Urban & Land Use Planning in The Books Store

In most communities, land use regulations are based on a limited model that allows for only one end result: the production of more and more suburbia, composed of endless subdivisions and shopping centers, that ultimately covers every bit of countryside with "improvements." Fortunately, sensible alternatives to this approach do exist, and methods of developing land while at the same time conserving natural areas are available.

In Conservation Design for Subdivisions, Randall G. Arendt explores better ways of designing new residential developments than we have typically seen in our communities. He presents a practical handbook for residential developers, site designers, local officials, and landowners that explains how to implement new ideas about land-use planning and environmental protection. Abundantly illustrated with site plans (many of them in color), floor plans, photographs, and renditions of houses and landscapes, it describes a series of simple and straightforward techniques that allows for land-conserving development.

How and where we work and spend our leisure time has changed dramatically in recent years. The increased mobility and global networking that pervade all aspects of our lives have had a considerable impact on the spaces in which we live, meet, and work.

SpaceCraft presents projects that meet the changing spatial needs of our modern lifestyles and that are simultaneously expanding our current understanding of architecture. On the one hand, the book features flexible, fleeting structures that only exist for a limited time; these include pavilions, art projects or exhibition spaces. On the other hand, SpaceCraft focuses on spaces that are used temporarily such as studios, offices or vacation homes. These structures, which are often used as hideouts from our hectic lives, can either blend in harmoniously with their surroundings or seem as exotic as a spaceship that has just landed.

The book documents original work by architects, artists and others that is distinguished by a playful, unconventional use of space. Many of the projects are experimental interventions within urban environments that are strongly influenced by a street art context. As SpaceCraft proves, it is this contemporary influence in particular that is currently redefining the boundaries of architecture.

SpaceCraft presents work that expresses our current modes of work and play. The book is thus inspiring both for architects and interior designers, and also for all creatives who work with space.

Practical Ecology for Planners, Developers, and Citizens introduces and explains key ecological concepts for planners, landscape architects, developers, and others involved in planning and building human habitats. The book is tailored to meet the needs of busy land use professionals and citizens seeking a concise yet thorough overview of ecology and its applications. It offers clear guidelines and a wealth of information on how we can protect species and ecosystems while at the same creating healthy, sustainable human communities.

Throughout the book, the authors make ecological concepts accessible to readers with little or no scientific background. They present key ideas and information in simple and pragmatic terms, and provide numerous graphics to help explain important concepts. They also offer exercises for the reader to practice ecologically-based planning and design, along with a list of resources for practical information on ecology and conservation.

Practical Ecology for Planners, Developers, and Citizens will raise the level of ecological understanding among land use professionals and citizens, and is an invaluable new resource for anyone concerned with human land use and its environmental impacts.