Current Debates in Sustainable Architecture, Urban Design & Environmental Studies


Book Description

As the outcome of the seventh international congress, the papers in this volume cover a wide range of topics related to the main theme of the conference, titled “Current Debates in Social Sciences”, and basically focuses Sustainability in Architecture, Urban Design and Environmental Studies. In this context, the articles in the book draw attention to the different aspects and scales about design and planning processes including architecture, urban design and environment studies. We believe that these studies would contribute to the development of debates in social sciences and encourage interdisciplinary approaches.




Environmental Psychology


Book Description

This book contains a selection of nine detailed and varied research papers in the area of environment-behaviour studies. The papers are based on presentations at the 4th UK Environmental Psychology (EPUK4) conference that was held in Glasgow, Scotland in September 2005. The conference theme centred on a recurring debate in Environmental Psychology and one which had recently been ‘reopened’ by Prof. Christopher Spencer (University of Sheffield), namely: “how can we ensure that the findings from high quality environment-behaviour research are put into practice in ‘real-world’ applications”? This book outlines current views on the debate along with suggestions on how we might more effectively address this ‘research-practice’ relationship. EPUK is an informal organisation that brings together environmental psychologists and other professionals working in the area of environment-behaviour research. EPUK4 was jointly organised by Dr. Edward Edgerton (University of Paisley) and Dr. Ombretta Romice (University of Strathclyde), and was attended by around sixty international experts in the field.




The Greening of Architecture


Book Description

This accessible and engaging text is the first to offer a comprehensive critical history and analysis of the greening of architecture through accumulative reduction of negative environmental effects caused by buildings, urban designs and settlements. Describing the progressive development of green architecture from 1960 to 2010, it illustrates how it is ever evolving and ameliorated through alterations in form, technology, materials and use and it examines different places worldwide that represent a diversity of cultural and climatic contexts.




Ecopolis


Book Description




Australia and China Perspectives on Urban Regeneration and Rural Revitalization


Book Description

This edited volume reviews important contemporary issues through relevant case studies and research in China and Australia, such as the challenges posed by climate change, the development of eco-urban design, research on sustainable habitats and the relationship between ecology, green architecture and city regeneration, as well as, in general, the future of the city in the new millennium. The authors represent a broad selection of international experts, young scholars and established academics who discuss themes related to urban–rural destruction and economic and spatial regeneration techniques, the sustainable reconversion of natural landscapes and eco-urban design in the context of the current evolution of architectural and urbanism practice. The book aims to explain the conditions in which the contemporary debate about urban regeneration and rural revitalisation has developed in Australia and China, presented by different theoretical and methodological perspectives. It also provides a multifaceted and critical analysis of relevant case studies and urban experiences in Australia and China, focusing on environmental disruption, resized urban interventions and the need for more efficient and sustainable forms of regeneration and urban renewal practice in urban–rural contexts. This book will be an invaluable resource for architects, planners, architectural and urban historians, geographers, and scholars interested in modern Australian and Chinese architecture and urbanism.




Biophilic Connections and Environmental Encounters in the Urban Age


Book Description

Biophilic Connections and Environmental Encounters in the Urban Age takes a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing on the authors’ wide range of experience, to provide a greater understanding of the different dimensions of environmental engagement. It considers the ways that we interact with our environments, presenting a comprehensive account of how people negotiate and use the urban landscape. Set within current debates concerning urban futures, societal issues, sustainable cities, health and well-being, the book explores our innate need for contact with the natural world through biophilic design thinking to expand our knowledge base and promote a wider understanding of the importance of these interactions on our collective well-being. It responds to questions such as, what are the urban qualities that support our well-being? As an urbanised society what are the environmental determinants that promote healthy and satisfying lifestyles? Beginning with an overview of concepts relating to biophilia and environmental engagement, it moves through current theory and practice, different pathways and their characteristics, before presenting real world examples and applications through illustrated case studies in different world situations. With a particular focus on the experience of individuals, the book is essential reading for students, researchers, and practitioners of architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, design and health sciences, interested in the future of our cities and the importance of green spaces.




Smart Cities


Book Description

In the age of global climate change, society will require cities that are environmentally self-sufficient, able to withstand various environmental problems and recover quickly. It is interesting to note that many "smart" solutions for cities are leading to an unsustainable future, including further electrification, an increased dependence on the Internet, Internet of Things, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence, and basically any technology that leads us to consume more electricity. This book examines critical topics in Smart Cities such as true sustainability and the resilience required for all cities. It explores sustainability issues in agriculture and the role of agri-technology for a sustainable future, including a city’s ability to locally produce food for its residents. Features: Discusses safety, security, data management, and privacy issues in Smart Cities Examines the various emerging forms of transportation infrastructure and new vehicle technology Considers how energy efficiency can be achieved through behavioral change through specific building operations Smart Cities: Critical Debates on Big Data, Urban Development and Social Environmental Sustainability brings awareness to professionals working in the fields of environmental, civil, and transportation engineering, urban planners, and political leaders about different environmental aspects of Smart Cities and refocuses attention on critical urban infrastructure that will be necessary to respond to future challenges including climate change, food insecurity, natural hazards, energy production, and resilience.




Trends and Issues in Interdisciplinary Behavior and Social Science


Book Description

Trends and Issues in Interdisciplinary Behavior and Social Science contains papers presented at the 5th International Congress on Interdisciplinary Behavior and Social Science 2016 (ICIBSoS 2016), held 5-6 November 2016 in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. The 24 papers cover every discipline in all fields of social science, discussing many current trends and issues 21st century society is facing, especially in Southeast Asia. The topics include literature, family culture studies, behavior studies, psychology and human development, religion and values, social issues such as urban poverty and juvenile crisis, driving behavior, well-being of women, career women, career performance, happiness, social adjustment, quality of life among patients, job stress and religious coping etc. The issues are discussed using scientific quantitative or qualitative methods from different academic viewpoints.




Nature City


Book Description

This volume is the expression of seven-year scientific findings built within the INTEGRO UAD International Meetings convened at the University of Florence while the development of the collection of chapters reflects interpretations of the most pressing issues and necessary perspectives required to frame changes in planning and design. In putting together this collection, it is aimed to better understand questions, prospects, reflections and rules on improving urban strategies and tactics in balancing the needs of nature and the built form to deliver a place. Discussions, debates, and stated considerations can now inspire to give a formal and comprehensive international attention to the transformation of urban heritage including ecological and sustainable design knowledge.




Future Challenges in Evaluating and Managing Sustainable Development in the Built Environment


Book Description

Future Challenges in Sustainable Development within the Built Environment stimulates and reinterprets the demands of Responsible and Sustainable Development in the Built Environment for future action and development. It examines the methods of evaluation, the use of technology, the creation of new models and the role of human factors for examining and developing the subject over the next twenty years.