The multi-disciplinary perspective provided here offers a strategic view on built environment issues and improve understanding of how built environment activities potentially induce global warming and climate change. It also highlights solutions to these challenges. Solutions to Climate change Challenges in the Built Environment helps develop an appreciation of the diverse themes of the climate change debate across the built environment continuum. A wide perspective is provided through contributions from physical; environmental; social; economic and political scientists. This strategic view on built environment issues will be useful to researchers as well as policy experts and construction practitioners wanting a holistic view. This book clarifies complex issues around climate change and follows five main themes: climate change experiences; urban landscape development; urban management issues; measurement of impact; and the future. Chapters are written by eminent specialists from both academic and professional backgrounds. The main context for chapters is the developed world but the discussion is widened to incorporate regional issues. The book will be valuable to researchers and students in all the built environment disciplines; as well as to practitioners involved with the design; construction and maintenance of buildings; and government organisations developing and implementing climate change policy.
#387634 in eBooks 2006-10-05 2006-10-05File Name: B006QUYQ6W
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Lots of good info but a bit too opinionated?By John R. Smolley MDAudio and discussions about the audibility of interconnects tends to generate more heat than light in most cases. I learned quite a bit by reading this book but found the chapter on amps and cabling perhaps a trifle misleading. Herein are a number of measurements from the lab of Gene Czerwinski (founder of Cerwin-Vega) showing measurable and often large differences between different cables when used with a particular amp/speaker combo. Lots of speculation about this and that without any proof except as to cite Martin Colloms views on the subject. and more anecdotal evidence about a digital mixing array and the gremlins therein. Also troubling is that one of the authors seems smitten with active crossovers and includes a long list of pros/cons to both active and passive. but draws a deep line in the sand when it comes to using DSP for loudspeakers--taking objection to the fact that such locks one in with a particular DAC that may be insufficiently revealing or otherwise lacking. Well looking around at the number of studio monitors being sold with DSP a mere 6 years later...Again a fair amount of solid info but this is a book I wish I had found at the local library.15 of 17 people found the following review helpful. Essential reading for audio afficionadosBy Alberto VargasI approach this book as an audiophile interested in getting more educated about the science and principles of loudspeaker design and behavior. It is truly excellent for that. I have no intent to design my own loudspeakers or become an acoustics expert. and the book is written well for such a non-professional audience.The book is mostly geared towards recording engineers for whom loudspeakers are essential tools of the trade. but who normally do not have a solid grasp of the physics and engineering of loudspeakers. Unlike many other books and articles on speakers. there are few equations and formulas here. The language is easy to follow. and there are plenty of illustrations and charts to help you understand.There is sort of a religious debate in the high end audio community between subjectivists (trust only your ears. any part of the sound system matters a lot) and objectivists (everything is measurable. and all competently designed components sound similar). This book sheds light in both directions and shows where they fall short.Some of the more controversial and interesting bits of the book are about how amplifiers can sound different. and how cables can change the sound depending on amplifier and speaker design. There apparently has been some scientific research on this. The amplifier-cable-crossover-driver system is apparently very complex. and certain designs are much more idiosyncratic to the point where small changes (e.g. different cable) can make an audible and measurable difference.There are references to a bunch of other books and articles if you want to dig deeper. The authors refer a lot to Floyd Tooles articles and his recent book on acoustics which I recently read and reviewed on : Sound Reproduction: The Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of Loudspeakers and Rooms which is also recommended reading.I highly recommend this book to all serious audio enthusiasts!3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great introductionBy Christian HippThis book greatly boosted my knowledge about loudspeakers. crossovers. amplifiers. cables and room acoustics. The text is well suited for readers new to the subject. Sometimes new terms are being used without explanation which could be improved upon. Overall this is an excellent book though. hence the 5 star rating.
