This book is intended to fill a knowledge gap in the study of contemporary high-rise living. While there has been much documentation on the engineering and technological aspects of tall buildings; relatively little has been written about the social and livability of high-rise. Much less is written about Asian cities even though Asia is the current hotbed of high-rise development.Even though traditional discourse of high-rise housing is not always positive; new forces are redefining its place in 21st century urbanity. Many cities around the world are reembracing high-rise in urban agenda under current narrative of sustainable development. High-rise is fast becoming a priority area in international research agenda. The quest is for livable and sustainable high-rise development. Against the background of current trends--globalization; urbanization; mixed-use development; and new-built taller buildings in inner city areas in both developed and developing countries; this book examines the software: design; economics; estate management; legal and property rights; physical environment; planning; community development; and social dimensions of high-rise living. Analysis is with the widely acclaimed successful high-rise public housing in Hong Kong and Singapore to understand the advantages and worries of high-rise living; and to distill the key points and lessons in the making of a lsquo;goodrsquo; highrise living environment. Hong Kong and Singapore have been constructing high-rise for more than four decades each. The majority of their population has moved to live in high-rise; selecting to live high-rise; and registering consistently high residential satisfaction. The height of apartment buildings in both cities continues to rise. The tallest is anticipated to be 70-storey. It is the contention of this book that contrary to earlier common negative discourses on public high-rise living; the high-rise environment may yet offer urban residents a satisfying dwelling experience. Leading housing academics; researchers and practitioners in the two cities have contributed to this book. This book presents a timely contribution to our understanding of a widening urban phenomenon that will affect a growing number of the worldrsquo;s population.
#3476838 in eBooks 2010-07-22 2010-07-22File Name: B00F6EBOXM
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. One of the most original books on Nirvana in the past 20 yearsBy Imaginal ComponentNick Soulsby has had an excellent; opinionated Nirvana blog for several years now. (Nirvana Legacy.) Typically exceedingly verbose; Soulsbys own words take a backseat here and instead he has compiled a huge trove of tales from musicians and friends of the band; in oral history format. My main gripe is that this book is more of a "what it was like to be in an underground band in the 1980s" rather than offering much insight into Nirvana or Cobain; but theres quite a few anecdotes from people who have never gone on record before recounting fun little stories that really show what a normal bunch of guys the Nirvana gents were. Obviously a lot of the story has been lost to memory over the decades; as many of this books subjects readily admit. Still; Nick has done an exceptional job of tracking all of these people down and culling their stories into a cohesive narrative. This book is a companion of sorts to the recent "No Seattle" compilation released by Soul Jazz Records; curated by Soulsby. Check that out as well. While I would have loved a bit more "dirt" in this book; the fact that it gets so many people who were "there" on the record with what they recall is quite a monumental achievement. Accordingly; this book becomes one of the most original books on the subject of Nirvana to be released in quite some time. It doesnt strike as a cheap cash-in like so many others do. It was written by a true fan of the band who wanted to present something cohesive and new to fellow fans; and does so with great success. Check out the authors Legacy blog for some heavy-handed armchair analysis and some interesting statistical analysis as well of all sorts of weird Nirvana data. Also check out his Incesticide book if you can track down a physical copy: it contains some original info as well as a bunch of editorializing that; while surely debatable; is a pleasure to know exists since it clearly came from a passionate fan.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Excellent readBy Eric WilliamsExcellent oral history of Nirvana. There are some voices of people that are familiar to the Nirvana fan; but the real treasure of this book is the inclusion of friends and musicians that have not been previously documented. The story of Nirvana is well known; but Nicks book manages to find a novel perspective of the band in order to paint a picture of Nirvana by its peers. Well done.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very insightful and intriguingBy B husemanA must read. This book takes you on a complete ride from beginning to end from the view points of people around the band during shows and gives you a lot of information about things that were going on around the band. This was a great read. I finished the book feeling educated; enlightened; and part of. Thank the author; and do yourselves a favor a check this book out.