Architectural Graphic Standards, 11th Edition [Hardcover]

The American Institute of Architects (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0471700916 | ISBN-13: 978-0471700913 | Edition: 11th

Since 1932, the ten editions of Architectural Graphic Standards have been referred to as the "architect's bible." From site excavation to structures to roofs, this book is the first place to look when an architect is confronted with a question about building design. With more than 8,000 architectural illustrations, including both reference drawings and constructible architectural details, this book provides an easily accessible graphic reference for highly visual professionals.

To celebrate seventy-five years as the cornerstone of an industry, this commemorative Eleventh Edition is the most thorough and significant revision of Architectural Graphic Standards in a generation. Substantially revised to be even more relevant to today's design professionals, it features:

An entirely new, innovative look and design created by Bruce Mau Design that includes a modern page layout, bold second color, and new typeface

Better organized-- a completely new organization structure applies the UniFormat(r) classification system which organizes content by function rather than product or material

Expanded and updated coverage of inclusive, universal, and accessible design strategies

Environmentally-sensitive and sustainable design is presented and woven throughout including green materials, LEEDS standards, and recyclability

A bold, contemporary new package--as impressive closed as it is open, the Eleventh Edition features a beveled metal plate set in a sleek, black cloth cover

Ribbon Markers included as a convenient and helpful way to mark favorite and well used spots in the book

All New material

Thoroughly reviewed and edited by hundreds of building science experts and experienced architects, all new details and content including:

new structural technologies, building systems, and materials

emphasis on sustainable construction, green materials, LEED standards, and recyclability

expanded and updated coverage on inclusive, universal, and accessible design strategies

computing technologies including Building Information Modeling (BIM) and CAD/CAM

new information on regional and international variations

accessibility requirements keyed throughout the text

new standards for conducting, disseminating, and applying architectural research

New and improved details

With some 8,500 architectural illustrations, including both reference drawings and constructible architectural details, Architectural Graphic Standards continues to be the industry's leading, easily accessible graphic reference for highly visual professionals.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Celebrating seventy-five years of defining architectural standards, Wiley is proud to introduce the most thorough revision of Architectural Graphic Standards in a generation. This anniversary edition of the indispensable architect’s tool features an entirely new design created by Bruce Mau Design, improved organization, and expanded and all-new content covering contemporary issues.

Browse sample content from Architectural Graphic Standards (.pdf)
Interior Construction	Shell Design Considerations	Exterior Enclosure
Roofing	Architectural Woodwork	History of AGS

Landmarks in the history of Architectural Graphics Standards

Review

"Any discipline is lucky to have its bible, a book so embracing and lucid it helps to define and guide a profession or industry for generations. In houses and buildings, the bible is Architectural Graphic Standards...this venerable reference will continue to be not only relevant but remarkably prescient for many buildings to come." (Old-House Journal, Sept/Oct 2007)

"Architectural Graphic Standards 11th edition continues a 75-year tradition of offering concise text and descriptive graphics in a basic design handbook for architects." (Fabric Architecture; Sep/Oct 2007)

"The practice of Architectural Design is continually changing and this book gives examples of what is considered good practice at this time. I recommend this to everyone doing architectural design; this book is a tool, not a pretty book to leave on the table for visitors to see." (Orange Bytes, (North Orange County Computer Club), August 2007)

"Architectural Graphic Standards--more a professional handbook than a guide to graphic conventions--represents the most ambitious revision and overhaul in the publication's history." (Library Journal; 8/1/07)

"This year sees the publication of a new, improved Architectural Graphic Standards. Since Ramsey and Sleeper's last edition in 1956, the book has grown with rapidly evolving technologies, and the sporadic publishing pace of its early years has kept pace with the changes. The profession is evolving at an ever-greater pace, but Architectural Graphic Standards is keeping up its role as the franchise player." (Architect Magazine, June 2007)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1120 pages
• Publisher: Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 11th edition (March 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471700916
• ISBN-13: 978-0471700913
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.6 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A poor substitute for previous additions, April 12, 2008

By 

Enna Nichrus "A.R." - See all my reviews

This review is from: Architectural Graphic Standards, 11th Edition (Hardcover)

The new version of Architectural Graphic Standards is an impossible book to use. It reflects a component approach to putting a building together instead of looking at the totality of a building. The Eleventh Edition omits basic information, for example, like the exhaustive catalogue of material and electrical symbols found in previous additions. The book now has an attitude that follows the mantra of the American Institute of Architects with regard to issues like sustainability and visitability. Any architect with a conscience incorporates these values into actual practice, so to have whole sections on these subjects is like preaching to the converted. The book is really an editorial snow job on the profession. The metal plate on the front cover is truly pretentious while the pages inside have been physically downgraded to an almost tissue-like quality.

By changing the format of the book so radically from the previous organization (without any kind of cross referencing) of the construction divisions that guided the profession for decades, looking for information is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

If, as a practicing architect with 30 years experience, I find the book problematic then I would not even want to fathom how a young practitioner could wade through this disorganized, inadequate mess. If Ramsey and Sleeper, the original authors, saw this book today I think they would be rolling in their graves.

41 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Buy the Tenth Edition if you can, June 16, 2007

By 

Daniel S. Cooter (Knoxville, TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Architectural Graphic Standards, 11th Edition (Hardcover)

To date, I've had to resort to previous editions of the Graphic Standards for most of my information. And I find it odd that a book titled graphic standards does not illustrate what the graphic conventions are. Some of the pages look as if their printers were running out of ink. After a year of sitting on my shelf, the cloth cover appears to be coming unglued, not to mention that I doubt the spine will hold up (it's a heavy book, and it's already caving in). If your used to the previous versions, you will find navigating through this edition difficult, as it's been completely re-organized - forget the CSI divisions. There is also more white space on the pages, offering less information. Some of their editing decisions make no sense - the information needed for sizing gutters was omitted, yet nearly half a page is devoted to shopping cart dimensions. But the book LOOKS PRETTY!

As for the CD-Rom, it has to be installed on the computer to use it, and the license agreement allows it to be installed on only one computer. That's fine if used individually; not so well in an office.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Good thing gone bad, August 18, 2008

By 

N. Mamon - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Architectural Graphic Standards, 11th Edition (Hardcover)

This was a waste of money.

They have eliminated a section of the book that holds some very valuable general information and dimensions that are a great reference to have when designing. Everything from dimensions related to the body in standing, sitting and sleeping positions to car parking and manouver dimensions and radiuses. I used that part of the book regularly. Now, when I finally got my own copy, I find myself with a "heavy book" that is lacking some of the most basic information needed for proper design, yet gets specific about some other aspects that are very particular like parking requirements for a mosque!

Any one looking to buy my copy??