Research
The «Law of Requisite Variety» and the Built Environment
by Nikos Salingaros This paper has been originally published in: Journal of Biourbanism JBU, IV Nos. 1&2 (2015) pages 47-52. ABSTRACT: Simple yet powerful rules that govern complex systems shed light on human environments. Built environments that evolve freely over time develop a working complexity that is characteristic of both nature and traditional urban fabric. A […] read more
Architecture with Identity Crisis: The Lost Heritage of the Middle East
by Marwa Al-Sabouni This important paper has been first published as part of the International Journal of Biourbanism, 1&2 (2016) devoted to the subject of epistemology of design, on pages 81–97. We share it separately from that 310 pages volumes, wishing for a discussion on the specific problems presented by the Author. ABSTRACT: We live […] read more
Designing for Human Health: (Multi)-Sensory Approaches. Call for Papers
by Kay Pallaris The design of the built environment can have a profound impact on perception, place identity and place experience – all important qualities for thriving neighbourhoods and places. Conversely, design of places can detrimentally impact human health, often in subtle ways on a physiological and psychological level. A seminar series entitled “Feeling Good […] read more
Newark—on Heterogenesis of Urban Decay
by Sara Bissen I. 1947, A “Day of Reckoning”—The Central Planning Board of the City of Newark, New Jersey Addresses the Citizens of Newark[1] Newark’s 1947 Master Plan, completed after a decade of population decline (1930–1940) and a decrease in real estate value, noted a “downward trend” that “must be arrested by undertaking privately financed large […] read more
Education
Healing the Neoliberal Urban Cancer: The 53rd IMCL Conference.
by Stefano Serafini Following the theme of Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato si’, the 53rd International Making Cities Livable Conference, on Caring for Our Common Home: Sustainable, Healthy, Just Cities and Settlements will take place at the Pontificia Università Urbaniana, in Vatican City, June 13-17. Neoliberal urban development is cancerous, killing a city’s social, economic and […] read more
Making the Garden
by Christopher Alexander It has taken me almost fifty years to understand fully that there is a necessary connection between God and architecture, and that this connection is, in part, empirically verifiable. Further, I have come to the view that the sacredness of the physical world—and the potential of the physical world for sacredness—provides a […] read more
