Simple Rules: What the Oldtime Builders Knew

by Shannon Taylor Scarlett

Simple Rules is a new kind of builder handbook / design guide.

Inspired by long forgotten sources, the design content included here—timeless composition principles, elegant proportional systems, building techniques and formulas for making buildings more beautiful—is intended as a guide for the modern builder who cares about aesthetics and meaning as much or more than the bottom line.

In this small guide a few select concepts and techniques, salvaged mostly from 18th, 19th and early 20th century builder pocket references and architectural guides...

Genres: Architecture, Nonfiction

125 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Melissa]

My brother would like this book. Maybe I would, too!

[David Welch · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thoughtful compilation of universal patterns for the built environment that have stood the test of time. On the one hand, it's fascinating to see the ancient primary source material from which she draws these patterns — but on the other hand, the material can sometimes feel anachronistic, or the language obtuse. It would've been nice if the author had rephrased the rules into modern, simple language, added some brief commentary, and perhaps added some clear, simplified illustrations.

I'm sure the author is familiar with Christopher Alexander's "A Pattern Language", which definitely provides a great blueprint for clarity and accessibility.

[Nigel Ewan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really a book; more an assemblage of primary source images and quotations. It needs more content from the author to make it clearer and more useful.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Architect Shannon Taylor Scarlett shares concepts and techniques from 18th, 19th, and early 20th century references and guides, exploring the reasons behind what makes some structures beautiful, and others not so much.

In this beautifully simplistic and brief read (111p), the author has created a sort of builder handbook / designs guide which focuses on 25 simple rules for designing beautiful architecture- with the aim to help regain forgotten and abandoned techniques for achieving balance and meaning in architecture, making it aesthetically beautiful.

As a sometimes-home renovator/flipper myself, I have always been drawn to older houses because of their character and charm. What I have always loved is the attention to detail, balance, and craftsmanship, which seem almost entirely lacking in more modern homes. In the book, Shannon Taylor Scarlett presents an almost poetic take on what makes great architecture so great, and so beautiful.

I would suggest that this book is not just for designers and builders, but also artists, anyone interested in architecture, and those who enjoy the charm and character of older homes and structures. A very interesting little book with much to offer.

I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review.

Check out this review on my blog:EpicBookQuest.wordpress.com

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firt of all, I am not an architect but I find older structures fascinating. I like this breakdown of building designs. It's very readable and isn't bogged down with technical jargon. This book has given me a lot of ideas for my own home in planning a renovation.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never studied architecture, but found this book to be accessible and informative. It has changed the way I look at buildings and seems to be a great resource for those who are designing and building spaces.