In this lavishly illustrated volume; Toronto historian Mike Filey regales readers with the best of his meditations on everything Toronto; including stories of the city’s past told through its landmarks; neighbourhoods; streetscapes; social customs; pleasure palaces; politics; sporting events; celebrities; and defining moments.
#2554441 in eBooks 2012-11-20 2012-11-20File Name: B00AHG91BQ
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Principles and practice of ecosystem designBy Zeenat MackwaniAfter reading Design for Human Ecosystems; I wished I could have attended one of Professor Lyles lectures. Lyle is one of the pioneers of the regenerative design approach which advocates forms of human development that restore and renew landscapes. This book presents principles; methods; and examples of ecosystem design.Major topics discussed in this book are scale dynamics; ecological diversity; and the design of productive landscapes. The book is also a users manual that bridges principles to practice through the presentation of procedures; techniques; and case studies.I knew little about regenerative design and was daunted by the complexity of the subject. However Lyles years of didactic experience shine through in this book which is well structured and written impeccably. Scientific and theoretical concepts are presented clearly and allowed me to learn more about biology; landscape architecture; and environmental planning. This is not a dry; boring book. Lyles style is at times humorous and philosophical. The author presents his ideas in an optimistic way giving mankind a prominent role in mending our relationship with nature. Lyle also comes across as a pragmatic environmentalist. He acknowledges human needs and desires and the role played by money; politics; and time. The case studies illustrate well this pragmatism and show the ecosystem design approach adapted to a variety of situations -rural and urban; economically privileged and disadvantaged. This is an essential read for anyone interested in how to reconcile nature and human development in a realistic way.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. InformativeBy Sofia PenabazI chose this book because I was interested in going to the John T. Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies to advance my education; and a book by him was recommended. I have since decided not to go there; However; I am glad that I purchased this book. It is a bit dry; but it is a good collection of research projects in balancing ecology and social needs within the scope of City Planning. It includes methodology; graphs and maps.I dont really like the layout; and it needs color photos because it is a book; not a research paper. However; it was written a while ago; when a lot of books were like this.I think that City Planners; Architects and Landscape Architects; people working in the Environmental Field or people in related fields would appreciate this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. For people wanting to wrap their heads around the challenges of good land-use; or budding professionals who need a professionalBy Christina OgdenThis book is one of the originals in the eco-design field; it is truly a classic. For people wanting to wrap their heads around the challenges of good land-use; or budding professionals who need a professional resource; it is a work that belongs close at hand.