The design of cities and buildings affects the quality of our lives. Making the built environment useful; safe; comfortable; efficient; and as beautiful as possible is a universal quest. We dream about how we might live; work; and play. From these dreams come some 95 percent of all private and public buildings; professional architects design only about 5 percent of the built environment. While much of what non-architects build is beautiful and useful; the ugliness and inconveniences that blight many urban areas demonstrate that an understanding of good architectural design is vital for creating livable buildings and public spaces. To help promote this understanding among non-architects; as well as among those considering architecture as a profession; award-winning architect and professor Hal Box explains the process of making architecture from concept to completed building; using real-life examples to illustrate the principles involved in designing buildings that enhance the quality of life for those who live with them. To cause what we build to become architecture; we have three choices: hire an architect; become an architect; or learn to think like an architect. Box believes that everyone should be involved in making architecture and has organized this book as a series of letters to friends and students about the process of creating architecture. He describes what architecture should be and do; how to look at and appreciate good buildings; and how to understand the design process; work with an architect; or become an architect. He also provides an overview of architectural history; with lists of books to read and buildings to see. For those involved in building projects; Box offers practical guidance about what goes into constructing a building; from the first view of the site to the finished building. For students thinking of becoming architects; he describes an architects typical training and career path. And for the wide public audience interested in architecture and the built environment; Box addresses how architecture relates to the city; where the art of architecture is headed; and why good architecture matters.
#1833228 in eBooks 2007-07-18 2007-07-18File Name: B003YCQ8ZM
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Zen SanctuaryBy Rebecca of "The Japanese garden rearranges the natural landscape in order to create a new beauty from nature." ~ Hirotaro OtaAfter reading Sunamita Lims beautiful book: "Chinese Style." I was interested to know more about her new book: "Japanese Style." It is equally impressive with warm nurturing spaces created with wood and bamboo. While reading it is easy to imagine yourself wandering along stone pathways or sitting by a pond in a serene Japanese garden."Simple celebrations of everyday life can be as easy as kicking off your shoes at the front door to symbolize leaving behind the harried outer world. then lighting incense and being soothed by the subtle aroma of lavender wafting through the house." ~ pg. 76I was intrigued by some of the designs. especially the cabinet made with maple. alder and burl woods. The bamboo gate leading out into a garden also looked inviting. While the gardens are filled with beautiful fountains and stone lanterns. the interiors are filled with soft fabrics. pillows and interestingly patterned rugs.The teahouses are especially warm and inviting and Sunamita Lims beautiful writing sets a mood for the traditional settings. This is the type of book you want to read while sitting in a comfy chair. Half the enjoyment is reading the well-placed quotes and imagining living in a refreshingly pure and soothing environment.~The Rebecca Review3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Big DisappointmentBy BamboochikI was really looking forward to reading this book. expecting all kinds of great ideas. Instead it was a mess of a book with no real rational rhyme or reason. Thank goodness it was a freebie! I deleted it from my Kindle with relief to be done with it.6 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Caricature of Japanese ArchitectureBy Sergio RodriguezThis book is very disappointing. is one of those typical books that publishers put together just to have more books on a certain subject. The examples are not only boring. but have no in dept analysis. the projects are few. and do no justice to the great examples of Japanese architecture (influenced) in North America. what a waste!
