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        | Book Review "Instruction Manual for 
          Appropriate Building Systems"
 by Shelter 
          Goup, Development Alternatives, with Building Materials & Technology 
          Promotion Council
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  For some years Development 
  Alternatives has been one of the leaders in India's search for alternative 
  building technologies. Their latest publication "Instruction Manual for 
  Appropriate Building Systems" produced in cooperation with the Building 
  Materials technology Promotion Council will only enhance their reputation for 
  quality work.
 The book does not reveal any new technologies, it concentrates on what is now 
  well tried and tested; building materials and techniques that can lower the 
  cost of construction.
 
 The format makes it easy for the reader to decide which material or technique 
  is most suitable for their purposes and fits their budget. Each technology is 
  presented under several different headings, introduction to the material, how 
  to build with it nad how much would it cost. Another section describes how to 
  actually produce selected materials.
 
 Each page is an interesting mixture of clear, simple live sketches, written 
  description and comparison to other materials through graphs.
 The book is a must for planners, architects, engineers & builders with 
  interest in utilising any of the existing alternative construction 
  technologies that are abound in India today.
 
 At rupees 150, the cost is small considering the quality of production and the 
  vast amount of information contained within its pages.
 
 Roger R. M. Bonner (First 
  Secretary (Buildings), British Council Division, British High Commission
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