Combining written and visual essays, Water vs. Urban Scape discusses making room for water in the urban landscape. The volume looks at examples in a variety of cities including Antwerp, Shanghai, Istanbul, Oslo, Kigali, Perth and Brussels.
Settlement areas today can no longer be aptly described as either "urban" or "rural". We now live in sprawling conglomerations, collages of urban, suburban, and rural elements. New political solutions need to be found, challenging the institutional framework of federalism and the concept of local government. Commissioned by the foundation 'avenir suisse' (Think Tank for Economic and Social Issues), this publication gathers contributions by experts from the fields of sociology, geography, politics, economics and architecture, including Winy Maas' (MVRDV) vision for a Switzerland of the future. Whilst focusing on Switzerland as a case study, this book is a thought-provoking report on the gradual changes taking place in all industrialised countries. Angelus Eisinger teaches at the Department of Architecture at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Michael Schneider is the project leader at 'avenir suisse'.
The growth of cities poses ever-increasing challenges for the natural environment on which they impact and depend, not only within their boundaries but also in surrounding peri-urban areas. Landscape ecology – the study of interactions across space and time between the structure and function of physical, biological and cultural components of landscapes – has a pivotal role to play in identifying sustainable solutions. This book brings together examples of research at the cutting edge of urban landscape ecology across multiple contexts that investigate the state, maintenance and restoration of healthy and functional natural environments across urban and peri-urban landscapes. An explicit focus is on urban landscapes in contrast to other books which have considered urban ecosystems and ecology without specific focus on spatial connections. It integrates research and perspectives from across academia, public and private practitioners of urban conservation, planning and design. It provides a much needed summary of current thinking on how urban landscapes can provide the foundation of sustained economic growth, prospering communities and personal well-being.
Handbook of Urban Landscape deals with aspects most related to architecture while, at the same time, it aims to serve the landscape profession itself. Because the field of landscape work is so wide, the present handbook is limited to urban landscape. The handbook can be used at three levels. Its technical studies and reviews form a general guide to current thought on the design of various kinds of open space; its design guide and information sheets are a daily reference for the landscape design process; and through its sources and references, readers can obtain background information or more specific guidance on particular aspects. This handbook is intended as a desk-side guide for all designers of urban space, including architects, landscape architects, planners, and engineers—and for students of these professions. It should also help to improve understanding of the work and procedures of landscape architects, so that all who use them as consultants will be better equipped to brief them.
This publication offers a comprehensive look at the management of oaks in urban areas. As development moves into oak woodland areas, more and more oaks are becoming "urban" oaks. Oaks are highly valued in urban areas for their aesthetic, environmental, economic and cultural benefits. However, significant impacts to the health and structural stability of oaks have resulted from urban encroachment. Changes in environment, incompatible cultural practices, and pest problems can all lead to the early demise of our stately oaks. Using this book you'll learn how to effectively manage and protect oaks in urban areas - existing oaks as well as the planting of new oaks. Three key areas are addressed: selection, care, and preservation. You'll learn how cultural practices, pest management, risk management, preservation during development, and genetic diversity can all play a role in preserving urban oaks. Arborists, urban foresters, landscape architects, planners and designers, golf course superintendents, academics, and Master Gardeners alike will find this to be an invaluable reference guide.
This book discusses the way that a nature-driven approach to urbanism can be applied at each of the urban scales; architectural design, urban design of neighborhoods, city planning and landscape architecture, and at the city and regional scales. At all levels nature-driven approaches to design and planning add to the quality of the built structure and furthermore to the quality of life experienced by people living in these environments. To include nature and greening to built structures is a good starting point and can add much value. The chapter authors have fiducia in giving nature a fundamental role as an integrated network in city design, or to make nature the entrance point of the design process, and base the design on the needs and qualities of nature itself. The highest existence of nature is a permanent ecosystem which endures stressors and circumstances for a prolonged period. In an urban context this is not always possible and temporality is an interesting concept explored when nature is not a permanent feature. The ecological contribution to the environment, and indirect dispersion of species, from a temporary location will, overall add biodiversity to the entire system.
"Addresses key issues and best practice for urban conservation Authors able to offer unique insight from UNESCO's World Heritage Centre Examples drawn from urban heritage sites worldwide -- from Timbuktu to Liverpool Richly illustrated with colour photographs."-- Résumé Wordcat.