Liebing is a proven expert and author of specialized literature. He is also a professor in the field of planning rendering and detailing and this is his somewhat different version of a handbook. The well-known book, "Architectural Detailing", by Professor E. Allen und P. Rand, introduces detail as a choice of system and construction. It covers a major field of instruction that Liebing expands with an important practical aspect. The "Handbook of Detailing" is about the mechanics, the function of the drafted details. Not the exemplary rendering of details but the best rendering for the respective purpose whether at the construction site or the office. The author zeros in on frequent weaknesses in detailing and shows positive examples. He consciously does without rendering copies and offers an "Anatomy of Planning Rendering" that can be adjusted to create the optimal effect.
This book offers not the exemplary rendering of details for design and planning drafts but rather the best rendering for a respective purpose, be it at the construction site or the office. It targets frequent detailing weaknesses and shows positive examples.
Preliminary TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE INTRODUCTION [ Ch.
1] CONTEXT [ Ch. 2] THE END RESULT [ Ch. 3] QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT
DETAILING [ Ch. 4] [ Questions noted in this chapter to be TOPIC titles as
follow] TOPIC 1- Where is the problem [ to be detailed] located/ [ if
location not indicated previously] TOPIC 2- What is the problem? TOPIC
3- Why must this be detailed? TOPIC 4- What pattern[ s] or solutions seem
appropriate? TOPIC 5- How do I best implement those patterns or solutions?
TOPIC 6- What should I show [ the primary focus]? TOPIC 7- What
information should be shown or noted? Am I trying to show too much? TOPIC
8- What information is required that is not shown on the sketch? What
should I leave out? TOPIC 9- What is the right or a good scale for this
detail? What is the best view to use? What scale should I use for highest
clarity? TOPIC 10- What materials should be used? TOPIC 11- How much
surrounding area should be shown? How much do I show [ overall area of
detail]? What should I show in the background and surrounding construction
[ for reference]? How does this relate to other surrounding details? TOPIC
12- How other the materials interface and connect together? What must I
show [ to convey all pertinent information]? Can this be combined with other
information for a better, more informative drawing? TOPIC 13- Is there a
standard detail available that could be the basis for this new detail?
TOPIC 14- Is there another detail, new or existing, which can be expanded to
include the new work, or which provides a better basis for this detail?
TOPIC 15- Is there enough information here that I could build this work?
What must i show [ to convey all pertinent information]? TOPIC 16- How can
I increase the readability of the detail? TOPIC 17- What line weight
variations are appropriate and where should changes occur? What line weights
are appropriate? Increasing readability TOPIC 18- How can I make the
construction in the detail, better, less costly, less complex? What
material symbols are necessary? What are the best locations for
notes/dimensions? TOPIC 19- How can I make the detail drawing better, in
presentation? Is it too complex? Is it better to use 2 details? Is it
confusing? Too involved? TOPIC 20- Have I cross-referenced this detail
completely and properly? What needs to be cross-referenced? THE MATTER
OF DETAILING [ Chap. 5:]- a discussion emphasizing the need for, the value of
and the correct disposition of details for every project; setting values and
principles. THE INDIVIDUAL EFFORT [ Chap. 6] -- a personalized discussion
about the effort of each participant in the detailing production process;
methods, techniques, values, etc. REVIEW OF SAMPLE DETAILS [ Chap. 7]--
a number of details from various sources, in differing media and styles to
illustrate the variety of methods that can be applied in detailing.
DISCUSSION OF CASE STUDIES [ Chap. 8]-- a series of details with text/legends
which critique the drawing, asses it success/value, and discussions errors
and success in the drawings-- along with methods for improvement.
ANALYSIS OF A DETAIL [ Chap. 9] a discussion about a detail that failed when
installed in the field; examination of the other ancillary documents that
were used in resolving this issue, and an analysis of what was wrong or went
wrong with the intended work DETAILS "BY OTHERS" [ Chap. 10] examples
and discussion of details produced for projects by persons/firms other than
the design professionals; shop drawings, etc. APPENDICES: List of trade
and professional organizations List of resources Suggested
Reading/Bibliography GLOSSARY-- rather extensive list to provide wider
range of terms are frequently used in detailing INDEX
Ralph W. Liebing, lives and works in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the Senior Specifications Architect at Hixson, Architects-Engineers-Interior Design. He studied at the University of Cincinnati and has taught at a number of universities. His specialized work includes publications and essays on architecture such as "Construction of Architecture" und "Architectural Working Drawings, 4th Ed." for John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
