The first full-length book of its kind to offer an investigation of the interface between theatre; performance and digital arts; Virtual Theatres presents the theatre of the twenty-first century in which everything - even the viewer - can be simulated.In this fascinating volume; Gabriella Giannachi analyzes the aesthetic concerns of current computer-arts practices through discussion of a variety of artists and performers including:* blast Theory* Merce Cunningham* Eduardo Kac* forced entertainment* Lynn Hershman* Jodi Orlan* Guillermo Goacute;mez-Pentilde;a* Marcel-liacute; Antuacute;nez Roca* Jeffrey Shaw* Stelarc.Virtual Theatres not only allows for a reinterpretation of what is possible in the world of performance practice; but also demonstrates how virtuality has come to represent a major parameter for our understanding and experience of contemporary art and life.
#2219625 in eBooks 2004-06-01 2004-06-01File Name: B000OT83GK
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Good book if you have a construction backgroundBy E. D. AntmannI need to disagree with the two earlier reviewers in assessing this book. I used it in the context of a low-end graduate course on Sustainable Construction and found it to be both informative and relevant to the topic of making construction sustainable. This book does not provide technical coverage of the systems discussed or construction in general; and should only be utilized by practitioners or students who already have such a background; but goes through many major areas in which sustainability can be in-built into buildings. These ares include: - Site selection; including how to orient buildings in the most climate-efficient manner under varying conditions and other site-relevant topics - Glazing and insolation; including techniques to optimizing glazing performance by controlling insolation to best meet climate and seasonal requirements for a variety of building uses - Alternative climate controls; including a heavy emphasis on natural ventilation; geothermal methods; and operational procedures that optimize indoor climate with minimal energy consumption - Water conservation; including both bathroom and general areas; as well as rainwater collection; irrigation; and other topics - Energy conservation; including on-site generation and optimization of lighting and HVAC systems; which currently comprise the majority of energy consumption by buildings - Material conservation; including the use of emerging material technologies; design-for-deconstruction; and similar methodsI found the greatest fault of this book to be the lack of coverage on implementation; which the earlier reviewers harped on. The majority of techniques covered require significant computer-based modelling techniques in order to be applied correctly. While the detail-level operation of these tools is clearly beyond the scope of the text; it would have been helpful if some software titles and general workflows were discussed. Despite this shortcoming; the material provided more than adequate food for thought to make the book and course very worthwhile.The book also speaks very highly of LEED certification; which I agree is an important step; but not sufficient alone; in spreading awareness and implementation of green building techniques. It does not; however; provide adequate background for taking the LEED Green Associate or Accredited Professional examinations; for which a purpose-written preparation book would be in order.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Built EnvironmentBy JeffreyThis book is wicked. I really enjoyed the perspective it brings to the built environment. Its not too heavy handed on the environment angle but it brings up interesting thought provoking points. The level of depth is more intermediate level than beginner or advanced but I found it to be a great place to start learning and thinking about the built environment.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good textBy gypsyreaderBook arrived as promised (well within shipping time frame) and in perfect condition as described.Oh; and it is a good textbook if someone wants to study the basics of many areas of sustainable construction; easily supported by additional online research to update with most current news and materials.