Theme and Amusement Parks

Rating:
Summary: Details demonstrate planning involved in theme parks
Review: This book, with its site layouts of international theme parks and color photographs of various details of each park, is a visual treat. Accompanying the pictures is text that outlines the premise behind the design, and provides a very brief piece on the designer(s).

I most liked the international focus. Several of the theme parks were new to me, in particular the artificial Ski Dome in Japan, and the Port Aventura in Spain, which addresses multinational themes on a smaller scale than Disney.

In addition to the traditional theme/amusement park, museums, waterparks, and game preserves (Ibaraki Park, Myombe Reserve) are also featured. This expands the definition of "amusement" to include natural resources and athletic facilities as a source of pleasure and relaxation.

I would have preferred more text to accompany the photographs and scale drawings, elevations and site plans, if only to provide a deeper appreciation of the planning process that goes into this type of project. However, the information is beautifully presented, and this book demonstrates a good range of projects within its specialized subject matter. I would consider this an excellent reference for the design library, and for anyone who has enjoyed the uniqueness of theme parks and wants to understand more fully their designs.

Rating:
Summary: Details demonstrate planning involved in theme parks
Review: This book, with its site layouts of international theme parks and color photographs of various details of each park, is a visual treat. Accompanying the pictures is text that outlines the premise behind the design, and provides a very brief piece on the designer(s).

I most liked the international focus. Several of the theme parks were new to me, in particular the artificial Ski Dome in Japan, and the Port Aventura in Spain, which addresses multinational themes on a smaller scale than Disney.

In addition to the traditional theme/amusement park, museums, waterparks, and game preserves (Ibaraki Park, Myombe Reserve) are also featured. This expands the definition of "amusement" to include natural resources and athletic facilities as a source of pleasure and relaxation.

I would have preferred more text to accompany the photographs and scale drawings, elevations and site plans, if only to provide a deeper appreciation of the planning process that goes into this type of project. However, the information is beautifully presented, and this book demonstrates a good range of projects within its specialized subject matter. I would consider this an excellent reference for the design library, and for anyone who has enjoyed the uniqueness of theme parks and wants to understand more fully their designs.

Rating:
Summary: Gorgeous photos, but not enough text
Review: This is a high-quality book with gorgeous photos ... but not much else. The chosen parks are obscure (the only mention of Disney is Walt Disney World's Dixie Landings Resort) with very little text. It could've greatly benefited from some background information, design philosophy, even exact locations. This book would be a great addition to a coffee table, but the serious theme-park enthusiast will probably be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Gorgeous photos, but not enough text
Review: This is a high-quality book with gorgeous photos ... but not much else. The chosen parks are obscure (the only mention of Disney is Walt Disney World's Dixie Landings Resort) with very little text. It could've greatly benefited from some background information, design philosophy, even exact locations. This book would be a great addition to a coffee table, but the serious theme-park enthusiast will probably be disappointed.