(Part 2) Best building architecture books according to redditors
We found 626 Reddit comments discussing the best building architecture books. We ranked the 325 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
Did he check the Amazon reviews? They all look really positive.
Timber framing is not the same as 2x4 construction, but a timber frame may use 2x4's to fill in the gaps. The main difference between a timber frame and "stick-built" (2x4) structure is that the timbers are the main source of structure or "skeleton" of the building. Once the frame is built, you just have to fill in the empty spaces. You can do this with dimensional lumber like 2x4's, or you can do cordwood, which is cement and logs (looks amazing). There are a number of other option for filling in a timber frame that your book probably covers. Timber-framing is a bit more involved and physically demanding than 2x4/stick built framing, but it is also much more beautiful and will last much longer. I've timber-framed a few small cabins and I can tell you first hand that it is an incredibly fun and satisfying way to build.
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Edit: this is also a great resource https://www.amazon.com/Timber-Frame-Construction-Post-Beam/dp/0882663658/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=timber+frame&qid=1563287101&s=gateway&sr=8-3
Why build yourself? Are you looking for something in particular? Building a house in not an easy endeavor.
I'm saying that as a "builder" now working on my second build. I'm not a traditional builder, but I was/am working with smaller in-city lots and am building specifically for long term hold rental properties. My properties had to be custom designed to fit the lots and are for student rentals, so I designed them with smaller bedrooms without master suites, low maintenance long term items (spray foamed the entire exterior of the house, standing seam roof, etc) I literally built the house myself. I was the GC and did a lot of the work myself. It took me about 15 months (demo to CO) for the first one and the second we broke ground about 3 months ago. The drawing and permitting process took ~6 months prior on both. It was an extremely rewarding experience once I finished, but it was extremely stressful on the family and I just can't imagine a normal person doing it. I literally was on my job site 95% of the days over those 15 months.
I'm a huge fan of building science and while I like the idea of Passivehaus, I'm would caution that reaching those higher limits may not be worth the effort if you aren't a building science nerd like I am. More often than not many "normal" contractors will either lie to you saying they know what you want and know how to do it or will have the deer in the headlights look. If you want to get to the higher standards you will have to find those specific contractors and they are not cheap nor are they always readily available.
Agreed with the other user on low maintenance material. The current house I'm building I found a new siding that is definitely more expensive, but is actually dyed through (composite) and therefore will never need to be painted and it being a composite means no caulk. Again that is a tradeoff of upfront cost versus down the road cost.
Lastly before I built my first house I read for almost 2 years. I was/am a full time landlord so am fairly free so that reading was really "studying" and "preparing"for me. One minor note regarding the book list is that I wasn't looking for a builder as I had time and wanted to try and build a house. So many of the books I read were more granular and not so much about permitting and budgeting, etc. I figured I would figure out that stuff as I went along and I did. One big caveat, I didn't finance my build, but if you are you will more than likely need to hire a licensed GC/builder.
Books I read:
https://www.amazon.com/International-Residential-Two-Family-Dwellings-Council/dp/1609837371
Green from the ground up
https://www.amazon.com/Green-Ground-Sustainable-Energy-Efficient-Construction/dp/156158973X
Green Home Building
https://www.amazon.com/Green-Home-Building-Money-Saving-High-Performance/dp/0865717796
Superhouse
https://www.amazon.com/Super-House-Efficiency-Dazzling-Strength/dp/0965792633
Buildings don't lie
https://www.amazon.com/Buildings-Dont-Lie-Henry-Gifford/dp/0999011006
Complete visual guide to building a house
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Visual-Guide-Building-House/dp/1600850227
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Taunton+For+Pros+by+Pros&ref=nb_sb_noss
There were many more books, but these are the ones I thought worthwhile to buy.
Warning: Novel incoming.
One option for finding floor plans is the archive of Sears catalog houses here.
However, I'm going to take a different approach with the rest of my response, because it sounds like you have a lot of the same issues with gallery houses that I do.
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The easiest way to get around this is to understand the design process so that you don't need to copy other's plans. I suggest two of my text books from design school:
It's a professional book, but it's meant for 1st and 2nd year students so it's not overly technical. I like it because the drawing style is loose and approachable, and it's a very comprehensive. It will walk you through the creative process and will give you planning tools you can use to come up with your own floor plans later on. There are sections on both commercial and residential design, separate sections on individual rooms, and then how those rooms fit together into a whole building. It even talks about furniture placement!
This one focuses on exteriors and has both photographs of homes in styles throughout history and line drawings showing what elements make those homes an example of that style. Because it separates out the elements, it's easier to adapt them to new buildings.
If you really want to get into it, I think it's worth it to get the books. They'll have a depth of information you just can't get online - especially in terms of picking up the design process and explaining why things work.
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In terms of adapting real-world measurements into the Sims...I don't advocate for it. Every time I try, the proportions are messed up visually and/or the room sizes don't translate well for sims furniture and activities. I find that it's much, much better to base room sizes on the furniture layout you want and how much open space you need around those arrangements. In other words - work from the inside out.
Say you see a floor plan with furniture on it - a couch, chair and coffee table. It doesn't matter how big those pieces are in real life and it doesn't matter how big the room is, either. Why? Because you know how big that furniture is in the sims and that's all that matters. You need a room that will accomodate a 3x1 tile couch, a 1x1 tile chair, and a 2x1 tile coffee table, plus walking space. You can do a similar thing by translating building facades into 1 or 2-tile windows and doors. I usually work from what minimums I know work in the game and then add space depending on how luxurious I want it to be. Just keeping in mind how much space each item takes up in the game is immensely helpful.
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I like to harp the most central part of really good design: build for your clients' reality.
Don't build a house for humans. Build a house for Sims. Maybe it's just me, but it annoys the crap out of me when I see fake garages and storage rooms in TS4 houses. It's a waste of potentially useful space and family funds. Also, Embrace the weirdness and don't forget about cool things like bubble blower lounges and rocket ships! If your sim has a weird hobby, don't forget to dedicate space for it.
One last thing! Minimize your corridor space! It's dead space so please, please don't make long rambling hallways. Looking at good plans will help you avoid that. Our professors nagged us on this all the time.
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Ninja Edit: I thought it might be helpful to list out my process steps, so here it goes.
I know it's a lot of front-end work, but it saves so many issues down the road. You never have to run out of room, or have too much of it, or have to go back and re-do stuff if you plan a little.
I'm fairly new to the trade. Been in for about a year now. The way I got in was by looking on craigslist for carpenter apprentices. A local contractor picked me up and I've been on the job learning since. It's very rewarding, expecially when you finish a project or big job, and it is very difficult at times too. Moving stacks of lumber around and working outside on roofs when it's over 100 out isn't fun. I would say with my company we dabble in many things from framing, finish work, remodels, and custom projects. I've heard of guys on this sub who had been working on prefab stuff in shops hoping to get out and work on real homes, but there are plenty of guys who love that stuff because being inside with ac is always nice. I've heard big companies that build track homes are pretty fast paced and a lot of people leave because the pressure and stress amd repetitivness. Also, attention to detail and listening to directions are very important no matter the job. Other than that tools are #1. If you don't have the tools you're useless. Not all jobs do you provide your own tools, but if you're not with some big company you will most likely provide that on your own. You can find some pretty good lists online of general tools you should have. Skilsaw (Mag77), bags, sawsall, grinder, impact, drill, holehawg, levels, nailers, hoses and compressor are some pretty basic things you should have and have experience with. Look up "Larry Haun" when you have a chance. He has good material that you can read/watch through. Other than that listen to advice from the OGs on the job and be confident in your measurements before you cut. As long as you're willing to learn there will be someone willing to teach you. Good luck out there :)
I drew mine by hand using graph paper. I also found this book to be a huge help.
The drafting company is expensive because they are full plans and may even be above and beyond what is required for a permit. Lowes and HD also have free deck building software which should suffice for a permit.
An Essential Reading List For Designers
Source: www.tomfaulkner.co.uk
All books have been linked to Amazon for review and possible purchase. Remember to support the authors by purchasing their books. If there are any issues with this listing let me know via comments or pm.
Architecture
Communication Design
Fashion Design
Angela ButtolphEditors of Phaidon ?Furniture Design
Game Design
Graphic Design
Information Design
Industrial Design
(cont'd)
This one's a good starter.
Start digging.
https://www.amazon.com/Earthbag-Building-Tricks-Techniques-Natural/dp/0865715076
https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Buildings-Course-Architectural/dp/0847831124
That one is a good one on how to read buildings. Not necessary interior specific but good knowledge to have.
Another vote for Frank Ching books. I have the Building Construction Illustrated one and refer to it often.
You can see some lights and vents in this interior shot
Here is how they do the wiring.
Page 99 of this book expands on the wiring and plumbing. It basically just goes on the inside of the earthbag wall. They tie it into the bags with wire and brackets.
Horizontal plumbing goes in the floor, in the crevices between the bags or through a framed wall that intersects the earth bags. Vertical plumbing goes through the bags or stays exposed on the outside of the wall for easy access. The other option is to hide it under cabinets and behind benches built into the adobe wall.
https://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-American-Houses/dp/0394739698
Not really. I have tried to get into it, got this book, but I'm usually wrong when I try to decipher the architectural style of a building, so I don't make the effort to notice much anymore.
If you'd like to add this one to your Amazon wishlist and I'll send it along. Amazon says it will arrive by the 23rd, just in time.
read this too:
http://www.amazon.com/Experiencing-Architecture-Steen-Eiler-Rasmussen/dp/0262680025/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1290477974&sr=8-2
and:
http://www.amazon.com/Experiencing-Architecture-Steen-Eiler-Rasmussen/dp/0262680025/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1290477974&sr=8-2
and what the hell, this too:
http://www.amazon.com/Delirious-New-York-Retroactive-Manifesto/dp/1885254008/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1290478143&sr=1-1
and welcome aboard, brotha!
Walt Disney's Disneyland is an incredibly comprehensive history of the original park. While it includes plenty of concept art it features many historical photos, planning documents, construction photos etc as well as taking the most detailed approach to the story of the park's construction and updates I've seen.
Walt Disney Imagineering is a good companion with a stronger focus on World, but this is more specific ride histories and designs than the overall park.
The Art of Walt Disney is a fantastic top to bottom look at the history of the studios and company, with plenty of amazing illustrations but is obviously art driven.
DisneyWar (already mentioned) is the seminal account of the Eisner era specifically and takes the word "comprehensive" to new heights.
The Walt Disney Studios (releasing this Sept) promises to be an excellent account of the film studios themselves and movies developed there.
As others have touched on there is a little bit of a vacuum for works that are just written histories, most have to get wrapped around "art" in some capacity to justify all of these books being $60+ 300 page hardcovers.
Some great suggestions here. For something really accessible, I recommend 'How to Read Buildings: A Crash Course in Architectural Styles'. It's in a series that also includes 'How to Read Modern Buildings'/ Bridges/ Houses/ Churches/ etc.
Heres one id recommend!
https://www.amazon.ca/Industrial-Design-Materials-Manufacturing-Guide/dp/0470055383
If you read something like Japanese Homes and Their Surroundings you can see how a lot of Japanese architects use traditional features just in a modern style.
Plumbing and eletrical outlets are easily implemented within earthbags. I would recommend getting this book if you're really interested in the building process: http://www.amazon.com/Earthbag-Building-Tricks-Techniques-Natural/dp/0865715076
it covers everything.
Essentially, to connect plumbing, you'd come up through the floor like a normal household. If you'd like the plumbing to run flush with the wall, you create a strip anchor that attaches to the bags (the strip anchor is composed of a 10"x10" plywood sheet that has a 10"x2"x4" piece of wood. This 2x4 allows your to nail/secure utilies to the wall.
Strip anchors are also used to secure electrical conduits.
Here you go: http://www.amazon.com/The-Island-Center-World-Manhattan/dp/1400078679
It's a fun read, although occasionally a bit too speculative.
Edit: Oh, and Delirious New York: A Retroactive Manifesto for Manhattan is really speculative, but also brilliant and fantastic. One of my favorite books of all time.
Books I own and still use as reference:
https://www.amazon.com/Industrial-Design-Materials-Manufacturing-Guide/dp/0470055383/ref=sr_1_35?ie=UTF8&qid=1497367939&sr=8-35&keywords=industrial+design
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1856697436/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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https://www.amazon.com/Sketching-Basics-printing-Roselien-Steur/dp/9063692536/ref=sr_1_32?ie=UTF8&qid=1497367910&sr=8-32&keywords=industrial+design
Books and videos are great, especially for learning about different building designs/methods, but I always recommend learning by doing. Volunteer on weekends with your local Habitat for Humanity for a while. Even if you don't end up working on every part you'll likely see others working on most of them and get a sense of how things are done. When you have that experience, dry in a small shed, which shouldn't take more than a week or two, and can then serve as a shelter while building the full cabin.
If you think you might end up working on it fully or largely alone, Working Alone by John Carroll has some good ideas.
As an entry level planner you'd probably be staffing the counter and helping process land use permits, so customer service skills and professionalism will likely be pretty important. I got a graduate degree in planning and we only opened a zoning code for one assignment, where we looked at a property to see if a proposed use could be built given the zoning, etc.
So my recommendation would be to maybe find a zoning textbook (or A Better Way to Zone), look at the zoning code and recent staff reports from the places you're thinking of applying, and see if you can reach out to a planner there for an informational interview through the local APA chapter or just a cold call.
A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia and Lee McAlester.
It's designed for exactly this kind of question :)
I would like to recommend this book as well
My boss lent it to me out of his personal library. According to the prologue (and I would like to note that I haven't confirmed this) it was the last and greatest work done on Japanese architecture (particularly homes) before Westernization. The author spent a long time traveling the country, talking to people and sketching/examining homes. Tons and tons of sketches and descriptions, as well as discussion of the living tradition that developed to create these homes.
There's an out-of-print book simply called "Passive Solar Energy." It's got lots of great information; I bet it will be just what you are looking for as far as the physics of solar energy and thermosiphoning (which is essentially "heated fluid rises because it's less dense than cooler fluid"). I'm an engineer and I really think that book gives you all you need to know to have a basic working knowledge of solar heat gain and how various systems of solar energy capture operate. Here's a list of books I have found helpful and/or interesting in regards to solar energy:
For earthships/earth-sheltered homes, I recommend these books:
From my experience in university studying fluid dynamics, I recommend not going any deeper into the subject than what you would find in the solar energy books I listed above. The subject is math-heavy, and the academic study of the topic is not going to help you with what you are interested in with permaculture. It's kind of like studying the abstract physics/math of electromagnetism when all you want to do is wire a house.
Hope this helps!
At home is a great read. It is basically a way of discussing many interesting facts and events throughout history, draped over a rough scaffold of investigation into the beginnings of a house. Highly recommend.
You could search for Japanese Homes and Their Surroundings by Morse. Not many photos, as I recall, but good drawings. It was first published in 1886, Dover did a reprint of it and paperbacks of it are out there.
http://www.amazon.ca/Timber-Frame-Construction-Post-Beam/dp/0882663658
for this type of building that is a great primer
If altering walls/floorplans is important to you, definitely make sure to bone up on framing and carpentry - there are some great books on Amazon that are geared towards apprentices. They're very easy to understand and will help you figure out how to make changes to your home. At the very least, you'll be familiar enough with basic concepts to ask smart questions of any contractors you hire in the future.
Also, you'll want to learn about the difference between load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls.
If you're looking to find a professional for his/her opinion, assistance or labor, asking elderly neighbors for recommendations is a good place to start. Don't overlook asking around at your local mom & pop hardware, plumbing store or sawmill as well. The "gruff curmudgeon" working the counter for the last 20 years has seen & heard a lot and can be an invaluable resource.
If you find yourself buying supplies locally, it's almost always preferable to buy them on a 'cash and carry' basis at a source that sells to pro-contractors. Sherwin-Williams vs Home Depot, for example. These guys sell products that are meant to last (no pro worth his or her salt wants to come back and redo a job they just finished because something has failed or broken) and that aren't available in big-box stores. The more you buy, the more of a relationship you will build, and this is always a good thing when it comes to DIY. There are a lot of fantastic roofing/plumbing/tile shops in nondescript pole-barns out in the middle of 'nowhere'. You can usually find these shops by reading pro-forums online, searching for products that are mentioned, and then looking for distributors on those product manufacturer's websites.
Last but not least, if you ever find yourself looking for granite or marble counters, pay a visit to your local tombstone/monument company. You can often pick up amazing deals, and if your project is small enough, you can buy their "scrap" trimmings for far, far less than you would pay at Lowe's or a custom kitchen company. (We scored beautiful marble thresholds and window sills for our bathroom remodel for $20 each; the tombstone maker custom-cut them out of a piece of overage he had leaned up against the back of the building.)
Books:
How Cities Work: Suburbs, Sprawl, and the Roads Not Taken by Alex Marshall
A Better Way to Zone: Ten Principles to Create More Livable Cities by Donald L. Elliott
Anything by Leon Krier (Architecture: Choice or Fate being my favorite) or William H. Whyte (The Social Life Of Small Urban Spaces being my favorite)
Essays:
Jane Jacobs and the The Death and Life of American Planning by Thomas J. Campanella
Toward and Urban Design Manifesto by Allen Jacobs and Donald Appleyard.
A Year in the Life of a Shinto Shrine is a great start for understanding shinto. Another great one is Shinto: The Kami Way. I used both for a capstone paper on Shinto in college, and they were invaluable resources.
This is an old book by Jack Sobon. He is a timber-framer and has become a historian on old barns.
"Silent Spaces" is a beautiful book of old barns of Europe.
Cool design!
I highly recommend taking a look at the book “Green From the Ground Up,” it provides great insight into making an affordable, healthy, and quality home, and would apply even better to a tiny house!
https://www.amazon.com/Green-Ground-Sustainable-Energy-Efficient-Construction/dp/156158973X
The Phaidon Atlas has exactly what you describe.
http://www.amazon.com/Function-Ornament-Farshid-Moussavi/dp/8496540502
Fantastic illustrations of a variety of building envelopes both structural and otherwise. Uses built examples for almost all types by my recollection. Great for inspiration and ideas for how details can work.
http://www.amazon.com/Pamphlet-Architecture-27-Benjamin-Aranda/dp/1568985479/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269553049&sr=1-1
Great if you're interested in systematic or digital design. Outlines of few processes that convey a way of thinking about design based around a sort of formula or algorithm.
Looks like a great trip to me. The only consideration my be the visit to Pisa. I chose to take a pass based on reading reports that the leaning tower area is very crowded and not actually that interesting. It might be worth a 3rd day in Florence instead. Also, suggested reading before visiting Florence..... Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture There is a tour that you should book in advance that takes you up inside the dome.
I'm preparing to build my own house (both serving as GC and with hammer in hand) with very limited experience.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine and internet subscription is great.
Also
Housebuilding; A Do-It-Yourself Guide, Revised and Expanded is a great book.
Fine Homebuilding offers very in-depth explanation on specific subject matter. For example I just read a great article and videos on mitering VS coping crown molding.
The Housebuilding book is a very broad and complete guide, if a little shallow. If you don't know all the phases of construction and most of the options for each step, this is a great book to start with and you can go researching from there.
Actually, if built right, straw doesn't have a problem here: http://www.ecobuildnetwork.org/projects/straw-bale-code-supporting-documents
The thing about being off the grid and using rammed earth tires is you end up with off-gassing issues for years. The whole angle of sun, thermal walls and enclosed biome isn't a bad idea but you need sunshine and a good diurnal(sp?) swing. Meaning that the temp needs to swing a decent number of degrees every 24 hours for it to be really useful. Daytime sun warms up those thick earthen walls to be gradually radiated over a cool night. Wouldn't be helpful in our cloudy/rainy winters. You can design, by using lat/long, such that you maximize the sun you do get, and minimize in summer, but that is an important part of the earthship design philosophy.
And OP, you don't need to spend $7000 on plans. As far as code, typically as long as you aren't in a municipality, there isn't much inspection or code enforcement happening. Earthships were meant to be built and designed by you. The three originals will give you most if not all the info you need: amazon. If I had my copies I'd give them to you. The concept is solid, just saying the whole tire containment system is bogus, no need for it. To be honest, you'll have a hard time finding used tires suitable I'd bet.
But seriously, good luck on going off grid. Look into an all dc system with battery backup. AC (alternating current) is costly as it is VERY inefficient. There are DC fridges out there but aren't cheap. If done right the only other electrical you'll need is for lighting and possibly pumps. I don't know if they still do the solar composting toilets but that will probably take some getting used to.
Item which would most make you seem like an old posh Englishman.. Because the posh always like to have smart books about, it reflects well on them. Even if they haven't read them. Located on my Books wish list.
Most "oh god, I would never be seen with this in public" looking item.. It just looks weird, that's all. Located in my >$8.00 with shipping wish list.
Most phallic looking item. Located on my Knitting & Crochet wish list.
Most geeky item. Which is on my Entertainment wish list
Or this on my Misc list.
Or this from my Dream List
Maybe even this which is on my Books I have a lot of them :D
Item which would most help you achieve a goal. We're designing and building our own home over the next couple of years so the book would be very helpful in achieving that goal. It is located on my House Design wish list.
Best item to bring to a deserted island. Eating is important, being able to cut things is important for eating. On my Cooking & baking list.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0962676705/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
I'm curious. You mentioned you were an undergrad, and in your 3rd and last year of studio? What kind of program is it? Is it for a BS in Arch? I ask because at my college, for a BArch, there are 5 years of studio.
Edit: I'll add what helped me, I'm pretty sure everyone goes through this at some point. I tried to renew my love for architecture, and did so pretty well. Check out some architecture magazines, go on a small field trip to a good building nearby (2-3 hour drive away, something you never got a chance to see). I also highly reccomend these two books on architectural history/theory. Delirious New York by Rem Koolhaas and Learning from Las Vegas by Robert Venturi. I found them both very interesting and, no offense to the theorists of the early 20th century, but these are a little more for our time.
Not sure if you were aware that the link u provided was the French version but in any case [this] is the English variant. (https://www.amazon.ca/Walt-Disneys-Disneyland-Chris-Nichols/dp/3836563487/ref=pd_aw_sbs_14_1/147-9303567-5836730?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=3836563487&pd_rd_r=94cf94f6-a31a-11e9-bd3f-4b85b1506dc1&pd_rd_w=l81q0&pd_rd_wg=zplWv&pf_rd_p=3a308568-5ad4-46c5-8c89-03ade658cbda&pf_rd_r=M0CEGNGTER287FV384BE&psc=1&refRID=M0CEGNGTER287FV384BE)
Does your county have a codebook document available? I am in the middle of a deck project and I downloaded a pdf off my count website. I was able to find it via a google search.
I would also recommend this book, it has a lot of great info
http://www.amazon.com/Building-Deck-Expert-Advice-Tauntons/dp/1561584797?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
As for your question your footing would have to be closer to the house then 5 ft in my county as code will not allow a cantilever out that far.
They also state to dig down to undisturbed soil in this case. If the house is 100 years old that might not be very deep. Again you should look up the code for footing depths.
I can't believe no one has mentioned it yet, but you'd love Bill Bryson's book At Home. It's written for a general audience so some stuff may not be new to you, but it is all encompassing and pretty much covers the exact period you're talking about. I'm on my second read through now. It's funny too!
Edit: Oh, just read that you're from Australia. If you live in Melbourne you should go to the Rippon Lea Estate and take the tour. The house has been around since the 1860's (I think). It's like a little museum of life in Australia around the turn of the century. Plus the gardens are fantastically beautiful.
http://www.amazon.com/Working-Alone-Tips-Techniques-Building/dp/1561582867
A variety of clamps are your friends, and they make some really handy ones these days.
It'd sure save you a lot of money. But it would be seriously laborious and unless you have a strong working knowledge of framing, codes, power tools, and jobsite safety I'd advise against it. You probably only need to read a few books and experiment with some tools to be capable though. I'd recommend starting with this if you're interested in building structures.
I recommend the For Pros by Pros book series for each trade. https://www.tauntonstore.com/for-pros-by-pros-series
I’d also recommend:
This is the book! The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture It's huge, it's beautiful, every home library should have a large shelf built for it.
Here are some of the books that I learned a lot from:
General Knowledge
Plumbing
Electrical
Additions (I don’t like this book as much as the rest as far as individual tasks go, but it’s value comes from teaching more about project management than anything else)
Framing
There’s a couple more that I can’t remember the names of right now, I’ll see if I can find them this weekend and make a post for other diyers
These aren’t really books for pros (except for The Very Efficient Carpenter), but I’ve found they’re very good guides for diyers. They’re what got me started, and I think I’ve reached a pretty high skill level with their help
For more great images and stories of the park origins, check out the recently published “Walt Disney’s Disneyland” book. It’s got lots of amazing retro photos and interesting stories about the park in every phase of development but the formative years are truly fascinating. I was able to check out a copy from my local library but the hardcover is also on Amazon if you want a version for your West Elm coffee table ;)
[](Walt Disney’s Disneyland https://www.amazon.com/dp/3836563487/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_92o1CbXWZZHBQ)
I have found that the Tauton line of books to be well written:
https://www.amazon.com/Building-Deck-Expert-Advice-Tauntons/dp/1561584797
Some books to help with that, depending on what you need.
Architecture Reference - A good introduction that also goes into specifics.
Building Construction Illustrated - A broad overview of most parts of putting a building together (technical).
The Function of Ornament - A more theoretical view of architecture in a modern cultural context; you might find it interesting in regards to your job as a social scientist (not cheap, though).
Hope this helps!
Honestly I'm super suspicious of anything written about Japan that's not in Japanese. Everything tends to get this hyper mystical filter laid over it, because it's easy to sell people books and articles that portray Japanese people as Super Deep and Wise but Incomprehensibly Weird.
Shinto: The Kami Way was written by a Japanese scholar and translated, though, so it looks good. It doesn't seem to delve too deeply into the belief structure, it's more of a sociological look at Shinto. That's probably better, honestly, because there isn't really much in the way of a belief structure there. When I said upthread that Shinto is all about hand washing, I was only like 5% kidding.
If you can read it, then an introductory book written for a Japanese audience like Why Can't Japanese People Explain Shinto to Foreigners? is probably your best bet.
The short blurb is already a deeper education on Shinto than I ever got in my undergrad history classes:
シントウって何だろう…?
What is Shinto?
●「神道」=「アニミズム」ではない
Shinto is not animism
●戦前に「国家神道」は成立しなかった!?
「State Shinto」 didn't exist before the war!?
●「禊ぎ祓へ」は現代でも通用する
「Purification rituals」are still in common use today
●「日本語」が「英語」ともっとも違う点
The biggest difference between the Japanese and English languages
●神社や神様には「地域らしさ」がある
Shrines and Kami have the characteristics of their locations
●神道の「間」と日本建築の「間」
The gate in Shinto and the gate in Japanese architecture
●日本料理の起源
The origins of Japanese food
●日本のアニメや漫画はなぜ世界を席巻するのか
Why Japan's animation and films are sweeping the globe
●神道の「見える化」と「量子論」etc.
Shinto's 「visualization」 and 「quantum physics」etc.
Thanks for making me think a little more on this! I haven't actually read much on Shinto, I just know what I've absorbed in the eight years I've lived in Japan, so I went and ordered both of those books. I'd also encourage you to look into how Buddhism is really practiced in Japan—it's absolutely nothing like the Steve Jobsian California caricature that's fashionable in the west. A lot more fire and brimstone.
Was it this one?
If so, I might pick it up for my reading list next year.
I enjoyed The Design of Everyday Things by Donald Norman which everyone seems to recommend for designers of all types from UI to ID.
I haven't looked at any of the others suggested for materials but I was very surprised at how good Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals was when I was looking through it last week, it's full of images and diagrams and does a great job of going over things. Much more interesting than this book which I used in Man. Tech.