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Databases and Directories

0lll Photographs of Architecture
 http://www.0lll.com/lud/pages/architecture/archgallery/



 Notwithstanding its incomprehensible name (it's a zero and three 'L's in case you were wondering), this is an attractively designed website dedicated to the collection of photographs depicting architecture from all over the world, and includes a diverse range of popular and less-known works. The directory of buildings can be browsed by country, city or architect. The photographs are excellent quality throughout, and feature some interesting and unusual views; new projects and photographs are being added all the time. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 6 Nov 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-081201-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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AJ Specification
 http://www.ajspecification.com/



 AJ Specification describes itself as "a new generation online specification tool", helping specifiers experience proven products in the context of inspiring buildings. The site brings together two well known brands in the world of buildings and product specification - the Architects' Journal, and Specification - with access via paid subscription. Once logged in, users can browse or search the site by building, architect, supplier or product. AJ Specification's detailed coverage is impressive - information about specific buildings is complemented by useful articles and images from the Architects' Journal. Navigation of the site is highly intuitive, with clear and effective hyperlinking between different sources of information. Though the requirement to pay does act as a bar to access, AJ Specification is nevertheless an impressive resource, providing an essential source of reference for the architect, specifier or student. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 7 Jul 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-040602-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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ArchINFORM - International Architectural Database
 http://www.archinform.net/



 archINFORM describes itself as "the largest online database for international architecture"; certainly, it continues to grow, and now features over 27,000 built and unrealised projects from numerous architects and planners. The database is available in English or German versions, and can be searched by person, location, keywords or text query. Its coverage of 20th century architecture is especially strong, but this is in all respects a well designed and impressively comprehensive resource. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 4 Jul 2010].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-071101-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Germany
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Architect Search
 http://www.archsearch.co.uk/



 Architect Search describes itself as "the UK's leading online resource of images and information that helps you find the right architect for your project", and is a service provided by Design for Homes, the UK online portal for residential design. It is an excellent site, attractively illustrated with photographs, showcasing residential projects by architectural practices of all sizes throughout the UK and Ireland. Entries can be browsed by practice, or Homeowner and Professional searches can be used to obtain more targeted results. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 17 Jul 2008].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-100303-04
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Architects' Index
 http://www.architectsindex.com/



 Covering all parts of the UK, the Architects' Index has been established "to help promote registered architects to consumers looking to secure the services of an architect". The site presently allows architects to join free of charge, giving them the opportunity to submit their company details, project case studies and portfolios together with basic contact information. In turn, consumers can simply search or browse the Architects' Index database to find a suitable local architect. The design of the site is clear and professional throughout, with a series of free consumer guides (such as "Choosing the Right Architect") further enhancing its value as a resource. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 4 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-040906-03
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Design Training
 http://www.design-training.com/



 Focused upon North America, the Design School site is premised on the idea that "gaining recognition as a professional designer is a ticket to opportunity, and the right design school is therefore key." With this in mind, the site aims to help users "fulfill your dreams at any one of many design training centres across the United States and Canada... whether your goal is a career in design, or is one of self-improvement for your own pleasure." The site is pleasingly designed and easy to get around, with design schools listed by degree type, location and category (including, among others, interior design and architecture). Other resources include news, articles, and a worthwhile 'Best Architecture Websites' section showcasing sites - including Sapling.info - that excel in terms of their usability, content and popularity. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 6 Jul 2010].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-060710-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design » Resources
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Designguide.com
 http://www.designguide.com/



Newly launched in 2004, Designguide "is dedicated to providing the design and construction industry with the most comprehensive and efficient directory for professionals, products and online resources". Users can browse the site's content by category ('professionals', 'products' or 'links') or use the convenient search tool. When it launched, the site described its interface as "a sophisticated online environment built on imagery, speed and simplicity", and it certainly is unusual to see construction-related content presented within an architectural aesthetic. It all looks very professional indeed, with a recent redesign tweaking the category headings to better articulate the site's undoubted value as a resource. [GAS, 15 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-070604-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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DutchArchitects.com
 http://www.dutcharchitects.com/



 Based in the Netherlands but written completely in English, DutchArchitects.com is a rich and exciting site. Its core content is a unique, searchable architecture database featuring hundreds of buildings, interior-, landscape- and urban planning projects, covering more than 2,900 Dutch design offices, and supported by more than 11,000 good quality pictures (the site's emphasis seems to be on the work of Dutch architects, anywhere in the world, rather than necessarily on buildings in the Netherlands). The site also has useful features such as project reviews, links to other architecture sites, and job opportunities. With excellent content, and a simple easy-to-use interface, DutchArchitects.com is well worth a visit. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 6 Nov 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-131002-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Netherlands
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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ESI.info
 http://www.esi.info/



 ESI.info describes itself as "a leading online marketplace of products, services and suppliers working in architecture, construction and environmental engineering." The website is free to use and aims to provide designers, specifiers and buyers with an easy way to research, select and specify products and services across built environment projects. A colour-coded menu on the clean and attractive homepage provides access to sections covering External Works, Building Design, Building Services, Interior Design and Environmental Engineering; once inside, users can access over 11,000 illustrated product profiles, featuring specification information and company details. The function to compare and save lists of product selections for use in live or future projects is especially useful. It's easy for a site based around specification information to be dull and stodgy, but ESI.info's lively and well-illustrated pages ensure that the site is lovely to look at as well as an invaluable resource. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 5 Dec 2011].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-051211-04
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Great Buildings Online
 http://www.greatbuildings.com/



 Great Buildings Online describes itself as a "gateway to architecture around the world and across history" - certainly, it is one of the most useful architecture sites on the web. Its coverage is impressive - claiming to feature a thousand buildings and hundreds of leading architects, with resources including 3D models, photographic images, architectural drawings, commentaries, bibliographies and links. The site itself is attractively designed and straightforward to use - visitors can search the Great Buildings database by architect, building or place. Search results are displayed clearly, and the quality of the images, in particular, is excellent. An essential site for anyone researching a famous architect or building. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 28 Aug 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-300502-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Hire-Contractors.com
 http://www.hire-contractors.com/



Hire-Contractors.com is a US-based directory of home improvement and restoration contractors, including cleaning services, carpet cleaning, architects, landscape architects, interior designers and builders. The site is attractively designed and easy to use, with users able to browse the directory by category or search it by Zip code. A series of home improvement-related articles add to the site's value as a resource. [GAS, 4 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-040906-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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PADDI - Planning Architecture Design Database Ireland
 http://www.paddi.net/



PADDI is a "bibliographic database which aims to provide wide access to information on all aspects of the built environment and environmental planning in Ireland, north and south". The site's archive boasts an impressive time period from the 12th Century to the present day, with 18784 bibliographic records, regularly updated. PADDI produce this service in collaboration with Architecture and Planning libraries of Queen's University, Belfast and University College, Dublin, so they are fully endorsed. Everything the visitor needs to know about the service and navigation of the site is included on the homepage whilst the other areas of the site are also extensive, with links to relevant associations, societies and faculties in Ireland, including those relevant to architecture, planning, environment, building and construction. A large list of the journals included on the database is included as well as a good range of images of the various referenced buildings. The site is both efficient and navigable, while the search facility is clear and easy to use. [DJP/GAS, 20 Aug 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-290104-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Ireland
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Structurae
 http://www.structurae.net/



 Created by bridge engineer Nicolas Janberg, Structurae is an International Database and Gallery of Structures, and is an excellent resource for students, teachers and professionals in the field of civil but especially structural engineering. It contains information relating to bridges and bridge construction; skyscrapers, towers and other tall buildings; domes, shells, tensile structures and other roofs of long spans; dams and other engineered structures; and the designers (i.e. engineers and architects) of these structures. Database entries include a wealth of information, including technical data, images, bibliographical references and useful web links. The site is provided in English, French and German, and welcomes the submission of additional data from its users. All in all, a fantastic resource, deservedly awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 15 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-221000-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Germany
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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Temples Around The Globe
 http://www.realtemplesdir.com/



The idea behind Temples Around The Globe is an interesting and useful one, seeking to offer "the ultimate source of information on world temples". Coverage so far includes the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India and Singapore, with many of the entries including photographs, details of how to get there, and historical information about the buildings themselves. The layout of the site is quite logical, but the over-prominent Google ads and a large number of spelling errors do detract from what is otherwise a worthwhile and engaging resource. Given the quantity of material on the site it would also be useful to have a search function - perhaps this can be added as the site continues to improve and grow. [GAS, 8 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-080906-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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