http://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Way-Building-Christopher-Alexander/dp/0195024028/http://www.amazon.com/Pattern-Language-Buildings-Construction-Environmental/dp/0195019199/http://www.amazon.com/Oregon-Experiment-Center-Environmental-Structure/dp/0195018249/This book completely changed my view on design, architecture, and even business and life.
I used to say, this is interesting (e.g. this is cool).
Then I say, I don't want something that's just interesting, I want something that's good. (e.g. I'm a minimalist and I try to remove insignificant stuff to get to the core, the good).
After reading this book, I realized I want something that is actually alive.