In recent years; there has been a new understanding of how cities evolve and function; which reflects the emergent paradigm of complexity. The crux of this view is that cities are created by differentiated actors involved in individual; small-scale projects interacting in a complex way in the urban development process. This bottom up approach to urban modeling not only transforms our understanding of cities; but also improves our capabilities of harnessing the urban development process. For example; we used to think that plans control urban development in an aggregate; holistic way; but what actually happens is that plans only affect differentiated actors in seeking their goals through information. In other words; plans and regulations set restrictions or incentives of individual behaviour in the urban development process through imposing rights; information; and prices; and the analysis of the effects of plans and regulations must take into account the complex urban dynamics at a disaggregate level of the urban development process. Computer simulations provide a rigorous; promising analytic tool that serves as a supplement to the traditional; mathematical approach to depicting complex urban dynamics. Based on the emergent paradigm of complexity; the book provides an innovative set of arguments about how we can gain a better understanding of how cities emerge and function through computer simulations; and how plans affect the evolution of complex urban systems in a way distinct from what we used to think they should. Empirical case studies focus on the development of a compact urban hierarchy in Taiwan; China; and the USA; but derive more generalizable principles and relationships among cities; complexity; and planning.
#780727 in eBooks 2006-02-01 2006-02-01File Name: B01BULCT10
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Three StarsBy victorianhousewifegood info to young ones to prepare better1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A special book for those gifted peopleBy Daniel B. BeaulieuNot all business is business. We have certainly; not until recently anyway look at the arts as business. They were after all the arts. We or at least I just assumed that the arts from Ballet; to Opera to Galleries just had patrons; rich people; the modern day versions of the Medicirsquo;s who gave them money to put on their shows and stay around for the rest of us.But of course I was being naiuml;ve. We live in a world where things are expensive and yes everything gets down to dollars and cents.In this new and interesting book the authors take us into the world of the arts but with a focus on the business side of things and you know what it is not that much different than in any other business. Cash is the fuel on which a ballet company runs just like any other business.Some institutions are well run and others have problems. It is interesting to note that in many instances organizations like opera companies have hired the most famous performer to run them after they retire and this unfortunately has not gone well. Being able to perform an aria does not qualify you to run an opera company. Sooner or later someone has to know how to read a balance sheet not to mention raise funds.I like the way this book gives real-life examples of how some of the more successful companies have made it while others have floundered.There is also a section that demonstrates how starving musicians can find ways to make a living; which is getting more difficult to do in a time when even so called successful pop artist and not making the money they once were due to online downloading of their products.Things the book does that make it completely valuable to anyone trying to make a living in the arts are:bull; Providing lessons in reading and understanding financial statements.bull; Providing a comprehensive overview of the state of Americarsquo;s performing arts industry.bull; Providing lessons in management and fundraising; what so many artists consider the boring but important part of their chosen field.This book might not be for everyone3 but it is certainly a must have and read for anyone who is interested in the arts and most importantly making a living in the arts.
