Customer Reviews

Building Construction Illustrated, 2nd Edition

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a professor at Pratt Institute's School of Architecture. I teach a construction documents class for wood frame. This book is an invaluable resource and my students use it exclusively for a reference guide for their project. It is one of the best books I have come across for its value.

The first edition was entirely hand-drawn (the 2nd ed. may be as well) and covers the difference between a hip and a gable roof, slabs, grade beams and other details of modern construction. If you want to know the difference between western platform and balloon framing, this is a fine book. It's primarily a reference book, but it could be read cover to cover.

I was first given this book by the architect of a home I was building over 20 years ago. The home involved curves and radiuses was built on a very steep slope. Integration of dis-similar materials and proper flashing was critical to it's performance. This book provided me with an understanding of how to tie many varied components together. Once completed, the home received international recognition (my first project to do so!).

I have purchased and given at least 5 copies of this book to key employees since then. Recently I gave a copy to a law firm I frequently act as expert witness for in commercial and residential construction litigation. The illustrations are very understandable and compelling. This book (and others by Ching) easily compliments any construction or design professional's library.

I am a carpenter and I have had this book for ten years. It has answered many practical questions encountered when a vague plan is the basis for the structure. This would be a good book for every person in the world to own.

This is a wonderful resource book for those builders who find themselves moving back and forth between residential and light commerical work. I found I was sometimes lost as I ventured deeper and deeper into commercial work, but this book showed me the practial applications for materials and construction methods that were new to me.

I have found this book an invaluable resource and I return to it time and again for all types of construction projects. The illustrations are especially helpful.

This book gives simple guides to design work. Like a simplified "Graphic Standards". Ching offers super illustrations, lots of details and answers a lot of questions for me as an architecture student. I recommend to all designers.

I purchased this book about two years ago and it has been worth every penny and more. I often just leave it on my desk for quick reference regardless of what stage in a project I'm in. I am currently a third year Architecture student and can see myself using this text well into my practice as some of my professors admittedly do in theirs. The book is clearly laid out and is helpful in identifying various structural systems using a variety of materials and connections, foundation systems, detailed wall sections, etc. Great resource!