Health and happiness are fundamental to human quality of life. The United Nations World Happiness Report 2012 reflects a new worldwide call for governments to include happiness as a criterion to their policies. The Healthy Cities or Happy Cities movement has been endorsed by the WHO since 1986; and a Healthy House or Happy Home is a critical constituent of a healthy city or a happy city. Nevertheless; the concept has not been fully explored. Existing literature on the healthy house has often focused on the technical; economic; environmental; or biochemical aspects; while current scholarship on the happy home commonly centers on interior decoration. Few studies have addressed the importance of social and cultural factors that affect the health and happiness of the occupants. Identifying four key themes in Chinese philosophy to promote health and happiness at home; this book links architecture with Chinese philosophy; social sciences; and the humanities; and in doing so; argues that Architectural Multiculturalism is a vital ideology to guide housing design in North America. Using both qualitative and quantitative evidence gathered from ethnic Chinese and non-Chinese living in the USA and Canada; the study proposes that the Courtyard is a central component to promote social and cultural health and happiness of residents. It further details courtyard garden house design strategies that combine a sense of privacy with a feeling of community as represented in courtyard housing. The schemes may have universal implications.
#543055 in eBooks 2016-10-25 2016-10-25File Name: B01COJUE14
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Heartwarming narrativeBy Rosanne MaddenThis story is exceptionally written. I bought the book because I am a huge fan of Mr. Nelson. This book is so much greater than just for fan approval. I would recommend it for any serious reader who enjoys a story line which represents human nature. This is a caring and loving novel and will become a classic. I especially liked the sections appearing as Vernons story. Moving and emotional!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A true must read for those who love old country music. Christmas. and American icons like Willie Nelson!By Randall CollierI have never been much of a book or magazine reader. no matter what the content. I received my copy on 12/13/16 and started reading it almost instantly. I like most people have heard "Pretty Paper" every year of my life. my mother was not a Willie Nelson fan but even she loved that song. I have always loved the song. but never knew if there was a story behind it. or was it just a line some songwriter came up with sitting there watching their children unwrapping gifts at Christmas. But now I find myself totally involved in the back story of the song and not wanting to put the book down. I can relate to Willies desire to and need to find out just who is this Vernon Clay and what is his story. Willie Nelson and David Ritz have done a wonderful job of telling this story. I would recommend that anyone with a love for old country music. Christmas and American icons read this book. It is a very easy to read and stay involved with the story. the characters. and the sense of feel for the era in which this story takes place.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Clearing up a mystery.By lphatladyWhen I was very young. I remember going to Leonards and surrounding stores with my parents to see the Christmas decorations. I remembered seeing Vernon outside of Leonards. My father stopped to talk to him. My father had lost his left leg to polio. Im glad to read this story. I remember reading Bud Kennedys articles in the Fort Worth Star Telegram. This was an answer to questions Ive had for so long. To know the "real" story; is wonderful. I only wish my father was still alive to read this. He grew up not too far from Willies hometown. He lived in Itasca.
