanks. 4 stars (Landscape Designer) - This book is used as a text book at several univerities and Community colleges. It is a basic text that alows a student to learn to draw graphics and symbols. The excersize in the back of the book are very helpful when first learning to draft graphics. It does not address computer graphics. If you want to produce those kinds of plans it is best to take a course in computer graphics. When first learning to draw graphics one has to start somewhere. This book does a great job! ... Watson-Guptill Publications :: Landscape architecture :: Landscape architectural drawing :: Landscape architectural drawin :: Landscape :: Designs and plans :: Architecture :: Grant W Reid :: :: Landscape Graphics- Plan- Section- and Perspective Drawing Landscape Spaces
5 stars (A book of equal quality to the firm's body of work.) - I won't bore you with what an excellent firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson is, their 250 architectural design awards are evidence of the quality of the body of their work. I instead would like to review the quality of this publication. In over thirty years of architectural practice and school I don't know if I have seen a better constructed book. The contributions by Peter Bohlin and James Cutler as well as the introduction by Thomas Fisher frame the twelve houses is such a way as to clear understanding of the design and construction process that make these projects worth serious study. It is seldom that I open a book for the first time and fell such "WOW" at the quality of its content and construction of the book. It is a work of art in my opinion. Oscar Riera Ojeda has done an excellent job as editor of this work. 5 stars (Where does the richest man in the world hang his hat?) - Question: Where doe the richest man in the world hang his hat? Answer: In a house built by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. In a new monograph from Rizzoli, Arcadian Architecture focuses on 12 private commissions built by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. As the title suggests Arcadian Architecture showcases homes that have a rustic or peaceful feeling, heightened by harmonious blending into their surroundings. The houses have a warm earthy minimal style inside and outside, created from wood, concrete, rock and stone. They look as if they grew in the landscape rather than being built there. Each of the 12 houses is presented in great detail, the captions, elevation drawings, sketches, and photos provide the reader with a personal tour of each property. One of the featured projects in Arcadian Architecture is, " A Pacific Rim Estate", is a residential compound near Seattle perched on a steep site, leading down to the edge of Lake Washington. Arcadian Architecture does not advertise this as Bill Gates' house in the table of contents; this is ind... Rizzoli :: Architecture & Individual Architect :: U S Architecture - General :: Individual Architect :: Domestic :: Architecture :: Architectural Firms :: Thomas Fisher :: Os :: Arcadian Architecture - Bohlin Cywinski Jackson-12 Houses
5 stars (Painter Perfect) - In response to review rated at a "2": I am a professional graphic designer and so Painter along with so many other digital artistry programs such as the line to be found with Adobe, are a must have on my computer. And since I am the owner of my home-based business with little to no income most of the time because of the software costs...well, purchasing upgrades is not always something I can do. My point coming to this....you really need to evaluate your goals and desires before purchasing costly programs in the digital artistry field. I have yet to find great software that isn't expensive. And if you expect to find a fantastic manual with your software then 9 times out of 10 you'll never see it. Corel Painter, any version really, have all been fantastic and they continue to improve but if you're just starting out and your funds are limited or you are not a professional and you just want to play or have a side hobby then buy an older version, a used copy, or look for company specials, and save yourself some money. Painter is an awesome program and there are no two ways about it. My recommendation to you simply: If you are not a serious artist, you do it as a hobby, or maybe you are a student, then get an older version, a used copy, a company special or a student rate when you purchase your copy of painter. Next, don't expect anything from the manual you may or may not get depending on your purchase choice. Concentrate on buying a book later on that specializes in Painter. There are some terrific books out there from student to hobbiest to professional. If you are a professional then I don't need to tell you anything that you didn't already know. Painter is a fantastic program and coupled or grouped with other programs such as Photoshop, you can let your creativity soar. Last, don't bad mouth a product because of your own nievity. Dont' cry because Corel decided to create a program that was awesome and it didn't fit in with your budg... Corel :: Multimedia :: Architecture :: Architectural :: Architect :: CAD (Computer Assisted Drafting) :: Graphics :: Computer software (programs) :: Mac Macintosh Machintosh :: Corel Painter IX Upgrade Win-Mac
1 stars (Readers' Digest Version of AGS) - Although these editions change little, this review is based upon AGS 10th Ed. & AGSRC 2003. Negative: This is bascially a regurgitation of the more complete Architectural Graphics Standards, distilled to a "residential" focus but appears as volumous because some details have been photo-enlarged (in poor-average quality). Few, if any new residential details/information has been provided. Positive: Those ONLY interested in residential construction and NOT requiring a full brace of ALL details will find this quite a good value - compare its price to Architectural Graphics Standards. Recommendation: Anyone in construction should have one, but not both of these books as a prime resource. The content does improve every year, although some years it's like watching grass grow. Challenge: IF there are numerous portions of the Residential version that are unique and new to it, exclusive of passages in the larger AGS version - I would really appreciate a review that contains how to locate these passages, as I've spent enough time trying to find them. If enough of these exist, it would give thought of updating this resource once in awhile. 3 stars (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. 5 stars (A wonderful resource) - Following in the terrific legacy of the benchmark Architectural Graphic Standards book, this edition clearly makes building for residences an easier task. I've found innumerable details that I've used in my residential practice on a daily basis, details not found in other reference books. Of particular help are the pages that give an overview of... Wiley :: Residential buildings :: domestic buildings :: Building construction & materials :: Architecture & Reference :: Architectural structure & design :: Standards :: R :: Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction (Ramsey-Sleeper Architectural Graphic S
2 stars (with poor pix, this is too much) - I was astonished with poor quality of BW pictures this book contains. And I paid $50 for this? The photos are poorly lit so the details are not clear, and not sharp enough for this kind of printing. Texts are rather sketchy too. Intrestingly, resources contain a section for books on presentation models. I found most of them are out of print. I can just imagine this book's innitial run was so low that gave this hefty price tag to this book. Unless you have a lot of money to waste, or you're advanced, you'll be surprised like me. 5 stars (Designing With Models Designing With Models) - From the standpoint of representation, and despite the advent of computer graphics and animation, the architectural model has persisted in being a privileged way of expressing architectural intentions. The irresistible iconic relation between the model and the building, and the intimacy witnessed through this association, has unquestionably contributed to this survival. Because in the model no extra interpretive energy is needed to grasp the intended, and because there is definitely a pleasure in seeing something big represented by something similar to it but smaller, the critical denigration of model-making has been minimum. This is unlike the case of the plan and other classical modes of projecting buildings where the conventional nature of representation has opened the gates for questioning their legitimacy. From the angle of making and performing, model-making has also remained a very powerful means of exploring ideas that have 3-d space as their support. The relative absence of a cognitive distance between intentions and their crystallization in the sensible realm, due essentially to the paramount role the hand directly plays in the shaping of a given design idea, has reinforced an interest in model-making as a means for expressing the immediate and the spontaneous. A closer relation the other visual arts has followed, ... Wiley :: Industrial & Commercial Art & Design :: Architecture & Design & Drafting :: Architectural structure & design :: Methods & Materials :: Interior Design :: Handbo :: Designing with Models - A Studio Guide to Making and Using Architectural Design Models
4 stars (Jack of All Trades, Master of None) - Strengths: Support for nearly every aspect of home design, from foundation to landscaping Weaknesses: Sometimes quirky interface; less functional in some areas than others Overall, Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 18 (HDAS18 hereafter) is a pretty solid product for the price. It's big draw is that it is a home design suite. That is, it claims to provide the user with the ability to control every aspect of home design, from plotting the topography of your lot, to constructing your floor plan, to landscaping and adding furnishings to your new virtual home. For the most part, HDAS18 delivers on its promises. Unlike other comparable software packages, which are actually composed of several different stand-alone applications, HDAS18 is an integrated package. While there are different applets within the program to work on, say, the framing of your virtual home, all of these applets are launched fairly seamlessly from within the program itself. These applets, which Punch! calls PowerTools, run the gamut from the quite useful to the impossibly difficult to master. Topo designer, for instance, allows you to precisely edit the topography of your site, adding slopes and gullies to your lot which the program takes into account when you lay your virtual foundation. Other PowerTools, such as 3D Custom Workshop, are more frustrating to use. The idea of creating custom 3D objects such as furniture, decor, etc. to add to your design is appealing, but users without extensive CAD (computer-aided design) software experience will find this feature virtually unusable. I purchased this product primarily for its landscaping function. I want to add some landscaping to my existing home, and I wanted to be able to visualize my ideas in 3D before committing the time and money to creating a lawn that I would ultimately be unsatisfied with. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with the landscaping features of HDAS18. Li... Punch- Software :: punch :: home :: design :: architectural :: series :: 18 :: punch :: software :: home :: education :: hobbies :: punch-homedesignarchitecturalseries18 25 october :: 200 :: Punch- Home Design Architectural Series 18
5 stars ( Architectural Lighting ) - This is an excellent book. It provides a comprehensive overview while supplying specific design applications on the topics of natural and electric lighting. It illuminates many technologies and design principles with straight forward language and clear reinforcing graphics. I teach architectural lighting at the School of Architecture at the University of Hawaii. I have reviewed many lighting books for this class and have found the Egan and Olgyay text to be very appropriate for the beginning and advanced student as well as a very useful desk reference for design proessionals. ... McGraw-Hill Science-Engineering-Math :: Architecture & General :: Lighting :: Architectural and decorative :: Lighting :: Architectural and de :: Interior Design - Lighting :: Interior Design - General :: :: Architectural Lighting
4 stars (A little less mindnumbing) - Building Codes are never a fun subject to have to research, but Ching makes it a little less mindnumbing by providing illustrations. However, be warned that this book is based on the 2000 International Building Code and that many of the sections have been revised in the 2003 IBC. I imagine that Ching will update his book with the next release of the IBC. 4 stars (Great guide to complex issues) - This book has proven to be a great quick reference to supplement the 2003 IBC. It can't be beat for clear, straightforward illustrations of what are otherwise long winded and confusing paragraphs from the IBC that usually require a reading of three or four times until it sinks in. A must have for any person using the code book often or wanting a quick reminder of a code regulation. 5 stars (ARE studying material) - This is an excellent book to skim through for preparation for the ARE. I definitely recommend Ching's two books: Building Codes Illustrated and Building Construction Illustrated. After spending several dollars on studying materials for the exam, I found that I got the most bang for my buck from: the two Ching books, David Ballast's Study Guides, Larry Paul's ARE Practice Exam, and Archiflash cards. These were the the most useful tools to get through the multiple choice sections as they most closely reflected the material covered on the exams. ... Wiley :: USA :: Financial :: taxation :: commercial :: industrial law :: Building construction & materials :: Architecture & Design & Drafting :: Architectural structure & d :: Building Codes Illustrated- A Guide to Understanding the International Building Code
5 stars (The perfect solution) - Moving into a new house, I had so many projects to make it my own. This product made it all happen. It was easy to start and I had walls drawn and showing in 3D in a few minutes. First, I drew the existing structure. The ability to draw the plan easily and see it in 3D every step of the way made it quite easy. And, I've tried all the competitors. The only product that lets you show the 3D view (with shadows from lights and sun) without grueling waiting and finger tapping is Punch.. its blazing fast. Changing the plan was just as easy! You drag a wall and dimensions display showing you were you are. Move a window or door and you instantly see the results in the 3D view. When I wanted to knock down a dividing wall between the great room and kitchen, it was a couple of mouse clicks and poof, gone. This was huge in determining how open the plan would be and if this part of the remodeling was worth it. When it comes time to landscape, this was way cool. You can customize your yard and its a blast. With a few mouse clicks you can add hills/berms to your yard, I even used the excavation tool and dug a hole for a swimming pool(now if I could just really have it :) The picket fence I added even conformed to the changed landscape. And.. then I added plants. Tons of plants and I even used their tool to select only plants in my area. Then.. to top it off..with a click of the mouse I could grow the entire landscape to see how it would look when the trees grew. As for learning.. you'll love it. You can be drawing in minutes.. but if you need some help there are videos that walk you through how to use each tool. Very cool. 1 stars (Wish I'd Read The Reviews First!) - Like a fool I purchased this software based on the cool pictures on the box and the long list of features. Unfortunately, the pictures turn out to be not actual screenshots, and the features are, as Bart pointed out, little more than limited templates. A couple ca... Punch- Software :: Gardening (Gardens) :: Edit (Editing) :: Multimedia :: Graphics :: Computer software (programs) :: Image Capture Capturing :: Improvement (1-2-3) :: Interior Design :: Punch- Home Design Architectural Series 3000
2 stars (Not Good Introductory Textbook Material ) - This is a required book for an introductory lighting class I'm taking. Since we are solely relying on this book and it isn't supplemented with lecture material, I find that, without familiarity with lighting terminology and concepts, it is very difficult to understand -- very cryptic with the seemingly overused language of the field. While the author may be very knowledgeable, I feel the book is not very well written and the target audience is, perhaps, not intended to be, essentially, the layman. I don't find the organization of ideas and concepts to be clearly laid out or communicated well and, as they unfold, and I come to understand what the author is trying to say, wonder why it was made so difficult -- is that all he means, geesh and why didn't he tell me that earlier. It would be easier to understand the general concept of things first, even in plain English perhaps, and then go on to a more technical description to learn the language of the field and get the details. Just seems to make simple things very complicated, especially with the language, flow of ideas, and phrasing. I also find a lot of the graphic figures and photo examples need some clarification or more details. A picture's supposed to be worth a thousand words, not be cryptic and time-consuming to understand. Sorry, I would not recommend this for students who are not primed first. Especially the younger ones. 5 stars (Great teacher) - While I was studying Interior Design at Parsons a number of years ago, I had Gary Gordon as a Lighting Design Instructor. He was by far one the best teachers that I had. He is very knowledgeable and has the unique ability to easily communicate the many aspects of both design and lighting. I highly recommend any publication he has authored. 4 stars (Very good book for novices.) - The book begins with an inspirational and somewhat simplistic insight into lighting design. Simply as a study of li... Wiley :: Interior design :: Architecture & Interior Design :: Lighting :: Architectural and decorative :: Lighting :: Architectural and de :: Interior Design - Lighting :: I :: Interior Lighting- Fourth Edition
5 stars (A lighting technique that works!) - I've read a few other lighting books over the years but found that Whitehead's approach is superior for creating moods in rooms. My wife and I prototype interiors in our home and the results from "A Practical Guide" have been outstanding. We move and change the lighting with temporary luminaires and various wattages to explore the various possibilities before using them in real designs for clients. Beware - after buying into his concepts you will be frustrated by the lighting almost everywhere you go. - jim 5 stars (A Little Light Reading!) - As a Design Instructor and Lighting Professional, I can attest that Randy Whitehead's book is an invaluable asset to both the beginning design professional or the savvy client. Photos, diagrams, intelligent definitions-high light the the text. The good humor and obvious talent that Randy Whitehead exhibits makes this book an enjoyable and easily accessible resource. As a design instructor, I have found earlier examples of this author's books to be a dynamic addition to lecture presentations. It would be a great addition to any library. 5 stars (A Client's/Homeowner's Perspective) - As a homeowner who has been through two major remodels in the past five years, and who has had the good fortune to work with Randall Whitehead on the lighting design and installation for both projects, I read Mr. Whitehead's most recent book from at least two key perspectives: * an extremely satisfied client of and collaborator with Randall Whitehead on two major projects; and * a homeowner who has learned the value of outstanding lighting design and what that brings to the totality of the home One of the key elements that distinguishes Randall Whitehead from other lighting designers with whom I am familiar is his ability to quickly put himself inside the mind of the client in a way that immediately allows the entire design project to be collaborative rather than dictatorial, for lack of... John Wiley - Sons :: Interior design :: Housing & property for the individual :: Heating :: lighting :: ventilation :: Architecture & Interior Design :: Architectural structure & desi :: Residential Lighting - A Practical Guide
5 stars (Great upgrade.) - Needed to replace QuickCad and AutoCad LT was out of my range. So I purchased AutoSketch 9 and have had zero issues with the program. It opens and saves my existing cad drawings with out problems. I particularly like the layer handling capabilities. 4 stars (Autosketch 9) - I have designed and built two houses from plans developed on Autosketch earlier versions. I now use Autosketch 9 at work to create flow diagrams to proof test electronic logic protection circuits for a electrical utility. I find it very satisfactory. Like any other good CAD system there is a huge learning to curve to become very proficient with it although almost anything can be drawn with a few minutes of practice. I am now very comfortable with it and can zip out drawings for wood working projects at home. Once a created a template for a roll top desk top using a large printer and glued it to the wood so I could route the slot and then cut the wood after to an exact edge. I still diplay it in my living room and people comment on the craftsmanship involved. I have designed other project and foreseen the problems to be encountered with clashing corner dimensions and other items beofre having to buy more wood to replace the piece that didn't fit. Measurements can all be done on the computer before the cuts and sweating in the workshop. I like it and wouldn't be without it. I haven't used AutoCad but people who have say it works just as well except for reduced fancy features that most will never use. 5 stars (Simple and easy CAD tool) - I've used AutoSketch for years. Some mistake this tool for a graphics design tool, which it is not. It is a mechanical or architectural design tool. As such it is simple to use and produces accurate results. We use it in our business daily. I am pleased that they finally solved the printed line weight problem in this new version. If you're expecting a Visio or Adobe replacement, you misunderstand the product. If you are expecting... Autodesk PSG :: Architectural :: Architect :: CAD (Computer Assisted Drafting) :: 3D (3-D) :: Graphics :: Computer software (programs) :: desk top publishing :: desktop publishing :: :: Autodesk AutoSketch 9
1 stars (Honest Reviews?) - Were all the reviews written by the author? Give me a break! The fact that every review sounds the same will keep me from ever purchasing this book. In that case, I guess all the reviews helped! 5 stars (THE Book on Courtyards.) - Courtyards is a terrific book, the result of 20+ years of loving research. Oregon Professor John Reynolds is crazy for courtyards and it certainly shows. A courtyard is a space surrounded by a building, often surrounded by a house. There are all manner of courtyards, large, small, huge, quiet, loud. Some are open and others are terribly private. But all good courtyards have things in common. In the landscapes most of us in the US are used to, we have a house and the gardens are on the outside and we see them before we see the house. In a sense these landscapes serve mostly as dressing to enhance the outward look of the house. But a fine courtyard garden is different. It is smack in the middle of the house and the house surrounds it. It is not wide open to the world, but instead is a place to get away from it all, a place to be outside, but not to be out in the open. The best courtyards are open to the sky, have water, vines, a multitude of interesting flowers, trees, potted plants. A large number of the very finest courtyard plants are discussed in detail in this excellent book. I was struck by how interesting the numerous photos and designs were. Profusely illustrated, each one serves a definitive purpose. I was struck too, by how many different things go into the making of a well thought out courtyard. What is involved so that it will be warm in the winter and cool in the hot summer. What is involved so that it becomes a place where people want to be. I took many notes as I read this large book and some day I plan to build a house of my own design, and in the middle of it, I'm going to have a courtyard. And in this courtyard, I'll have all the things needed, the ingredients so carefully detailed here, that ma... Wiley :: History of specific subjects :: Garden design & planning :: Architecture & Design & Drafting :: Architectural structure & design :: Landscape :: General :: Garden :: Courtyards- Aesthetic- Social- and Thermal Delight
5 stars (CorelDraw Graphics Suite 12) - This is an excellent graphics program which suits my needs well. 5 stars (True Graphic Creation Power) - I've used them all: Illustrator, Corel, Photoshop, Fireworks, MS Word (I know, I know..) Pagemaker; now Indesign. Since the 386 processor i've used these programs. Corel Draw has ALWAYS been easier to use. Yes they ALL have powerful features but for me, Corel Draw has been the vector based graphic program that I like and count on. I primarily use Corel Draw 12 and Photoshop CS. With these two programs you can do everything short of 3D animation. Theres is no easier way to create a poster or a flyer or a newsletter than Corel Draw! This program is awesome because it is powerful AND easy to use! My recommendation: Get Corel 12 and Photoshop CS. You'll thank me! 2 stars (Very bad crash issues and instability problems) - I've been using CorelDRAW and PPT since version 4, and I must say that the latest version, whether it be because of the patch or not, is widly unstable. For instance, 5 minutes ago I threw together a texture for a 3D model I'd been working on and as soon as I switched to the "Brush" swatch, crashed. The App Recovery Wizard doesn't even work correctly. It hangs and says the same thing each time. This crash happens often, reguardless of the operation you are doing and only seems to target certain machine setups. Tech support used to be good, however, they suck now and the sarcasm I've gotten from some of them made me want to punch glass objects. Please Corel, patch 12 so it works! AR ... Corel :: Graphics :: Computer software (programs) :: Illustration (Illustrated) :: Multimedia :: Architecture :: Architectural :: Architect :: CAD (Computer Assisted Draftin :: CorelDraw Graphics Suite 12 Upgrade
5 stars (Lectures in written form) - I studied under Mark DeKay, using the first edition of this book. The second edition adds all of Mark's lectures into what was already a great book, full of very helpful rules of thumb for orientation, materials, siting, and a lot of other design recommendations. A great book made even better the second time around! 5 stars (highly advanced) - A very comprehensive book which leaves you with shortness of breath after each page, covers very well all the aspects of the title and their interaction and effect on planning a building or project of any kind, and gives u alot of new ideas on how to find out the effects of sun,wind and light and from where will the effect be more and how to make advantage of each one of these elements. keeps you woundering whether what you have ever designed before was valid or not. rich in figures and examples, slightly difficult regarding the laguage. but it is worth every penney. 5 stars (Climate Sensitive Design) - This book is very helpful in determining the siting of your building (or gardens)with respect to wind patterns, and sun patterns of your area. As a designer of both indoor and outdoor spaces I found it to be a practical resource for helping ensure the success of a design. When I want shade, I now know where shade will fall; when I want to fill a space with light, I now know where and when light will be there and can adjust my design accordingly. Great book! Would reccommend it to architects, landscape architects and anyone wanting to see how their designs integrate into the daily and seasonal climate, wind, and light patterns of their area. The Sun Peg Charts are especially helpful. Good starting and reference point for all designs. Definitely add this one to your library. ... Wiley :: Architecture & Methods & Materials :: Architectural structure & design :: Methods & Materials :: Interior lighting :: Design & Drafting :: Decor :: Sun- Wind -amp- Light- Architectural Design Strategies- 2nd Edition
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