A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction (Center for Environmental Structure Series)
by Christopher Alexander
from Oxford University Press, USA
The second of three books published by the Center for Environmental Structure to provide a "working alternative to our present ideas about architecture, building, and planning," A Pattern Language offers a practical language for building and planning based on natural considerations. The reader is given an overview of some 250 patterns that are the units of this language, each consisting of a design problem, discussion, illustration, and solution. By understanding recurrent design problems in our environment, readers can identify extant patterns in their own design projects and use these patterns to create a language of their own. Extraordinarily thorough, coherent, and accessible, this book has become a bible for homebuilders, contractors, and developers who care about creating healthy, high-level design.
"Brilliant....Here's how to design or redesign any space you're living or working in--from metropolis to room. Consider what you want to happen in the space, and then page through this book. Its radically conservative observations will spark, enhance, organize your best ideas, and a wondrous home, workplace, town will result"--San Francisco Chronicle. This classic handbook presents a language which ordinary people can use to express themselves in their own communities or homes, and to better communicate with each other.
Google SketchUp For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
by Aidan Chopra
from For Dummies
- Considerably easier to use than other 3D software, Google SketchUp has found a niche in architecture, landscaping, real estate development, furniture building, and other design professions
- The fun and friendly approach assumes no previous 3D modeling experience and explains the basic concepts involved in 3D modeling
- Shows readers how to build a 3D model, print it, share it, export it to another professional design package, export it to Google Earth, and create a 3D animated tour
- Helps readers harness the power of Google SketchUp so that they can populate Google Earth with 3D buildings, monuments, and other sculptures
Design Like You Give a Damn: Architectural Responses to Humanitarian Crises
by Architecture for Humanity
from Metropolis Books
The greatest humanitarian challenge we face today is that of providing shelter. Currently one in seven people lives in a slum or refugee camp, and more than 3,000,000,000 people--nearly half the world's population--do not have access to clean water or adequate sanitation. The physical design of our homes, neighborhoods and communities shapes every aspect of our lives. Yet too often architects are desperately needed in the places where they can least be afforded.Edited by Architecture for Humanity and now on its third printing, Design Like You Give a Damn is a compendium of innovative projects from around the world that demonstrate the power of design to improve lives. The first book to bring the best of humanitarian architecture and design to the printed page, Design Like You Give a Damn offers a history of the movement toward socially conscious design, and showcases more than 80 contemporary solutions to such urgent needs as basic shelter, healthcare, education and access to clean water, energy and sanitation.Design Like You Give a Damn is an indispensable resource for designers and humanitarian organizations charged with rebuilding after disaster and engaged in the search for sustainable development. It is also a call to action to anyone committed to building a better world. (20061116)
Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2006 International Building Code (Building Codes Illustrated)
by Francis D. K. Ching
from Wiley
Get the easy-to-use, illustrated guide to the 2006 International Building CodeĀ®.
As the building industry moves toward a single set of construction codes that have no regional limitations, architects, builders, engineers, and interior designers need an interpretive guide to help them better understand how the code affects their practices. The seond edition of Building Codes Illustrated fills this need by interpreting the updated 2006 International Building CodeĀ® (IBC) in a visual format that designers both need and understand.
This unique marriage of bestselling author Francis D.K. Ching's illustrative talent and Steven Winkel's code expertise provides an accessible, time-saving companion guide to the latest code. The visual presentation of information extracts the core portions of the building code that are most relevant for professionals and hones building codes down to the essentials. Organized to correspond with related subject matter in the IBC, Building Codes Illustrated enables architects, engineers, and other design professionals to quickly find clarifying information on the nonstructural provision of the IBC. You'll gain a clear and complete understanding of those sections at a glance through enlightening computer-rendered illustrations and succinct yet thorough interpretations.
There's no excuse for not being up to code. Avoid costly mistakes with the invaluable help of Building Codes Illustrated, Second Edition.
AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 Bible
by Ellen Finkelstein
from Wiley
"Whether you're new to AutoCAD or a veteran, you will undoubtedly find this book to be an excellent resource."
-- Abhi Singh, AutoCAD Product Manager, Autodesk, Inc.
Here's the book that makes AutoCAD approachable
Even the people at Autodesk look to Ellen Finkelstein for AutoCAD training, so who better to teach you about AutoCAD 2008? This comprehensive guide brings veterans up to speed on AutoCAD updates and takes novices from the basics to programming in AutoLISP(r) and VBA. Every feature is covered in a logical order, and with the Quick Start chapter, you'll be creating drawings on your very first day. Success is in your hands.
* Start drawing right away with the easy Quick Start project
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Master commands and procedures for 2D drawings
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Work in 3D with hiding, shading, and rendering techniques
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Automate drawing annotation and the display of layers in viewports
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Organize and share data
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Customize commands, toolbars, hatch patterns, and more
What's on the DVD?
* 30-day trial versions of AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008
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All drawings needed to complete the exercises in the book, including before-and-after versions
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The entire text of the book in searchable PDF format
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A selection of add-on programs that will enhance your use of AutoCAD
System Requirements: Please see the DVD-ROM appendix for details and complete system requirements
Connect to external spreadsheets and extract essential data from your drawing objects
Draw and display sophisticated 3D models
Develop flexible, easy-to-use dynamic blocks
AutoCAD 2008 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers))
by David Byrnes
from For Dummies
- A gentle, humorous introduction to this fearsomely complex software that helps new users start creating 2D and 3D technical drawings right away
- Covers the new features and enhancements in the latest AutoCAD version and provides coverage of AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD's lower-cost sibling
- Topics covered include creating a basic layout, using AutoCAD DesignCenter, drawing and editing, working with dimensions, plotting, using blocks, adding text to drawings, and drawing on the Internet
- AutoCAD is the leading CAD software for architects, engineers, and draftspeople who need to create detailed 2D and 3D technical drawings; there are more than 5 million registered AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT users
Detail in Contemporary Residential Architecture: Includes CD-ROM
by Virginia McLeod
from Laurence King Publishers
Architectural detailing makes a building unique and an architect outstanding. This book provides analysis of both the technical and the aesthetic importance of details in the development of contemporary domestic architecture from 2000 to 2005. Featuring many of the world's most highly acclaimed architects, the book presents over 50 of the most recently completed and influential house designs. For each house there are color photographs, plans of every floor, sections and elevations, and numerous construction details. The book also features in-depth information for each project, including the size, the client, the architectural project team, main consultants, and contractors. With CD-ROM.
Architectural Graphics
by Francis D. K. Ching
from Wiley
The completely updated, illustrated bestseller on architectural graphics with over 500,000 copies sold
Architectural Graphics presents a wide range of basic graphic tools and techniques designers use to communicate architectural ideas. Expanding upon the wealth of illustrations and information that have made this title a classic, this Fourth Edition provides expanded and updated coverage of drawing materials, multiview drawings, paraline drawings, and perspective drawings. Also new to this edition is the author's unique incorporation of digital technology into his successful methods. While covering essential drawing principles, this book presents: approaches to drawing section views of building interiors, methods for drawing modified perspectives, techniques for creating accurate shade and shadows, expert styles of freehand sketching and diagramming, and much more.
Meggs' History of Graphic Design
by Philip B. Meggs
from Wiley
Now in its Fourth Edition, this unrivaled, seminal work continues its long tradition of providing balanced insight and thorough historical background. Under the new authorial leadership of Alston Purvis, this authoritative book offers more than 450 new images, along with expansive coverage of such topics as Italian, Russian, and Dutch design. It reveals a saga of creative innovators, breakthrough technologies, and important design innovations.
AutoCAD 2009 & AutoCAD LT 2009 Bible (Bible (Wiley))
by Ellen Finkelstein
from Wiley
Even Autodesk developers keep this book on hand!
Eight previous editions of fans ranging from novices to Autodesk insiders can't be wrong. This bestselling, comprehensive guide is your best, one-stop, go-to guide for everything you'll need to master AutoCAD. Whether you're an AutoCAD veteran exploring what's new or a novice seeking to start with the basics and progress to advanced programming, every feature is covered. Start drawing today with the one book you need to succeed with AutoCAD 2009.
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Start drawing right away with the Quick Start project
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Draw, view, and edit in 2D, then add text and dimensions
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Reference other drawings and link data to objects
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Build, view, and present complex 3D drawings
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Customize commands, create shortcuts, and use scripts and macros
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Program AutoCAD using AutoLISP and VBA
What's on the DVD?
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Trial versions of AutoCAD 2009 and AutoCAD LT 2009
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Over 300 before-and-after drawings from working AutoCAD professionals
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A selection of helpful add-on programs
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The entire book in searchable PDF
System Requirements: Please see the DVD appendix for details and system requirements.
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