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Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2021 International Building Code



Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2021 International Building Code – A Product Review

Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2021 International Building Code – A Product Review

Building codes are essential for ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of the public in the built environment. They set the minimum standards for design, construction, and occupancy of buildings and structures. However, building codes can be complex, confusing, and intimidating for many professionals and students who need to apply them in their projects. That’s why a visual guide to the latest edition of the International Building Code (IBC) can be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand and comply with the code.

In this product review, we will take a look at the newly revised Seventh Edition of Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2021 International Building Code, written by Francis D.K. Ching and Steven R. Winkel. We will examine the features, benefits, and drawbacks of this book, and provide our expert opinion on whether it is worth buying or not.

What is Building Codes Illustrated?

Building Codes Illustrated is a book that provides a visual interpretation of the 2021 International Building Code, the most widely adopted building code in the world. The book is divided into 35 chapters, each covering a different aspect of the code, such as use and occupancy, fire protection, accessibility, structural design, and more. Each chapter includes clear illustrations, diagrams, tables, and examples that explain the code provisions and requirements in a simple and intuitive way. The book also includes new chapters on plumbing fixture counts, elevators, special construction, and existing buildings, reflecting the recent changes and additions to the 2021 IBC.

The book is written by two renowned experts in the field of architecture and building codes. Francis D.K. Ching is a professor emeritus of architecture at the University of Washington and the author of several bestselling books on architectural drawing and design. Steven R. Winkel is an architect and code consultant with over 40 years of experience in the practice and teaching of architecture and building codes. Together, they have created a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the 2021 IBC that is both informative and visually appealing.

Who is Building Codes Illustrated for?

Building Codes Illustrated is designed for anyone who needs to understand and apply the 2021 IBC in their projects, such as architects, engineers, contractors, developers, code officials, inspectors, students, and instructors. The book is suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals, as it covers the basics as well as the advanced topics of the code. The book can be used as a standalone reference or as a companion to the code itself, as it follows the same organization and numbering system as the 2021 IBC.

The book is also ideal for anyone who prefers a visual approach to learning and problem-solving, as it uses hundreds of illustrations and examples to convey the code concepts and requirements. The book can help readers to grasp the intent and rationale behind the code provisions, as well as to avoid common errors and violations. The book can also serve as a source of inspiration and creativity for design solutions that meet or exceed the code standards.

What are the pros and cons of Building Codes Illustrated?

As with any product, Building Codes Illustrated has its strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the pros and cons of the book that we have identified based on our analysis and experience.

Pros

  • The book is up-to-date with the latest edition of the 2021 IBC, which is the most widely used and recognized building code in the world.
  • The book is written by two experts in the field of architecture and building codes, who have decades of experience and knowledge in the subject matter.
  • The book is easy to navigate and use, as it follows the same structure and numbering system as the 2021 IBC. The book also includes a detailed table of contents, a comprehensive index, and cross-references to the code sections and other chapters.
  • The book is visually appealing and engaging, as it uses high-quality illustrations, diagrams, tables, and examples to explain the code provisions and requirements. The book also uses color coding, symbols, and annotations to highlight the key points and differences in the code.
  • The book is informative and educational, as it provides clear and concise explanations of the code concepts and rationale, as well as practical tips and advice on how to apply the code in various scenarios and situations. The book also includes new chapters on topics that are relevant and important for the current and future trends in the building industry, such as plumbing fixture counts, elevators, special construction, and existing buildings.
  • The book is versatile and adaptable, as it can be used by different types of users and for different purposes, such as a reference, a study guide, a teaching tool, or a design aid. The book can also be used in conjunction with other resources, such as the code itself, the commentary, the handbook, or the online portal.

Cons

  • The book is expensive, as it costs $75 for the paperback version and $60 for the e-book version. This may be a deterrent for some users who are on a tight budget or who prefer cheaper alternatives.
  • The book is bulky and heavy, as it has 528 pages and weighs 3.05 pounds. This may make it inconvenient for some users who need to carry it around or store it in a limited space.
  • The book is not a substitute for the code itself, as it does not include the full text of the code provisions and requirements. The book also does not cover every detail and exception of the code, as it focuses on the most common and relevant aspects. Therefore, users still need to refer to the code itself or other sources for complete and accurate information and guidance.
  • The book is not a guarantee for code compliance, as it does not address every possible scenario and situation that may arise in the real world. The book also does not provide legal or professional advice, as it is intended for general information and education purposes only. Therefore, users still need to exercise their own judgment and discretion, and consult with qualified authorities and experts, when applying the code in their projects.

Conclusion

Building Codes Illustrated is a book that provides a visual interpretation of the 2021 International Building Code, the most widely adopted building code in the world. The book is written by two experts in the field of architecture and building codes, who have created a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the 2021 IBC that is both informative and visually appealing. The book is designed for anyone who needs to understand and apply the 2021 IBC in their projects, such as architects, engineers, contractors, developers, code officials, inspectors, students, and instructors. The book is suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals, as it covers the basics as well as the advanced topics of the code. The book can be used as a standalone reference or as a companion to the code itself, as it follows the same organization and numbering system as the 2021 IBC.

The book has many strengths, such as being up-to-date, easy to navigate, visually engaging, informative, educational, versatile, and adaptable. The book also has some weaknesses, such as being expensive, bulky, heavy, not a substitute for the code, and not a guarantee for code compliance. However, we believe that the pros outweigh the cons, and that the book is worth buying for anyone who wants to learn and apply the 2021 IBC in a simple and intuitive way.

Therefore, we give Building Codes Illustrated a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, and we highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in the 2021 International Building Code.

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