For the antagonist; private communities are icons of post-consensus; fragmenting civic society; enclosing and excluding by contractual constitution and sometimes by walls and gates. For others they are simply an efficient new way of organizing urban life. Contributed to; and edited by; an international team of leading authors; this revealing book constructs an interdisciplinary discourse on the global spread of private communities based upon empirical evidence. Case studies from the US; Latin America; the Middle East; Europe and China are used to explore local and global explanations of the phenomenon. Taking an institutionalist approach; this informative textbook for undergraduates; postgraduates; and researchers alike; develops a model in which cities are shaped by the interplay of local and global processes; and evolve at the interface of spontaneous and planned order. It draws together the various themes; propositions and hypotheses in a way that clarifies the questions by different social science perspectives and that poses researchable questions and new agendas.
#3052992 in eBooks 2004-08-02 2004-08-02File Name: B000OT81AI
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Softspace- the bending of technology towards architectural designBy Eric S. BennettAlthough compiled to benefit the architectural industry and academiccommunity; Softspace turns out to be accessible to anyone interestedin the life cycle of human culture and civilization and its ability toadapt and embrace a new paradigm. This well thought out collection ofworks by talented essayists speaks to our growing need of creative useof materials to further efforts of design. It challenges the reader torethink their surroundings and to explore beyond conventional wisdomand methodology of architectural construction. The compilation is wellwritten; logically arranged and smartly appointed with imaginativephotography and illustration. I would strongly recommend Softspace toarchitectural professionals; students and enthusiasts.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. MUST HAVE FOR ANY DESIGNER OR DESIGN ENTHUSIASTBy Rafael A. CardenasEven through its subtle and discreet design; SoftSpace exudes sexiness in the most understated way. It captures the very difficult to define LOUD whisper of the contemporary in the most unorthodox way. It defines the contemporary aspirations of Design with very broad strokes crossing disciplines as varied as fashion; style; sociology etc. An important book if you seek currency in your design library or a great gift for the design/architecture enthusiast.