The Geometry of Design
Kimberly Elam - Princeton Architectural Press

This terrific little book supplies an excellent
refresher chapter on The Golden Section, Root
Rectangles, and how they are used to create the
designs that please us.

Architecture, furniture, posters, and consumer
products are explored from a geometric perspective.
Onionskin overlays beautifully demonstrate how the
importance of symmetry and  geometric
relationships in artistic creation.

It is fascinating to review how the 1:16 ratio of the
Golden Section affects the emotional attractiveness
of masterpieces and coffee makers, and the clear
visual explanations do a better job of promoting the
understanding of geometry in products and nature
than typical scholastic texts.
Not exactly 'read' recommendations, but rather listening. Here are
some podcasts that I download regularly, that I find especially
instructive. Remember that you do not need an iPod to download and
listen to these shows. You can subscribe to them free via iTunes, or
visit their websites:


43 Folders is the web site by Merlin Mann that focuses on personal productivity.
His podcast includes interviews with experts who give interesting advice on
dealing with email, avoiding useless meetings, and common sense in work.
www.43folders.com


Killer Innovations by Phil McKinney is a weekly discussion on new ideas for the
creation of products and services. His library is vast, and some of the shows are
really thought-provoking.
www.killerinnovations.com


Innovate - A series of 15 minute interviews conducted by students at Standford.
Participants include David Kelly of Ideo, and Second Life" Phillip Rosedale.
www.innovate.blogspot.com
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      My daughter Sarah has a comic strip entered in the local Philadelphia paper's comic contest. If you think
that her strip is the (obviously) best one, vote for it by Aug 23rd, 2007 by clicking on the strip below!