Mvrdv: Km3: Excursions on Capacity

Book Description

From a converted printing house in Rotterdam and the experimental minds therein that brought you the Pig City project (an analysis of the pork industry's manufacturing conditions) comes KM3, another contribution from the iconoclastic idea lab and architecture firm MVRDV. The office, which for more than a decade has been studying density as it relates to contemporary life and architecture, bases its theories for the uses of space on complexly crunched data. Classic projects include the gravity-defying WoZoCo home for the eldery in Amsterdam, the headquarters for public broadcasting company VPRO in Hilversum, the Dutch pavilion for World Expo 2000 in Hanover, and the Housing Silo in Amsterdam. The firm's buildings overthrow the primacy of an architectural "footprint" for more innovative and varied spatial paradigms. A follow-up to the publication of FARMAX, which sought to question and analyze the growing suburban "greyness" of the Netherlands and to propose new ways of thinking about the homogenization of landscape, KM3 extends that idea to a three-dimensional model, one that "generates space instead of consuming it" and encourages variety in form. The book explores three different strategies each in Rotterdam and Amsterdam on their spatial and technical capacity for creating a "3D city," one of cantilevers and underground connections, airiness and, most of all, diverse spaces. This is thinking at the forefront of a new urbanism.

Customer Reviews:

KM3 is 2Heavy.......2007-05-31

"Three-dimensionality can be seen as architecture's fundamental existence, the profession's acclaimed domain. In times of globalizations and scale enlargement, an update of this definition seems needed: meters turn into kilometers, M3 becomes KM3."

KM3 is the newest tome brought to us by the group at MVRDV. Similar to FARMAX and its explorations of densities, this publication is loaded with ideas and projects, the large majority of which remain unbuilt, or even unbuildable. This agglomeration gives the reader a brick of over 1400 pages of type, photographs, renderings and sketches that will literally stand on its own on any shelf. Apparently, MVRDV first wished to publish each chapter (ten in all) as a series of smaller volumes, but concede that the cost of doing so was not feasible.

Throughout the bulk of pages, many extravagant ideas are presented. Most of these are simply unresolved sketch exercises reminiscent of the broad range of concepts found in any progressive architecture school. But, there is also documentation of elegant built work interspersed throughout, such as the Frosilo apartments in Copenhagen and the Patio 2 residences in The Hague. A sometimes surprising amount of effort is devoted to topics of research, the hypotheses of which reap interesting conclusions, such as in the study of stacked pig farming in the Netherlands.

KM3 does not break from common criticism of books of this nature - there is an abundance of flair, yet a distinct lack of rigor; perhaps another excursion on capacity could have shortened this book to one third its size. The progressively experimental nature of the publication can be commended, however, and readers should be surprised with the built work that is presented in KM3, as much of it has scantily been published.

lot of information but little knowledge.......2007-03-31

oma's S,M,L,XL was great and innovative in 1995. But now,this kind of compilation of whatever social/urban/scientific information data, and using that to make architecture via new computer techniques is getting boring. this book have thousands of data but the architectural idea is very shallow. They should just concentrate on architecture and explain about their architectural ideas instead of these graphic data books which the Dutch seems to love nowadays. I have returned this book to get their regular book by another author. Hope it is better than this one.

Book Description

Capturing the likeness of animals on paper is a rewarding challenge for any artist. Domesticated cats, our most familiar furry friends, bring forth a unique blend of trials for artists trying to replicate their features accurately. The incredible range of breeds, colors, sizes and shapes is further enhanced by the never-ending poses each can assume, from sitting and sleeping to working and fighting. Each cat is, at best, an individual, and bringing forth those special aspects of each animal's character will make any artist's drawings come to life. Artist Melvyn Petterson offers advice for capturing the essence of these animals, both young and old, pedigreed and mixed, along with tips for portraying their features accurately, drawing fur in different media, and mastering a range of poses. * A practical guide to capturing one's cat on paper, with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions * Covers all aspects of drawing cats in different media, including charcoal, graphite pencil, watercolor pencils and oil pastels * Illustrated with an inspiring collection of cat drawings that will appeal to artists and animal lovers

Customer Reviews:

absolutely delightful !!.......2004-01-15

This gem of a little book (very pleasant format you can easily carry around with you) really took the mystery out of drawing cats for me. The exemplary sketches are simple enough to show you how to get to the basics shapes of the cat without getting bogged down by details, which is always tricky especially for beginners.
The sections run as follow:
1.- basic shapes (a little about anatomy without getting too tangled up in this aspect) including a few races and how their body shapes and sizes vary
2.- aspects of the cat (heads, eyes, noses, mouths, whiskers, ears, putting it all together as the whole head; feet & paws, tails, body postures and relation between tail and body) still keeping in mind the races, full-haired or slim cats, etc.
3.- fur and markings (tortoiseshell, white, black, tabby, drawing shadows, highlights for both short and long hair, layers, directioinal marks, kittens, adults, male, female, working with negative space, unusual cats
4.- cat poses (typical attitudes, sleeping, rounded up, sideways, alert, sitting, facing 2 ways, head turned almost 180 degrees, stretching, scratching, washing, eating, playing, walking, running, stalking, jumping, and finally cats togehter)

As a cat lover and owner of two, I can't get enough of experimenting using the clear and concise advice given here. Of course, you do have to have handled a pencil before, but not to such extend as being an expert. I'm certainly no more than a medium amateur and I did well, even if I say so myself.
Enjoy !!

Aspects of Cats.......2004-01-13

I have just ordered a small cat manikin to go along with this book from Dick Blick for sketching different poses. Chapter Two Aspects of Cats is very helpful. The chapter breaks down all the features of the cat and gives detailed examples and steps as to how the face proportions should come together.

Most Comprehensive Cat Drawing Book.......2002-09-15

If you are a serious cat artist with training in realism, then this is a good book for you. The demonstrations presuppose prior drawing knowledge. It is the most grown-up and comprehensive cat drawing book I have ever seen. I've checked out nearly every cat drawing book still in print from my library system (including the step-by-step "Draw 50" type) and find most of them juvenile or too beginner.

I understand the negative reviews completely. Those who are self-taught or just starting out may find this book intimidating and opaque. I recommend starting with either a more general book on just drawing (Betty Edward's Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain) or a more concrete book that focuses on step-by-step drawing of specific cats (like the Draw 50 series)

If you are disappointed in this book, give it a chance. Dust it off in a few years after you have had more practice drawing and observing cats and you'll be surprised how much more helpful it is. If you are just starting out drawing and don't understand all the information, copy the drawings. Copying another person's drawings is a great way to learn how to draw. Especially a fidgety subject like cats. You'll soon be creating your own drawings from the knowledge you gained.

I recommend this book to anyone who is serious about cats. A more experienced artist will appreciate the demos, and anyone who loves cats will appreciate the drawings.

meow mix.......2002-08-14

I was very disappointed with this book. it is full of great sketches but not any applicable drawing instruction. I was hoping for not only examples but "how to" guidance and this book doesn't offer it. The title of the book is very misleading, its really about looking at all the poses and features that cats share not about drawing them. Will seek out another author who teaches how to draw cats...

Explains How to Draw Cats by Observing Them.......2002-07-18

    The format of this book is so handy -- small & spiral bound so it remains open while working. I would have preferred the text to be larger, but then maybe I just need glasses.
    The author has done a great job of mixing interesting cat facts and fun along with detailed instructions about how to draw cats. Confusing things like proportion and distance of the eyes to nose, different shapes of heads and ears, are given new meaning that makes illustrating cats much easier.
    These are not static "draw what you see in this book" type of lessons. This author encourages you to look at your own cat while he sits, sleeps or does any of those cute cat things right in front of you, and draw with confidence.

Average customer rating:

Cats and How to Draw Them
Amy Hogeboom
Manufacturer: The Vanguard Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0814903207

Average customer rating:

Cats and how to draw them
Faye Hurley
Manufacturer: Library Associates
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007FBJJE

Cats and How to Draw Them (Pocket Drawing Series)

Average customer rating:

Cats and How to Draw Them (Pocket Drawing Series)
Melvyn Petterson
Manufacturer: Collins & Brown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1855859238

Book Description

Wiese's book sets itself apart in terms of balancing the creative aspects of filmmaking (idea development, brainstorming exercises) with the business aspects (financing, dealmaking).communicating to the beginning filmmaker how to realistically get a film made. Today's independent filmmaker needs to understand the business aspects of filmmaking if he or she expects to have their work shown, and Michael Wiese's book provides practical strategies for fundraising, scheduling, budgeting, marketing, as well as creative exercises for story development.

This is a new edition of an established textbook and manual. It has been thoroughly updated to reflect the technology and business environment of independent filmmaking in the 90's, and completely reorganized on the basis of years of presentations to audiences around the world. It now provides valuable exercises and projects at the end of each chapter.

· A detailed step-by-step guide for the beginning producer who is serious about filmmaking not only as a craft but also as a business --
· Lots of anecdotes and real-life examples
· Exercises and projects with each chapter-

Customer Reviews:

Perfect book!.......2003-10-26

"This could be the most important single book I ever read. Over the past few years I have spent several hundred thousand dollars putting together a series of digital videos on all seven continents (including one video with my daughter and I biking on all seven continents in one trip).

This book is the absolute perfect guide on not only helping me evaluate the marketability of these tapes, but also helping me determine HOW to, and to whom to market. Mark Steven Bosko is a brilliant writer whose insightfulness will be invaluable to those trying to get their film to the market.

Bill Kizorek - producer, filmmaker, Two Parrot Exotic Travel Videos

The Independent Film and Videomaker's Guide

Independent Filmmaking.......2003-08-10

"Indispensible for a novice producer of independent movies. This book helps one to understand the way distributors think, which is absolutely essential for getting your movie to audiences. The discussions on business plans and presentations to investors alone is worth the price of the book." --RMS

The Best of Breed.......2000-07-12

If you are interested in independent film making, this is the BEST starting point in your research. It could very well be your last. This book not only answered every question I had, it raised and answered some I had not even thought of! Mr. Wiese's writing style, while professional, is very personable as well. He is very focused on discovering your creative side while balancing the necessary business practices to get your project done. Well worth the money.

.....a perfect place to start!.......2000-02-26

This is a fantastic book! It covers everything, and I mean EVERYTHING from Pre-production, to Distribution, in great DETAIL! Is this the only book you should ever buy...of course not, but it's one you have to own.

Book Description

Acclaimed cartoonist Chris Ware reveals the outtakes of his genius in these intimate, imaginative, and whimsical sketches collected from the years during which he completed his award-winning graphic novel Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth (Pantheon). His novel not only won the Manchester Guardian First Novel prize in 2001 but it has sold over 100,000 copies. This book is as much a companion volume to Jimmy Corrigan --one of the great crossover success stories-- as a tremendous art collection from of one of America’s most interesting and popular graphic artist.

Chris Ware has a passion for drawing that is surprisingly wide-ranging in style and subject. This book surprises the reader on every page with its sense of spontaneous vision. Architectural drawings from Chicago and interplanetary robot comics collide with cruelly doodled human figures and quietly troubling studies of the still life. A must for people with a passion for modern design and old-fashioned style.

Customer Reviews:

great stuff.......2007-02-20

beautiful drawings...no matter how self critical mr. ware was back in the day. the book really allows the reader into the head of a master illustrator. if you're looking more for a graphic novel, don't start with this one (try his first real freshman work jimmy c, or his ACME novelty library, probably my favorite - you get a real sense of what ware is all about - clean lines, insane, or better put, anal details). anyway, back to this one...great book, if you're a fan of ware, there's no reason not to get this one, and if you're not yet convinced, this is a nice piece just to have - these same drawings and doodles that once inspired ware himself, now get me thinking. love it.

Shows Chris as the true artist that he is.......2007-01-13

I didn't think I would like this one. But after owning everything else the man ever made, I asked for this one for x-mas. Wow! I love it! There are spontaneous portraits of people on the bus, views from friend's rooftops, the rudiments of strips like: God, Jimmy the robot etc...
If you are a Chris Ware fan YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK! If you are not familiar with Chris, best to start somewhere else.

Monster talent!.......2005-10-24

The book is a record of an absolute monster drawing talent!
It collects tentative investigations, as a scrapbook of ideas and odds and ends. The amazing thing about it is its vitality.
Anything and everything becomes a source of inspiration and investigation into the nature of drawing. A coffee cup, a telephone in a waiting room, a washing machine, such mundane things seem to begin as notations but are transformed by Ware's observation of line and tone into their inner vitality - much like Van Gogh's peasant shoes. There are beautiful portraits. And beyond the observed notes, the book is positively brimming with characters, mutations, and cartoons from his eccentric imagination. The fantastical musings and the observed notations blend, merge together, separate like DNA strands through the book, adding up to a rich record of creativity

Acme Novelty Datebook.......2004-06-18

I just finished reading this, and it's a real treat. Fans of Jimmy Corrigan or Acme Novelty Library will enjoy drafts of these but expect differences in style. This gives a better look at Chris Ware than his other publications that I've read. You can really feel his frustrations in this work. I reccommend this to both fans and non-fans.

Insight into Genius.......2003-09-28

If you want to see inside Chris Ware's head, this is the book. There's next to no Jimmy Corrigan or Acme Novelty, just raw sketches of inspiration and internal struggle spanning 9 years of Ware's life (1986-1995). As an illustrator/designer, I found this book to be the most inspirational book I own, and I own many inspirational books. I definately recommend it.

Average customer rating:

ACME Catalog: Quality is Our #1 Dream
ACME , and Charles Carney
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Business | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Popular Culture | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 081185115X

Book Description

Iron birdseed, anvils, fake holes, and more for years The ACME Company has been the sole purveyor of the fine products used by Looney Tunes characters. Chronicle Books is proud to present an exclusive catalog featuring ACME's must-have, best-selling line of items, each guaranteed to promote a happy* life provided that they are used properly.** Including ACME classics and entirely new and untested items, the ACME Catalog showcases 100 products untarnished by government regulations. There's something here for everyone. An extruder that doubles as a pasta maker for Grandma. A roof-mounted catapult for Dad. And what about a little jet-powered pogo stick for yourself? Each item is matched with a thorough product description, the price, and the shipping cost. As always, the ACME Company brings corporate identity sans responsabilit to everything sold with its label. Please note that the ACME Company has no retail outlets or web site. In other words, this catalog is the only way for consumers to access this highly sought-after ACME line.

*"Happy" being relative to the level of one's acceptance of fate.
**Liability is limited to the competence of the user.

LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Average customer rating:
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS CATALOG; NATIONAL ACME MODEL C-21-AP 300 G. P. H. FUEL OIL PURIFIER FOR U.S. MARITIME COMMISSION C1-M-AV1 CARGO VESSELS

Manufacturer: National Acme Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HTIWMM

Average customer rating:
Therapeutics: The acme of medical art : the bane of sectarianism
Augustus Korndoerfer
Manufacturer: s.n
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Homeopathy | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0008BLB3G

Book Description

"Collings emphasizes how news repression spreads if it is not actively defied by news organizations and international diplomatic pressures."—Choice

If journalism is the first draft of history, then independent journalists are surely its most daring composers.

Along such celebrated and high-profile figures as Christiane Amanpour and Wolf Blitzer, there exists a stratum of journalists self-employed, working under dire conditions, and with minimal resources who often place themselves at ground zero of world events. In this gripping account, Anthony Collings takes us into the world of independent journalists, and the daily challenges they face confronting dictators, hostile military, and narcoterrorists. Unfettered by any ties to those in positions of power, these guerrilla journalists are often the first on a story whether reporting on corruption in Mexico, organized crime in Russia, or sexual scandal in the Middle East and accordingly face the brunt of their subject's wrath.

Collings, who has himself been held captive while on assignment, here focuses less on those nations in which the press is either largely free (such as the U.S. or Western European democracies) or aggressively restricted (as in China), and more on those "battleground countries" where the eventual outcome of the struggle between state and fourth estate remains unclear. Relying on interviews, professional contacts, and his own experiences, Collings explores the dilemmas and strategies of journalists who persevere in the face of war, repressive governments, and criminal aggression, with particular emphasis on the role of the Internet.

At a time when journalism is increasingly a profession under siege, Words of Fire forces into the spotlight a more positive side of the profession, those who pursue journalism not for profit or fame but as a personal crusade.

Customer Reviews:

Journalists at risk.......2001-08-27

Tony Collings writes stories of courageous men and women who are fighting to bring the truth to their readers. Collings writes from the vantage point of an international correspondent who has risked his own life to cover world danger spots. This book should be read by anyone who values a free press.

Journalists of Courage.......2001-08-22

For the American layperson who may not be familiar with the dangerous situations and murky but volatile undercurrents journalists often face in foreign trouble spots, Tony Collings book "Words of Fire" will be revealing in its accounts of journalists who have given much--even their lives--to the cause of truth and democratic ideals. As an international journalist himself, Collings knows well of what he writes. This work might even raise the level of regard in which journalists are held as defenders of the people's right to know. Here Collings is talking about the important issues shaping the growth and development of any of a myriad countries, not the latest American fad-gossip which passes for "news" on tabloid TV in the U.S. For the professional journalist with overseas experience--and I include myself in that category with friend and former CNN colleague Tony Collings--I found his work well researched, well written and a good account of what is the best in our craft.

The Heroism of Bearing Witness in the Press.......2001-08-20

At a time when print journalism has often been justly criticized in the U.S. as medium of entertainment, without independent moral backbone, Tony Collings has written a moving, brilliant record of the deadly struggle between a free press and totalitarian goverments around the globe. Collings is an experienced broadcast journalist and an eye-witness to much of the corruption and terror hidden and sustained by censorship everywhere, from Russia to Columbia. He argues that press freedom is an essential and enabling condition for the expansion of democratic reform in reactionary regimes. But perhaps what is most moving about WORDS OF FIRE is the many true stories of personal courage, the harrowing dangers faced by journalists in our historical era as they attempt to unmask the face of tyranny with only the truth of their words.

The Heroism of Bearing Witness in the Press.......2001-08-20

Press Freedoms in Danger.......2001-08-18

Author Anthony Collings knows how to bring this vital topic alive. In the USA, we take press freedom for granted. If anything, some of us feel there's too much of it about: we often sympathize with Hollywood stars who punch out swarming paparazzi. But in much of the world (and not just the kleptocracies and one-party regimes), simply getting the basic truth to press can be a career-ending or even life-threatening endeavor. Collings wisely decides to illustrate this by focussing on individual cases, many of which will astound you. This is an important book on an important subject.

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