Contemporary Thai

Book Description

Known for its beautiful traditional and contemporary handicrafts, it's no wonder that Thailand is home to some of the most beautifully decorated houses in the world. Elegant, innovative and versatile, Contemporary Thai is overflowing with an amazing array of design ideas. From modernist furniture, table settings, light fixtures and furnishings combining old traditions with new styles, Contemporary Thai is the perfect book for anyone looking to add a distinctive touch to their home decor.

Customer Reviews:

Not so Contemporary.......2007-08-17

The cover is a bit deceiving. I wouldn't really call this "Contemporary Thai" as its a bit outdated now (printed in 2000) with examples of more traditional arts and crafts rather than whole interiors. However, it is a good source book to see what fabrics, ceramics, sculptures, table settings, etc. are made in Thailand.

Contemporary Thai.......2005-07-21

It's a typically and exclusively fantastic book. It helps me study and learn a lot more about contemporary Thai style to start decorating 1 of the rooms in my house in that style. Highly recommend this book to all of readers and Thai-style or Asian-style fans.

Wow, do I love Thai style now!!!.......2002-03-06

I loved this book. It's a feast for the eyes, and is a great introduction to Thai style. While Japanese, Zen and Feng Shui styles have been overexposed lately, Thai style is a secret so wonderful, it won't be a secret much longer.

I bought this book in preparation for a vacation to Thailand. We planned to go on a shopping spree for household furniture and accessories while in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Our decorating style is contemporary with an Asian twist. BINGO, Contemporary Thai caught my eye. This book gave me an excellent introduction to the common handicrafts and furniture styles to look for. It includes an up-to-date resource list with addresses and web sites to purchase items shown in the book. If you covet any items but can't make the trip to Thailand, many of the resources can ship internationally.

After spending a month in Thailand, I realized that Contemporary Thai covers the full gamut of what's available there: Jim Thompson silks, basketry, celadon dinnerware, silversmithing, woodworking, woven textiles ... and the book gives you a glimpse of all these things displayed in gorgeous homes, gardens, hotels and restaurant settings. The quality of the homes and photography rivals what you can find in Metropolitan Home and Elle Decor. And, not only does the book show materialistic stuff (hey, I'm honest enough about what this is all about!), but it gives some cultural and historical perspective as well.

If you like Asian style, take a chance on learning about Contemporary Thai style.

Visually Stimulating.......2001-11-19

I was in BORDERS BOOKS shopping for some audio tapes, and decided to check-out what was in the Home Decorating Section. I discovered this MARVELOUS book. I was captivated by the photographs on each and every page. For those individuals seeking design ideas, color options or furniture placement this is a MUST HAVE! The photographer did a marvelous job capturing the essence of Thai Design in the modern home. This is definately my next purchase when I go back to the book store.

Blending the Past with the New.......2001-04-17

A beautiful book illustrating how to blend traditional Thai architecture, arts and crafts with the contemporary style of living and home decor. Like many others, this book will contribute to the renaissance of traditional arts of Southeast Asia and, hopefully, help propagate the livelihood of traditional artisans. Moreover, the secret is out with the appendix of artisans, companies and shops where one can purchase such materials. This book is a must for someone who has visited Thailand and appreciated the style of the Amanpuri, Sukothai or the Oriental hotels. You, too, can now replicate a little of Thailand in their own home.

Average customer rating:

Great guide to Thai if architecture and carving are your muse
Plenty of info. view, plans, sketches. must have it
The Best Book Yet on Traditional Thai Houses

Thai House: History And Evolution
Ruethai Chaichongrak
Manufacturer: Weatherhill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Thailand | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

General | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

jp-unknown2 | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0834805200
Release Date: 2002-11-01

Book Description

The construction of wooden houses raised on stilts, which help to escape floods and pests, is a phenomenon found across Southeast Asia. Over many centuries each country has developed its own unique tradition. Thailand is no exception and, indeed, each of the country's four main regions has developed its own distinctive style, making the wooden houses of Thailand among the most widely diverse and beautiful examples of Southeast Asian architecture. The Thai House not only traces the history of these versatile buildings, but also explains the stages in their construction, the beliefs that underlie the positioning of every architectural element, and the complex ceremonies celebrating their construction. Beautiful photographs and authoritative texts celebrate a wide variety of Thai houses.

Customer Reviews:

Great guide to Thai if architecture and carving are your muse.......2007-01-03

Great guide to Thai if architecture and carving are your muse. Details of the construction method and accompanying buddhist ceremonies are well photo'd and described. Explaination of the details are put into context of the culture and climate in which the architecture has evolved. I just went to northern Thailand and this book helped me understand the architecture I was seeing in ways I definately would not have noted with out this background.

Plenty of info. view, plans, sketches. must have it.......2004-05-21

I find this book very useful for Thai style house reference. It gives the over all views to understand of relationship between cultures and inhabitant. It is very well illustrated the different of each region style. Very nice sketches, plans, photos. The best so far for books published about Thai style house.

The Best Book Yet on Traditional Thai Houses.......2004-02-22

This book is absolutely well-written by experts, whose alma mater I share, in the subject. It contains accurate and informative information for those who wish to know all aspects of tradition and culture that go into designing and construction of traditional Thai houses. The photos in the book are abundant and very beautiful. I bought this book sight-unseen and what luck! I am Thai and this book contains some details even a Thai person does not know. I hereby offer my highest recommendation!

Average customer rating:

Architecture of Thailand
Nithi Sthapitanonda , and Brian Mertens
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Reference | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0500342237

Book Description

A detailed, profusely illustrated survey of Thai architecture with its many styles and forms.

Thailand's architecture comes alive in this magnificently illustrated volume, the most comprehensive book on the subject yet published, exploring every genre from houses and farm huts to temples, palaces, and modern buildings. It is the first major book to focus on the myriad elements that make Thai architecture so rich in beauty and meaning. With hundreds of images by leading photographers, this is an accessible, inspirational source book for designers, architects, and everyone interested in Southeast Asian culture.

The book is a collaboration between leading architect Nithi Sthapitanonda, who did the drawings, photographs, and research support, and writer Brian Mertens, who did the writing, main research, and many photos. 800+ illustrations in color and black and white.

Classic Thai: Design-Interiors-Architecture

Average customer rating:

captivating and informative
By far the best
Enhanced appreciation for Thailand

Classic Thai: Design-Interiors-Architecture
Chami Jotisalikorn , Phuthorn Bhumadhon , and Virginia McKeen Di Crocco
Manufacturer: Periplus Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Decorative Arts | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0794604668

Book Description

From the glittering chedis of Bangkok's Grand Palace to the rustic simplicity of village dwellings, Thailand offers a rich diversity of art, architecture and design. Classic Thai seeks to define the unique characteristics of Thai style, be it through the country's rich arts and crafts tradition, in its plentiful temples and palaces, or in a contemporary home. Photographed entirely on location, Classic Thai is an indispensable guide to the wonders of Thailand.

Customer Reviews:

captivating and informative.......2004-02-04

This is the perfect book for those who like some substance to their form. The writing is wonderful - I felt like I took a trip through time and through Thailand. The photos are beautiful as well because they aren't just the standard head-on shots, but interesting details and angles.

By far the best.......2004-02-03

Having bought a large number of architectural books on Thailand, I can validate that this is the best so far. It is a well written book and definitely worth purchasing. I definitely recommend it for whoever has a passion for the decorative arts and for plain class Thai architecture. Definitely a gem.

Enhanced appreciation for Thailand.......2003-12-20

I wish I had owned this book before my month long visit to Thailand three years ago. I received this book as a Christmas gift last year and really appreciated the insight it provides concerning the history, culture, and style of Thailand. Not only is it a gorgeous book with wonderful pictures but it also helped me to better understand Thai culture and style.

Book Description

With more than 500 ravishing full-color photographs, Asian Style Hotels brings you to the best hotels in Southeast Asia. The super-deluxe establishments included here are all at the cutting-edge of hotel design and management. Each property has been hand-picked according to a set of criteria that includes a strong design aesthetic, architectural integrity, and a sense of individuality a million miles away from the cookie-cutter approach of chain hotels. Asian Style Hotels is the definitive guide to Southeast Asia's finest places to stay.

Average customer rating:

Saw the Jim Thompson House in person, book is a reminder

Jim Thompson: The House on the Klong
William Warren , and Jean-Michel Beurdeley
Manufacturer: Archipelago Press (SG)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 9813018682

Customer Reviews:

Saw the Jim Thompson House in person, book is a reminder.......2002-03-06

Well, "book is a reminder." I guess that's the most that comes to mind about this book. Whether you should purchase this book depends on what you're looking for. I purchased it in preparation for a vacation to Thailand, because I was going to be shopping for Thai style household items and wanted to get informed. Plus, I'm a sucker for a decorating coffee table book that everyone else doesn't already have. I visited the Jim Thompson House while in Bangkok, and so that's why the only thing that now comes to my mind is: the book is a reminder of what I saw.

Tepid impression now, I suppose. The book gives some background on Jim Thompson and how he revived the Thai silk industry, as well as information about the rare antique Thai treasures that he collected in his home, which is now a museum. If you're really interested in this aspect, in particular, this book may be for you. If you're interested in Thai style, I'm not sure I would recommend this book as a starting point. There are other Thai style books that I reach for again and again, while this book sits on a shelf, untouched. It's a nice book, but more of an expensive souvenir.

Average customer rating:
Constructing Suvarnabhumi: A Photographic Study During Construction of the New Bangkok International Airport
Carl J. D'silva
Manufacturer: Silkworm Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Asian | International | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
General | Building Types & Styles | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9749361989

Book Description

This powerful collection of black-and-white photographs celebrates the construction of the new Bangkok airport. Full-page photographs by the on-sight architect portray the unexpected beauty of repeating patterns of steel, glass, and concrete combining to create a work of art in progress. Cold clean lines, precisely repeating curves, negative and positive space, shapes within shapes in trusses and meshes—these are the raw elements of this superlative visual feast of architectural images.

Chiang Mai Style (Not Just a Good Food Guide)

Average customer rating:

Chiang Mai Style (Not Just a Good Food Guide)
Joe Cummings
Manufacturer: Marshall Cavendish Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

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Photo Essays | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 9812328319

Product Description

From its early beginnings as a 5th-century Lawa walled city through the recent boom in residential and commercial design, the temple-studded city of Chiang Mai has become an inspiration for architects and designers. Nestled in a mountain valley in Thailands far north, Chiang Mai has long been a haven for artists and artisans who have taken inspiration from Burmese, Chinese, northern Thai, Shan, Thai Lu, hill-tribe and European sources, then fused them into a uniquely Chiang Mai art and culture. This cross-fertilisation of ideas owes much to the citys history as a vital midway point for mule caravan routes between China and the Gulf of Martaban; even with the demise of the caravan trade it has remained a major supplier of arts and crafts to the world.

Book Description

Author and wildlife expert Mike Lapinski compiled this collection of true bear-encounter stories from throughout the western United States, British Columbia, and Alaska. Some have happy endings, some fatal; all are thrilling. But there's more to this book than a heart-pounding read. Think of these as campfire stories with a higher purpose. Mike strongly advocates the use of bear pepper spray for backpackers, rangers, anglers, hunters, photographers, anybody who hikes through bear country. Repelling and reconditioning bears saves lives, both human and bruin, he asserts. In TRUE STORIES OF BEAR ATTACKS. Mike also shares insights into bear behavior, why they attack, how to protect yourself in bear country, and thoughts on the future of the great bear in the Lower 48. Organizations such as the U.S.D.A. Forest Service and the Center for Wildlife Information, National Bear Conservation, in Missoula, Montana, have expressed support for Mike's work.

Customer Reviews:

Don't waste your time!.......2005-12-01

Unless you are interested in reading one chapter after another plugging Bear Spray, don't waste your time. The stories are all re-hashed versions of nearly identical situations; Man goes into the wilderness-Man sees bear-Man uses UDAP Bear Spray on bear-bear retreats. This book is one long advertisement for UDAP!! My book was actually misprinted, missing 50 pages right in the middle. Initially I wanted to return my book for a complete one but, after reading the rest of 223 pages, I didn't want to waste any more of my time with this ONE story.

INFOMMERCIAL IN DISGUISE.......2005-09-27

Much of this book felt like I was watching an infommercial for UDAP pepper spray, except I was not only wasting my time, but also my money, by paying for the commercial by buying this book. I was firmly convinced (prior to reading this book) of the value of pepper spray as a LAST RESORT defense against bear attack- after abiding by all the known SOPs for avoiding surprising or provoking bears. This book is an ad for a product produced by an admitted friend of the author, Mike Matheny of UDAP. I have nothing personal against Mr Matheny, but this method of stealth advertising will only cause me to continue to carry Counter Assault exclusively, which, with common sense and good luck, I have never had to use while travelling in bear country.

pepper spray or firearms?.......2004-10-30

Lapinski writes that in 1998, he "began spreading the great news about pepper spray with religious zeal." If you're a hiker ooking for an objective analysis on the pros and cons of pepper spray, you won't find it here. If you're a hunter trying to decide whether or not to carry pepper spray in grizzly country, Lapinski's one-sided arguments will turn you off. This book is a shameless ad for pepper spray.

Lapinski begings by telling a story about a time he was hiking in Glacier Park when he spotted a grizzly about 200 yards away. The bear looked his way, then entered an aspen grove. Instead of turning around or going way around the bear, Lapinski walks right in after the bear and a confrontation ensues. "The hysterical impluse to turn and run was overpowering, but my mind screamed for me to stay calm because I was still in control. Though I carried no gun, I was not defenseless." Lapinski slowly backed away, "pleased that bear pepper spray had once again kept me not only safe but also in control of my mental and physical actions."

Did pepper spray keep Lapinski safe or lead him into trouble? A book titled Backcountry Bear Basics notes that, "Just because you have a can of pepper spray, don't go places you wouldn't go otherwise. Don't do things you wouldn't do otherwise. Try to guard against overconfidence." Grizzlies In The Mist author Chuck Neal urges people to carry pepper spray, adding that he doesn't because "I actually fear the 'false confidence' bear spray or firearms tend to convey to the bearer."

Time and again Lapinski tells tales where people with pepper spray walk into bear trouble they could have avoided. Sometimes pepper spray stops the bear from injuring people, but just as often the bear does injure people before being driven away. Lapinski is blind to the fact pepper spray might foster overconfidence that leads to confrontations with bears.

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