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A review by rhodered
How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They're Built by Stewart Brand
5.0
A quote on the cover says, "A classic and probably a work of genius". Darn right! If you are planning or dreaming of building anything - from a home, to a major addition, to a commercial space to a government building, this book is a must-read. Internal office configurations for organizations are also covered.
First you'll be captured by the dated before-and-after photos, showing how various buildings evolved over the years since they were built. Then start reading the text for lots of useful lessons, along with the author's research-based philosophy of how to plan a building that will truly serve your needs as well as the future's.
The key is to assume, no matter what, the building you initially build absolutely, positively will be changed sooner or later, probably sooner. Generally in the direction of adding more space.
One interesting factoid, the new homes now built to look "old" from the start, with quirky rooflines as though they were the result of generations' additions, will actually be much harder for future owners to renovate and rework than normal buildings.
This book includes useful footnotes, references to all the leading studies as of publication date, and a great bibliography of additional books at the end.
It's also just awfully fun to page through!
First you'll be captured by the dated before-and-after photos, showing how various buildings evolved over the years since they were built. Then start reading the text for lots of useful lessons, along with the author's research-based philosophy of how to plan a building that will truly serve your needs as well as the future's.
The key is to assume, no matter what, the building you initially build absolutely, positively will be changed sooner or later, probably sooner. Generally in the direction of adding more space.
One interesting factoid, the new homes now built to look "old" from the start, with quirky rooflines as though they were the result of generations' additions, will actually be much harder for future owners to renovate and rework than normal buildings.
This book includes useful footnotes, references to all the leading studies as of publication date, and a great bibliography of additional books at the end.
It's also just awfully fun to page through!