Drafting Books

Architectural Graphics

Francis D. K. Ching

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Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Architecture -> Drawing & Modelling -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Architectural Graphics, et al - excellent books, DECEPTIVE advertising 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 11 people found this review helpful.

Get your act together Amazon or Wiley (I suspect Wiley) !!! (especially, note my final paragraph below)

1. This is NOT a hardback.

2. The "et al" is because this is NOT a single volume as suggested by the single ISBN 0471738263, but a COLLECTION of 3 PAPERBACKS - Architectural Graphics 4th ed ISBN 0471209066 (note different ISBN from that for the 3-volume set cited under only Ching's book title; 215 pages) by Francis D K Ching, Construction Drawings and Details for Interiors ISBN 0471109533 (246 pages)by W Otie Kilmer and Rosemary Kilmer, Interior Graphic Standards - Student Edition ISBN0471461962 (452 pages) by Maryrose McGowan AIA and Kelsey Kruse AIA for American Institute of Architects; overall total of 913 pages (NOT 944).

I have owned Ching's book since the first edition and it continues to be one of the best of the best. The Graphics Standards series is, of course, of biblical stature among all interested architecture and associated professionals. The Construction Drawings ... book I am unfamiliar with, though at a glance, it seems worthy.

Frustating thing is that I was especially interested in the prospect of a MAJOR significant enhancement of Ching's book - my take on Amazon's/Wiley's deceptive (or incompetent, to be more generous and kind) advertising. I already owned Ching's 4th edition and had no particular interest in the other 2 volumes, useful as they appear to be!

If only one of these volumes is of interest, any one of these 3 books would cost substantially less as an individual purchase. The price of the package of all 3 is probably a bargain, though I have not verified this.

You can do better Amazon and Wiley, so DO IT! This is sloppy work, which I have seen exemplified in other locations recently on your website; though, this is probably the worst I have seen (yet).

I resent the fact that this review is also being used at the Architectural Graphics (single volume only) webpage - where, removed from it's original and proper context, my comment appears to make no sense at all - as well as at the webpage where Ching's book title is deceptively (or sloppily) used to entice buyers to purchase a 3-book package (not explained at the webpage), when the buyer may only be interested in Ching's excellent book, thinking the much higher price is for a major revision of such (which it is not).

Fredric Lee McLaughlin, Architect

Editorial Review:

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.

Design Drawing

Francis D. K. Ching

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Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Instructional & How-To -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Design Drawing Book and CD - ROM Francis D.K. Ching with Steven P. Juroszek Author and architecture educator Francis D.K. Ching shares his unique command of visual language in this new presentation of drawing principles and techniques. Design Drawing is a comprehensive introduction to drawing and more-its innovative book-plus-CD-ROM package sheds new light on the relationship between perception, drawing, and design. In his distinctive graphic style, Ching takes us on an exciting journey through the process of creation. He unmasks the basic cognitive processes that drive visual perception and expression, incorporating observation, memory, and rendering into a creative whole. But the author sees drawing "not only as artistic expression but also as a practical tool for formulating and working through design problems," showing us how to apply "visual thinking" as a versatile tool for approaching design projects. Design Drawing covers the traditional basics of drawing, including line, shape, tone, and space. Different types of artistic conventions such as multiview, paraline, and perspective drawings are also lucidly explained. The final section, "Drawing from the Imagination," fuels the creative spirit to find its own direction. Throughout the book you'll find over a 1,500 hand-rendered drawings and exercises which reinforce the concepts and lessons of each chapter. The supplemental CD-ROM is packed with brilliant gems of information and instruction, elucidating a broad range of design drawing concepts through the communicative power of animation, video, and three-dimensional models. Intended for use with the book or as a stand-alone supplement, the CD-ROM includes 25 interactive lessons which demonstrate concepts and techniques in a way that a 2-D book format cannot. For example, the CD-ROM contains video of the author demonstrating freehand techniques in a step-by-step manner, as well as the author's voice throughout the CD-ROM explaining the various lessons. For professional architects, designers, fine artists, illustrators, teachers and students alike, this all-in-one package is both an effective tool and an outstanding value. System Requirements: Windows(r) Processor - 486DX 66 MHz (Pentium recommended) RAM - 16 MB Hard disk space available - 10 MB Graphics card and monitor - 640 × 480 SVGA display/256 ColorSound Blaser compatible sound card and external speakers Windows(r) 3.1 or Windows '95(r) 4X CD-ROM Drive Macintosh(r) Processor - 68040 25 MHz or PowerMac 601 (Quadra 650 or/PowerMac 6100 or better) RAM 16 MB Hard disk space available - 10 MB Monitor - 256 colors (640×480) Standard internal Mac sound (external speakers optional) Operating System: System 7 or later 4X CD-ROM drive

Portfolio Design, Third Edition

Harold Linton, Steven Rost

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great Starting Point for Gathering Ideas 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

First off, this is a great reference for people/architecture students who are starting up or refining their portfolios. It is packed with some excellent, helpful written guidelines and decent imagery of a wide variety of portfolios. The professional commentary/critiques of the case-study portfolios are worth the price of the book alone. I received the 2nd edition of the book 5 years ago as a gift as I was applying to architecture school (after I'd submitted my portfolio however!) and, after leafing through the book in detail at Borders, I picked up this 3rd edition today as I am preparing to graduate and enter the work force.

Now, with that out of the way...

Several of the negative complaints I've read on here have focused on the "poor presentation" of the portfolios and the quality of the images of them, etc. While those comments are not without merit or completely off-base, they are in fact quite silly with regard to the subject matter of this book. Linton is providing samples of portfolios that were created by various students who volunteered to have their work featured and the fact is that many of the portfolios are quite elaborate fold-outs, spiral bound books, or printed plates...there is really no way for the author to present the images of the portfolios themselves (not their content!) other than photographing them.

You can easily understand the IDEAS that are on display and how they are being graphically represented. That is the essence of what you need for composing your OWN portfolio featuring your OWN work. If you're looking for step-by-step instructions on how to create a slick portfolio, look elsewhere. I will say that the book would strongly benefit from more color imagery, but as for the reviewer who said they simply gave the book away because it was so disappointing and worthless, well, we don't see eye-to-eye on this one.

Editorial Review:

The architecture student's bible, revised, with expanded coverage of digital portfolios and seventy new illustrations. A portfolio is the essential tool for a job search, graduate school or grant application, or competition entry. This new edition of a bestseller continues to cover every aspect of portfolio planning and production, with increased emphasis on digital strategies, and it includes reviews of actual student portfolios by three industry professionals. 23 color illustrations.

Drawing and Designing with Confidence: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mike W. Lin

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Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Drawing -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

drawing and designing with confidence: a step-by-step guide 5 out of 5 stars.
15 of 16 people found this review helpful.

Although I've been drawing and illustrating for a living for quite some time now, this book served to refresh my memory on things that I have forgotten and teach me some new and quick short cuts. I highly recommend this book for beginners and polished illustrators.

Not Good For Beginner Artist 2 out of 5 stars.
7 of 11 people found this review helpful.

The book has alot of great art work and teaches some inetersting points but unless you already an acomplished artist, this book will bore you,over whlem you, and mabe even discourage you.

I didn't feel the confidence the books title said it would give. Mabe I will reread it when I have the confidence in my art work to understand what the book is talking about.

Its not that its a bad book, its just filled with alot of bla bla bla and not enough instruction-

Editorial Review:

Readers of this book learn graphic rendering skills quickly with the proven how-to approach that has made Lin the most successful teacher in the field. His method emphasizes speed, confidence, and relaxation, while incorporating many time-saving tricks of the trade.

Informal

Cecil Balmond

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Now available in paperback for the first time, Informal offers a comprehensive account of Cecil Balmond's innovative approach to architecture and engineering.

Balmond is one of the most important structural engineers working in architecture today. His structural thinking differs from that of other engineers in his field in its completely new conception of the engineer's contribution to architecture. The plasticity of architectural plans is enhanced through a decisive development of their structural designs. The borderline between structure and architecture thus becomes increasingly blurred. This process is explained in detail in Informal by reference to eight exemplary projects. Balmond elucidates the theoretical basis of his engineering solutions and his sketches transcend purely technical illustration--they are the key to his approach. Informal invites readers to rethink their understanding of the relationship between architecture and engineering.

Freehand Sketching: An Introduction

Paul Laseau

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Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Architecture -> Drawing & Modelling -> Drafting

Editorial Review:

Simple, basic techniques for architecture students learning to sketch freehand. Even in the computer age, freehand drawing is the architect's most useful tool for notation, design exploration, and graphic communication. This book, based on the author's thirty years of experience teaching, aims at building skill and confidence through mastery of the fundamentals and practice in carefully designed exercises. 200 line drawings.

A Manual of Construction Documentation

Glenn Wiggins

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Good, But Not for Residential Projects or Beginners 3 out of 5 stars.
28 of 28 people found this review helpful.

I was looking for an introductory book to explain how to prepare construction drawings, and the title seemed like it might do the job. However, this book is ENTIRELY dedicated to commercial buildings and the target seems to be intermediate users. There is very little useful information for residential Projects or Beginners.

The book was done well however, and I wish the author would make a similar book for residential work and revise the title or taglines these books.

Included in my course syllabus 4 out of 5 stars.
20 of 20 people found this review helpful.

I have been teaching construction documents to interior designers at Parsons School of Design for the past three years. The Wiggins Book is one of the two prime texts included in my course bibliography. The sheet by sheet instruction are very clear and show the process of putting together a set of drawings. I don't always follow the same standards as Wiggins, but it's the best that's out there. As previously commented, not recommended for residential or specialty interiors projects. Very good reference for general commercial construction documents.

Interior Graphic and Design Standards

S. Reznikoff

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

One of the best. 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 5 people found this review helpful.

A very informative and usefull book for all designers.

Designers 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 3 people found this review helpful.

A great book for interior designers. Serves as a great refrence. A must add to any library collection!

A great reference book for Design Students and Practicing Designers! 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I recently purchased this book while taking a Commercial Interior Design course as part of my Interior Design degree. I found the book to be very helpful in many aspects of commercial design and specification. Also, my boss, who is a licensed Interior Designer and has been practicing for about 10 years has a copy of the book that she used while in college; she refers to it as her design reference Bible, haha. Although some of the material (such as codes) may be out of date due to the everchanging laws and standards, overall this book is filled with valuable information. A must-have for all interior designers!

great resource tool 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book is a necessary staple for every Interior Designer's book collection

This one needs to go permanently out-of-print and be forgotten 1 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book is out-of-date, poorly written, poorly organized, and a complete waste of one's money, time, and effort. The graphics are inconsistent and poorly done, and it is a nightmare trying to make sense of technical information provided by Ms. Reznikoff.

This reference has been eclipsed in light-years by Maryrose McGowan's book "Interior Design Graphic Standards", which is now considered THE reference book of choice and the Gold Standard in its class. Use your money wisely and opt to purchase McGowan's publication instead of this one.

Drawing Shortcuts: Developing Quick Drawing Skills Using Today's Technology

Jim Leggitt

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Why the hype? 4 out of 5 stars.
21 of 25 people found this review helpful.

I was left with the feeling from the other reviews that this book would be great for architects, which it is not. It is more for an art student. If you want a better book on architecture drawing get "Color Drawing: Design Drawing Skills and Techniques for Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers, 2nd Edition" by Michael E. Doyle

Editorial Review:

A fresh, integrated approach to traditional and digital drawing

This highly visual guide brings together the best of traditional and digital drawing techniques to help architects and designers generate sketches and presentation drawings quickly and effectively. It shows how to harness today's digital power-using wire-frame perspectives, photographic underlays, digital cameras, copiers, and other computer tools-to speed up the drawing process and improve design communication. What's more, it offers ample coverage of the basics such as composition, shading, and perspective, as well as step-by-step instructions for drawing people, trees, and cars. Full-color throughout, Drawing Shortcuts includes more than 300 illustrations and is filled with information to help readers make strategic decisions about drawing format, style, and more.

Sketch Plan Build: World Class Architects Show How It's Done

Alejandro Bahamon

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Often the most sophisticated buildings get their start as quick sketches in a moment of sudden inspiration. During the long process of careful refinement, these same sketches take shape and emerge as the buildings we see before us everyday. Focusing on the design process of today's most noteworthy architects, Sketch Plan Build explores the reasoning, resources, and influences behind the projects of today's most recognized architects.

This book is a primary tool for under-standing the different traits and nuances each architect uses to express their own ideas. With international projects from world renowned architects such as Tadao Ando, Coop Himmel(b)lau, and Renzo Piano, and with detailed sketches, drawings, and photographs for each project, Sketch Plan Build is sure to provide a comprehensive compendium for all those interested in how an inspired idea makes the journey from projection to construction.

This book brings together the drawings, sketches, and finished photographs of more than thirty prestigious international architects. With its 500 fully-illustrated pages, Sketch Plan Build is a diverse graphic tour that starts with the sketch, extends to drawings, and concludes with finished photographs -- providing the reader with a profound insight into the design process of today's most respected architects.