Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture

Book Description

Newly designed and containing a full 40 percent completely new content, Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture, Second Edition, continues to be the most complete source of site design and construction standards and data. It is fully metric, to meet Federal and International requirements. It features increased coverage of: Site storm water "best management" practices · New urban tree planting and xeriscape concepts · Earth retaining structures and pavement design · Land reclamation, including soil and vegetation restoration · Metric site layout practices, including recreation facilities · Energy and resource conservation · Natural processes and site construction procedures · New expanded construction details · Simplified construction materials data. Over 50 sections provide concise tables, checklists, "Key Point" text summaries, and illustrations to provide an invaluable information resource for offices and classrooms throughout the world.

Customer Reviews:

Old and busted.......2007-05-05

I have always found this book to be cumbersome, difficult to navigate, poorly organized, and lacking in sufficient detail. But of course for years it was basically the only game in town, so everyone relied on it. Those days are over. I recently purchased Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards, and it is an outstanding book. If you're trying to decide which one to buy, definitely get Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards instead. And even if you already own Time-Saver Standards, do yourself a huge favor and buy Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards anyway. It covers everything that Time-Saver Standards does plus numerous other topics, all with much better explanations and details. To top things off, it has FAR more graphics and the entire book is better organized an easier to navigate than Time-Saver Standards.

Usefulness.......2006-07-16

As a practicing L.A., I have bought several McGraw-Hill Construction Books. I get a similar result each time: They seem on first look to fulfill the promise, but I found they don't well serve the need in real life. I get far better use out of Architectural Graphic Standards, and I'm looking forward to Wiley's Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards.

buy the book, forget the CD-ROM version.......2005-03-28

I've got the book and was hoping the CD-ROM would enhance using the book, but it doesn't. The content is very slim compared to the book, and the CAD drawings that are included are also of very limited use. Don't bother with the CD-ROM version of TSSLA.

This book is a must!!!!.......2004-02-06

A great book to have. It was a required text for my site technology classes. Kept referring to it. Lots of information. It should be on everyone's bookcase if you're a Landscape Architect student or already in the profession. I highly recommend it.

ABD EL MOHSEN SOLIMAN.......2000-11-06

IWANT SEE PART FROM THE BOOK

Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs, Second Edition

Average customer rating:

Mind-changing
from a student who use the book for a course
A Computer Science grand tour
Great Texbook
This should be on your bookshelf

Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs, Second Edition
Harold Abelson , Gerald Jay Sussman , and Julie Sussman
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0070004846

Amazon.com

Abelson and Sussman's classic Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs teaches readers how to program by employing the tools of abstraction and modularity. The authors' central philosophy is that programming is the task of breaking large problems into small ones. The book spends a great deal of time considering both this decomposition and the process of knitting the smaller pieces back together.

The authors employ this philosophy in their writing technique. The text asks the broad question "What is programming?" Having come to the conclusion that programming consists of procedures and data, the authors set off to explore the related questions of "What is data?" and "What is a procedure?"

The authors build up the simple notion of a procedure to dizzying complexity. The discussion culminates in the description of the code behind the programming language Scheme. The authors finish with examples of how to implement some of the book's concepts on a register machine. Through this journey, the reader not only learns how to program, but also how to think about programming.

Book Description

With an analytical and rigorous approach to problem solving and programming techniques, this book is oriented toward engineering. Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs emphasizes the central role played by different approaches to dealing with time in computational models. Its unique approach makes it appropriate for an introduction to computer science courses, as well as programming languages and program design.

Customer Reviews:

Mind-changing.......2007-07-16

This is the best book on programming I have ever met in my life and, most probably, will ever meet.
It not only surprised me and made me think "Oh my god, how come I didn't think this way/about these so incredibly important things before?" dozens of times in every single chapter during every of my 3(in a row) readings of it but it actually changed the way I think about programs and the way I write them.
The authors have a perfect sense of balance between complexity and importance: they never skip important things silently and they never dig too deep into dull subtleties, instead they point out the really meaningful points and either invent a solution before the reader's eyes or give clues that inspire the reader to work out the solution himself.

The book does not teach most of the basic algorithms and data structures, like quicksort of graph path finding (except for several examples that fit well for the purpose of a particular chapter), it is not a programming reference: it is a manual on methods of computation: exactly what the title says. So, in case you have a pragmatic problem you can't just take the book and find a solution: I guess this is the reason for low ratings. But if you read the book thoroughly, you will definitely become an order of magnitude better programmer and that is much more important than knowing concrete algorithms.

I also extremely highly recommend the same-named video course by the same authors at http://swiss.csail.mit.edu/classes/6.001/abelson-sussman-lectures/ : I first was intrigued and shocked with it and only afterwards saw and immediately bought the book. It is a pity I have not yet had time to watch all the lectures (I watched about a half).

from a student who use the book for a course .......2007-05-04

I'm an undergrad who is currently taking an introductory class in C.S using the book as the primary textbook (actually, the only textbook). Sadly, I'm taking it with another class in computer architecture with heavy emphasis on system programming (a la C, MIPS). Like one of the reviewers having pointed out, the excessive zeal of pedantic and theoretical C.S has left the students clueless about the connection between reality and fundamental ideas presented in the book. The authors enforces a grand vision of solving problems independent of programming language. Sadly, this is not the case in practice (I have been trying to port some algorithms in the book into C, oh boy, what a frustrating experience). This vision has left me a very bad impression on Scheme (a good-for-nothing language invented by geeks to impress other geeks).

Some people have said they liked the book. At the beginning of semester. I liked the book too, since programming in functional style is completely new to me (who major in C.S wouldn't delight at learning new thing). HOWEVER, the more I delved into the book while taking a computer architecture course at the same time (in which I have to design a complete 8-bit CPU from ground up, as well as doing a lot of low-level programming), the more I feel there are some fundamental issues with using Scheme (or any other functional languages for that matter) as a tool to interpret and design machines and programs. It just struck me as very odd to design a computer "recursively". How ironic that the book is called "STRUCTURE and INTERPRETATION of computer programs".

I agree with some reviewers in here who bashed C in favor of Scheme. C is not a very good language, but C deserves praises. There are reasons why it has been around forever (both in academic and in industry), and at this rate, I don't see how any functional languages would emerge out of academics as replacement for C. The authors in book braggs that only Fortran has been surviving longer than Scheme, but besides surviving in the this textbook (which has been pushed down my throat by my school), I haven't seen Scheme anywhere else.

This textbook reminds me of the Feynman series in Physics. A series which everyone talks about, but when it comes to reality, it's just best used as a supplementary to look up for reference and self-congratulate as being "smart" rather than the one used to teach and learn from.

A Computer Science grand tour.......2007-03-17

I discovered this text, I believe, while browsing The Aerospace Corp Library in '90. I was immediately taken with it, wishing my own undergraduate program in CS had incorporated its use. The first two chapters on procedural and data abstraction are much better CS preparation than learning Java or C++ or Ada or Pascal. Abstraction and specificiation in software development are absolutely necessary if software "art" is ever to become a "science."

I used this text last year to teach a one year introduction to computer science to some rather advanced homeschooled high school students. Scheme is a much better choice for a teaching language than C++ or Java. There is no need to deal with memory management issues as with C++ and the development model is simpler than with Java. And scheme makes many things easier to achieve than with other languages: higher-order procedures (chapter 1) and hierarchical data (chapter 2).

For my own enjoyment and personal enrichment I have used chapters 4 and 5 as a basis for my own explicit control evaluator for scheme in C++.

A classic. Every CS graduate should do remedial work now and read this text, if they have not done so already.

Great Texbook.......2007-03-15

I purchased this texbook for my first computer class since it was required. It's a great book, but I'm glad we did not cover it entirely. Too much material, and Scheme is not that popular of a language. Price was right though!

This should be on your bookshelf.......2007-03-02

This is a 'must have' book for anyone wishing to practice the craft of programming. It is enigmatic in that it requires little background in programming, but leads swiftly and easily into non-trivial concepts. Of course one must do the exercises, which are varied and practical, the most they ask of the reader is that they understand basic mathematics of Leibniz and Newton. This book will not teach you a collection of tricks, it will give you a way to think about programming. There are a set of lectures by Abelson and Sussman based on the book available at no cost on the Web. Even though they were produced over a decade ago they are well worth watching, and add an interesting flavour to the text. All the software you need to use this text is available for free for a number of platforms. If you are an experienced programmer this is a fun read, if your intention is to learn the art of computer programming, start with SICP, and add Knuth to your bookshelf for reference.

Average customer rating:

Briefing Your Architect, Second Edition
Frank Salisbury
Manufacturer: Architectural Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0750636424

Book Description

This book sets out the essential activities and inter-relationships involving the client organization and multi-disciplinary design team as they progress through each phase of the job. It guides the client through the preliminary steps needed to start up work; seeking out
and appraising a site, studying the feasibility of all ideas and proposals, and showing how to work with all architects and specialist consultants. The tasks to be performed by both architect and client, as well as consultants, are clearly set out, together with appropriate methods of working together until the building design drawings are completed.

The book is arranged so that the information relevant to each stage of work can be checked as the project develops. Detailed sequential activity tables and checklists are included for this purpose.

This key publication fulfils a vital need for clients who will be enabled to progress the building project more efficiently with the guidance provided.

Frank Salisbury is a practising architect and lecturer in architecture for the University of Wales Associate College at Wrexham. He designed many important public buildings during his career with Cheshire County Council's Department of Architecture and as Assistant County Architect, led architectural and multidisciplinary teams in the realization of a great many high quality building projects.

*A desktop reference book assisting both client and architect.
*Enables client and architect to progress the building project more efficiently.
*Includes detailed sequential activity tables and checklists.

Project Management for Building Designers and Owners, Second Edition

Average customer rating:

Project Management for Building Designers and Owners, Second Edition
Howard G. Birnberg
Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0849312655

Book Description

Project Management for Building Designers and Owners presents the concepts, tools, and ideas to help design firms and owner/client project managers to better communicate and perform their jobs. Topics include: o Streamlining the complexity and costs of current building design and construction o Integrating the often-fragmented nature of the team in designing and constructing buildings o Assessing the reengineering trend of reducing in-house facilities and staff in planning, coordinating, and managing a project o Outsourcing responsibilities to traditional engineering, architectural, and facilities firms as well as program and project management firms o Comparing traditional design firms and specialty firms - in terms of finding and keeping capable staffs, project scope management, fee and time pressures, and a myriad of other issues o Communicating effectively within this highly fragmented, specialized, and complex arena This edition comprehensively outlines the fundamental means to effectively manage and control a project's scope, schedule, and budget.

The Classical Orders of Architecture, Second Edition

Average customer rating:

The book title says it all...
GET IT BACK IN PRINT!!!

The Classical Orders of Architecture, Second Edition
Robert Chitham
Manufacturer: Architectural Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0750661240

Book Description

This is the only publication that presents a modern interpretation of the Classical Orders. The new edition of this successful title now includes the proportions in both metric and imperial measurements to make the orders more accessible and to provide a valuable reference for designers.

The inclusion of both 100-part and 96-part systems of proportion is underpinned by an essay on James Gibbs - one of the 18th century authors of standardized proportioning systems - and his influence in America. Along with additional plates, this book gives a
clear introduction to those not familiar with the classical genre and is an easy to follow guide which assists architects, interior designers and conservators with the quality of their design.

1. The only detailed contemporary guide to the classical orders available
2. Presents the proportioning system in both metric and imperial for ease of understanding
3. An easily accessible introduction to the subject

Customer Reviews:

The book title says it all..........2000-01-07

An excellent source of information - in richly illustrated detail - of the Greek and Roman orders of architecture, including not just the columns, plinth and pediments, but complete building facades, plans and how the porportions of the order relate to these elements as well. In addition, the author includes examples by famous architects or of famous buildings showing how the order was interpreted in the past. The only omission - an intentional one, I am sure - is that orders of other cultures were not included.

GET IT BACK IN PRINT!!!.......1998-04-01

Whatever your view as an Architect, Classical Architecture is still around, and being built. With fewer Architects being knowledgeable of the orders of architecture, this book provides the essential information needed to provide an understanding of Classical Architecture. This book is not just a plate by plate description of built or unbuilt classical architecture, but a raw, down to the bone instruction manual of how to construct in minutest detail the five orders. WHEN it is back in print, this book will be an essential purchase for Architects and Offices alike. With very few Architects now having an understanding of Classical Architecture, you could be at an advantage. I would also suggest that when you get a copy, to actually draw the orders...its well worth it.

Book Description

'Structure and Architecture' is an essential textbook for students and practitioners of architecture and structural engineering. MacDonald explains the basic principles of structure and describes the ranges of structure types in current use. Furthermore, the book links these topics directly with the activity of architectural design and criticism. An update of the first edition, 'Structure and Architecture 2ed' includes a revised opening chapter, and a new section that discusses prominent buildings constructed since the last edition was published in 1994.

Angus MacDonald deals with structures holistically, relating detailed topics back to the whole structure and building. He aims to answer the questions: What are architectural structures? How does one define the difference between the structure of a building and all of the other components and elements of which it consists? What are the requirements of structures? What is involved in their design? An understanding of the concepts involved in answering these questions and an appreciation of how the structure of a building functions enhances the ability of an individual to appreciate its architectural quality. This book is unique in that it discusses the structural component of architectural design in the context of visual and stylistic issues.

Enables the reader to develop an understanding of how architectural structures function
Allows students to acquire a vocabulary covering the entire range of structure types and their appropriate use
Generously illustrated with many examples taken from contemporary buildings giving tips on how to evaluate architectural structures

Customer Reviews:

Excellent book.......2007-04-22

This book describes the different types of structural elements in buildings (steel, wood, reinforced concrete) and how they are constructed for maximum efficiency. A lot of the book deals with spans and how the efficiency of materials must accomodate different spans and weights. The concepts were very well written and easy to understand (the appendices were a little bit more complex) with lots of examples. I would recommend this for anyone who would like to try framing a structure or who is interested in more than just the picture books of architecture and would actually like to know what's inside the walls and how those objects are functioning.

Enhanced with an expanded and re-written chapter.......2001-07-04

Now in an updated and expanded second edition, Angus MacDonald's Structure & Architecture showcases the relationship between architecture and structural engineering using both historical and contemporary examples. This new edition is enhanced with an expanded and re-written chapter dealing with structural criticism and the relationship between structure and architectural style; as well as a new section on the relationships between architects, builders and engineers, and the influence which these relationships have on architectural styles and forms. Structure & Architecture is an invaluable and highly recommended addition to any personal, professional, or academic architectural studies collection.

Blueprint Reading for Construction, Second Edition

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Blueprint Reading for Construction, Second Edition
James A. S. Fatzinger , and James Fatzinger
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0131108115

Book Description

Based on the author's extensive practical experience in construction as a crew member in the field as well as a contractor and professional estimator, this book covers the whole spectrum of construction blueprint reading—from what a blueprint is to how to make use of a set of plans. Features an abundance of schematics and blueprints, a complete construction plans for a residence, a mathematics review, and appendices on Construction Abbreviations, Reference Tables, and Bid Documents. Blueprint Reading Fundamentals. The Survey. Off-Sites and Site Improvements. Foundations and Below-Grade Construction (On-Site). The Structure (On-Site). Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical. The Legal Documents. Commercial Plans and the Project Manual. Off-Sites and Site Improvements. On-Sites—The Office. Sites—Manufacturing/Warehouse. For anyone working in the construction trades.

Urban Design: Method and Techniques, Second Edition

Average customer rating:

consise and informative

Urban Design: Method and Techniques, Second Edition
J C Moughtin , Rafael Cuesta , Christine Sarris , and Paola Signoretta
Manufacturer: Architectural Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0750657189

Book Description

This book deals with a wide range of techniques used in the urban design process. It then goes on to relate these techniques to a unique, comprehensive account of method. A method of urban design is developed which has sustainability and environmental protection at the centre of its philosophy. Previously, literature regarding the urban design method has been almost totally neglected; this book introduces the topic to the reader. This revised Second Edition encompasses the latest techniques including the development of geographic information systems and financial techniques which help evaluate projects.

A number of techniques are illustrated by example or case study. Where techniques are discussed they are located within the structure of the design process. The book develops a logical framework for a process, which includes problem definition, survey, analysis, concept generation, evaluation and implementation. It is this framework which leads toward the development of an urban design method.

This book is a practical guide for students or professionals in the early part of their careers. It is organized so that each chapter provides guidance which readers would have otherwise had to discover for themselves, often with some difficulty.

* Shows how the techniques of urban design relate to method
* Outlines the techniques in detail and shows how to apply them
* In-depth case studies illustrate how theory has been translated into practice

Customer Reviews:

consise and informative.......2003-10-31

an excellent book for urban design students, with clearly defined and sequenced content, supported by appropriate case studies. Possibly the only negative thing about the book is its "textbook" nature; but very informative, nevertheless.

Restaurants Clubs and Bars, Second Edition (Library of Planning & Design)

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Restaurants Clubs and Bars, Second Edition (Library of Planning & Design)
Fred Lawson
Manufacturer: Architectural Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0750620765

Book Description

This book covers all aspects of planning, design and investment in commercial restaurants, from fast food outlets to night clubs. It also examines requirements for food services in the social and welfare sector.

With changing social and living habits creating an increasing demand for meals to be taken away from the home, investment in restaurants is taking place on a massive scale throughout the world. Restaurant design is also constantly evolving as changing fashions and competition demand more frequent refurbishment and reinvestment coupled with technical advances in food production and equipment. The book is illustrated by many examples of the most interesting projects in the field worldwide. Any student or practising caterer, architect or interior designer working in a restaurant in the food service industry will find this volume packed with invaluable guidance on planning, design and management.

* Thoroughly researched data on market trends and design
* Numerous examples illustrated with plans and details
* Guidance on business aspects and investment

Average customer rating:

Above quotation is misleading
It's not great but I don't know any other one that is better....

Ecohouse, Second Edition
Sue Roaf
Manufacturer: Architectural Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0750657340

Book Description

Ecohouse 2 tells you how to design low energy, environmentally friendly buildings. It provides the foundations for building design in a warming world, and shows how to take the first step towards the zero-carbon emission buildings of tomorrow.

Sue Roaf is famed for her approach to design and her awareness of energy efficiency. Here she reveals the concepts, structures and techniques that lie behind the realization of her ideals. By using her own house as a case-study Roaf guides the reader through the ideas for energy efficient design or 'eco design'.

This second edition, a follow up to the best selling original, introduces new sections including earth sheltering and reed beds. It also explores 24 case-studies of ecohouses from around the world. It is an ideal comprehensive reference for architects, designers and their clients, as well as self builders, who wish to help make sustainable design a reality.

* 24 case studies from around the world show how Ecohouse principles can be applied in different climates and cultures
* Contributions from experts including Christopher Day, Robert and Brenda Vale, Steven Szokolay, Peter Warm, Paul Jennings, Andre Viljoen and Nick Grant provide key specialist know-how
* Discussion of environmentally-friendly form and construction gives both students and practitioners an invaluable overview of the topic

Customer Reviews:

Above quotation is misleading.......2006-10-18

In the editorial reviews section above, a sentence from the review in Energy Design Update has been edited in a way to favor the book. One of the sentences in the long review (February 2006 issue of EDU) noted, "The book, though flawed, is a valuable introduction to green building principles." The reference to flaws was fleshed out over the next two and a half pages. Whoever created the blurb for this page conveniently snipped out the clause, "though flawed."

It's not great but I don't know any other one that is better...........2006-08-16

I bought this book after attending an exposition on ecohouses at the National Building Museum in Washington, which deeply inspired me. First of all I must say that I am not an architect or an engineer. Given that, the thing that annoyed me most about this book is the lack of depth in certain areas (I am a MD with a MSc in Toxicology and a PhD in Bioinformatics). I know that the book was written for a broad public but I expected to find more formulas and better explanations concerning the construction tecniques used for energy reduction. The book is too soft in some areas and does not explain in detail others (or is too confuse on the areas that it tries to go deeper). Also, the pictures don't have good legends and some times the reader is on its own when trying to interpret them. The chapter on ventilation has a lot of informations but I felt that it did not connected the dots very well. The chapter "Building-in soul", which has some kind of hollistic views on building ecohouses (in my point of view) is very obvious and mostly unecessary. In spite of that, I deeply enjoyed reading it and I would recommend the book. In the next edition I would like to see better diagrams, more technical information (formulas, tecniques, comparison tables etc). The examples at the end of the book could also be analyzed in more depth and using (as much as possible) homogeneous methods and the same parameters. More information on the additional cost to build ecohouses in relation to convetional ones would also be interesting.

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