Dying By Design

[Dean Camlin]

Has anybody else read this book? It was heavily promoted by the AIA last year, but I haven't heard any discussion about it. It was written by Charles Belfoure, who I was surprised to discover lives in Westminster, Maryland, where I live & practice. (No, I've never met him, but I plan to.)

The protagonist is an architect whose excellent designs are adulterated by uninformed clients, lordly building inspectors, and malicious builders. In desperation he comes up with the ultimate solution to these impediments.

It's an entertaining, satirical look at problems in architectural practice we've all faced. I'm not sure I would recommend it to my clients, but I got a kick out of it.[/i]

[christopher.zoog51272]

Wow, It looks likes a fun book to read. I think I'll I take it with me on vacation this year! Thanks for the tip dean

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0972227903.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg


it can be purchased: Here (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0972227903/qid%3D1051895495/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/102-2155186-2370509)

[narlee]

Personally, I found your description entertaining as well. Perhaps you should consider penning something.

[Dean Camlin]

Thanks, Narlee!

Actually, I'm due to have a short piece published in this month's Augiworld magazine (in the Paperspace section) about Revit. It's strictly nontechnical beginners' intro stuff.

I'm also just in the talking stages about writing a textbook on Revit, for use in college-level classes such as those I've taught already.

[Wesley]

A Fountainhead for the twenty-first century?

[Dean Camlin]

Naww, Wesley, this'll be strictly nonfiction! Though it might be nice to mix in some suspense . . . maybe some science fiction: Now in this Revit episode, we will learn to model the Imperial Deathstar. :wink:

And, sorry I had your name wrong, Geof Narlee.

[GS Fulton]

Just read the 3rd chapter page on the web site. Looks good (DEFINITELY written by an architect) and I'll put it on my list of reads. Too bad there's not more novels about architecture. Maybe because architects are bad spellers? Or maybe it's hard for visual people to write interesting stuff? I just finished reading "House" by Tracy Kidder. That was pretty good but not a novel. Anybody read that one?

George F

[Dean Camlin]

Yeah, I read that a while ago. It seemed like it would be a good read for someone contemplating having a new house built from scratch.

Most people around here just accept what they find on the real estate market, or what's offered by builders. While many builders are conscientious about their construction quality, many of their designs are strictly out of the plan magazines.

I'm curious about how many architects are involved in creating these new houses going up all over, as opposed to builders/developers and their drafting departments. After seeing all the "McMansions" swallowing up the countryside, I'm convinced we're in the middle of a new residential style, characterized by excessively ostentatious entrance foyers, lotsa steep gables, traditional detailing. I've been calling it "Neo-cottage" style, for want of something better.

What do you all think? Or should we start a new thread on this subject?

[GS Fulton]

I am involved in the creation of some of those but I wouldn't call them "Neo-cottage". I like to think that every home I do is different tailored to individual client/site/program. I do not have a "style" although I've had several clients tell me that they can pick out my stuff. There seems to be some economizing going on right now and that is moving some would-be clients to work directly with builders. The better builders charge a lot for plans while others, well, you know the story. It's exactly like that book where we have ideas and ideals that are, in the end, subjected to the clients budget restraints. An ongoing battle that will never end. There are some, however, that truly appreciate what we do and I have been fortunate to work for some.