The world?s developing countries will be experiencing massive increases in their urban populations over the 21st century. If managed intelligently and humanely; this growth can pave the way to sustainable development; otherwise; it will favour higher levels of poverty and environmental stress. The outcome depends on decisions being made now.The principal theme that runs through this volume is the need to transform urbanization into a positive force for development. Part I of this book reviews the demography of the urban transition; stressing the importance of benefi cial rural-urban connections and challenging commonly held misconceptions. Part II asks how urban housing; land and service provision can be improved in the face of rapid urban expansion; drawing lessons from experiences around the world. Part III analyses the challenges and opportunities that urbanization presents for improving living environments and reducing pressures on local and global ecosystems. These social and environmental challenges must be met in the context of fast-changing demographic circumstances; Part IV explores the range of opportunities that these transformations represent. These challenges and opportunities vary greatly across Africa; Asia and Latin America; as detailed in Part V.Published with IIED and UNFPA
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Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great bookBy IvanWorthwhile purchase. very useful book and reference guide.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A valuable architectural reference tool for every designerBy Dimitri TThis book takes you through basic and advanced concepts for designing environmentally responsive structures. It is a design tool aiming to educate and assist students and professionals in understanding the ways building envelopes interface with the environment. and not argue about politics and/or "green policies".The author has been teaching such concepts for years. and as a refreshing change from the norm the book is written in an easy to follow language and its logical layout takes you through advanced concepts without too much struggle.The above is aided by the easy to follow illustrations (virtually one on every page. if not more) which are informative and thorough. while analytical tables and formulas are also provided and will be more valuable after the second or third pass of the book. It is not a back-to-back read. yet at no point a boring technical essay.I believe it deserves an easy to reach place on your library. as shuffling through it for every new project might provide you with useful ideas and examples.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Comprehensive. easy to follow. visualBy AlAs a student of Building Science this book has been a great support for having the answer to various basic topics of this area at hand. Daylighting. thermal comfort. climate and architecture. building envelope. passive systems. etc. Concise explanations of the principles behind each area. supported by examples and images.
