Nationwide Building

Faces, figures, and ornamental sculpture have been integrated into building forms since the dawn of humanity. In the past they adorned virtually every building and public plaza, humanizing architecture and enriching its "gift to the street". Even today, there are thousands of faces and figures on the facades of urban buildings nationwide. Yet because most of them are above street level, they often go unnoticed by the casual observer. This book brings them closer through a powerful telephoto lens. It also makes them a stirring case for the preservation, restoration, and continued use of the structures on which these elements appear. The main body of the book chronicles the elements and forms of architectural ornaments worldwide. It is devoted to highly detailed individual images, arranged in an "A-to-Z" format by their location on facades (such as cornices, lintels, or windows), and also by categories such as animal forms and human forms. A glossary and multiple cross-references make it easy to find information and trace influences. Renewal is also an essential theme. Many cutting-edge architects are currently reviving the use of faces, figures, and details on contemporary buildings. We witness the imaginative results, along with some innovative solutions regarding new facades.

By combining building projects for children's play structures with tips and ideas for creative landscaping, this book goes much further than any other to helping readers create a fun, safe, and interactive outdoor play area for their children in an environment that is useful and appealing to adults. The projects in this book include a broad range of designs, for kids ranging from toddlers to teenagers. The play structure project is the classic, timber-style set found in many yards and can accommodate several accessories and future modifications. Playing in either of the two tree house projects, kids will find adventure, privacy, and a connection to the outdoors. The climbing wall project provides kids -- and parents -- with a fun way to develop strength and concentration. There are also projects for playhouses and forts that kids can help build and several plans for child-size outdoor furniture. Where appropriate, projects are designed for adaptation to a different use after the child outgrows them. For example, the sandpit project is a decorative sandbox that can easily be adapted into a garden bed; the playhouse could become a garden shed in later years, in addition to the projects, there are dozens of tips for using trees and other plantings to create private, natural places for kids that are integrated with the general landscape. This book focuses on the nationwide trend of parents encouraging outdoor play for their kids while, at the same time, keeping them close to home.