The goal of advancing eco cities often remains confined to political or technological issues. This book establishes a focus on architectural and infrastructural design approaches to sustainable urban planning. Starting out from a critical assessment of five prototypical eco cities of recent decades, the book identifies fields in which architectural and urban designers can use their creative skills and methods to achieve sustainable results on an urban scale. Sustainability is undergoing a shift of focus from quantitative measures toward designoriented, interactive interventions. The range of qualitative solutions in ecological design is discussed here in four topical sections on "Materialize", "Mobilize", "Simulate" and "Transform". For example, "Materialize" explores the potential of eco-design beyond the traditional palette of materials to show how spatial boundaries can be re-imagined as gradients of conditioned versus unconditioned space, working with climatic conditions rather than material boundaries to help generate new forms of urban architecture. Notes Includes index.

Contains an introductory section that examines Shakespeare's life and reveals why his works are so universally appealing. Subsequent parts examine each of his 38 plays, explaining their themes, contexts, and literary and cultural significance.

From the Publisher: Green Technology is an eight-volume set that examines the relationship between human activities and their sometimes harmful consequences for the environment and explores new methods of repairing and restoring the Earth. Approaching environmental issues confronting society from a technological perspective has spawned significant controversy, and the books in this set present all sides of the debate. Designed to complement science curricula, the set also covers relevant history and new green technologies and innovations that will contribute to the field in the future. Environmental Engineering: Designing a Sustainable Future examines how this field, which incorporates not only aspects of art and design but also physics, geology, ecology, and the chemistry of matter, evolved from a discipline of civil engineering. Environmental engineers learn how to work with nature to improve and control the quality of the land, air, and water for the benefit of human and nonhuman cohabitation. Sidebars, figures, and case studies enhance fundamental concepts and examine urgent issues related to the "natural future" of the environment. The volume includes information on: aerodynamics; ecological and energy "architecture"; energy-efficient electronics; innovations in personal vehicles; landscape design; micro climates; solar homes; sustainable manufacturing; transit systems; and wastewater. The book contains 50 color photographs and line illustrations, five appendixes, a glossary, a detailed list of print and Internet resources, and an index. Green Technology is essential for high school students, teachers, and general readers who seek information on the important issues that affect the environment worldwide.

Synopsis: Green Technology is an eight-volume set that examines the relationship between human activities and their sometimes harmful consequences for the environment and explores new methods of repairing and restoring the Earth. Approaching environmental issues confronting society from a technological perspective has spawned significant controversy, and the books in this set present all sides of the debate. Designed to complement science curricula, the set also covers relevant history and new green technologies and innovations that will contribute to the field in the future. Renewable Energy: Sources and Methods examines the current technologies in renewable energy, a critical subject given that the world increases its energy consumption between 1 and 3 percent each year. Considering the current rate of energy consumption and the consequences of continuing at this rate, the book explains how the main conventional sources of energy-including coal, oil, and gas-affect economies worldwide. The book also focuses on the remarkable diversity of ideas and innovations in the field of alternative energy. Sidebars, figures, and case studies enhance fundamental concepts and examine urgent issues related to the future of the environment. The volume includes information on: alternative vehicles; biomass; the biorefining industry; "clean" energy; converting solid waste to energy; Earth's energy sources; green building design and construction; recycling; water conservation; and worldwide energy programs. The book contains more than 40 color photographs and line illustrations, five appendixes, a glossary, a detailed list of print and Internet resources, and an index. Green Technology is essential for general readers who seek information on the important issues that affect the environment worldwide.