[PDF] The Hunger by Lincoln Townley at Arts-Photography

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Three StarsBy Patty Castillo-CasanovaGreat book. Good insight on sustainable design.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A timely book addressing multifaceted aspects of EcodesignBy Besim S. HakimThis is an important and timely book by two well known experts from the US and Canada that address multifaceted aspects of urban development that would achieve a harmonious relationship between the built and natural environments which is the broad definition of Ecodesign as indicated by the authors. There concern is the urgent need to face up to climate change by protecting natural systems and re-shaping real-estate development. They emphasize that Ecodesign is a pathway; or process; and not a prescription. The chapters of the book address four themes: adapting development to already inevitable climate change; balancing transportation modes to relieve traffic congestion while supporting more compact development; replacing outmoded development regulations that continue to steer urban growth in the wrong directions; and reshaping streets; public places and buildings to shape the public realm for environmental; social; and economic benefits. The book assembles component parts of a desired growth model by presenting innovations that have become reality in such cities as Portland and Vancouver and other examples from many cities that are familiar to the authors. In chapter one the authors suggest six axioms of Ecodesign: 1) Embrace and manage complexity; 2) Make population and economic growth sustainable; 3) Make all design processes interdisciplinary; 4) Always require public involvement; 5) Respect both the natural and built context; and 6) Draw on many design methods. Chapter 2 addresses three challenges: adapting to climate change; reducing causes of global warming; and creating prototypes for urban and environmental harmony. Detailed discussions and presentation of examples from many locations enriches the readerrsquo;s understanding of these challenges. Chapter 3 is about balancing cars and other transportation. Although much has been written about this topic; the manner the authors dealt with this issue is refreshing and educational. The analysis employed to address various aspects of related issues and the suggested available alternatives are very good. Chapter 4 addresses the important topic of development regulations with excellent insight to the various consequences that result from good and bad regulations. Consider the discussion on the three blind spots in todayrsquo;s development regulations: ldquo;1) regulations treat land as a commodity to be divided among different uses rather than as a living; complex; integrated ecosystem; 2) the almost universal prescription by regulators that both uses and densities should be separated; a requirement that is contrary to the natural human complexity of cities; and 3) a system of zones based on arbitrary categories rather than functional segments of a cityrdquo;. This chapter is insightful and an important contribution to problems of the negative consequences of the predominant system of regulations in the US and Canada; and the ideas and suggestions of how to fix it. Chapter 5 is about designing and managing the public realm. The authors discuss the structural principles for the public realm under the following headings: emphasizing small blocks; maintaining connectivity; preferring two-way streets; making multiuse streets; defining public space with buildings; and highlighting landmarks and wayfinding. The chapter also discusses the social; economic and environmental demands for public space; and ideas and suggestions on the management of the public realm. Chapter 6 is on implementing Ecodesign. It brings together the material discussed in the book and proposes ideas and approaches for implementation of the bookrsquo;s contents. These are presented and grouped under the following section headings: the city is public and private; and we all have a role in implementation; implementing adaptations to climate change; helping reduce causes of global warming; implementing a better balance of cars with other transportation; balancing long-distance transportation with passenger rail; implementing compact; mixed-use; and walkable communities that consumers prefer; implementing a public realm that supports people and the environment; and a final word that ends the chapter. The book has endnotes and a good index. It has numerous color illustrations; which are well captioned and directly referred to in the text that is closest to each image; thus enhancing the value and understanding of the discussions. The book offers an excellent learning experience for those who will read it carefully. This reviewer suggests that the book will make a good text for courses in urban planning.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Looking forward to reading this book. Im author of ...By Paul GloverLooking forward to reading this book. Im author of the first textbook on ecological urban design. Los Angeles: a History of the Future (1982)[...]