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 as Common Good: Call for Abstracts
by Nando Bartolini The Istituto Nazionale di Bioarchitettura (National Institute of Bioarchitecture–INBAR) is proactively engaged in protecting and valorizing the human and natural environment in order to support the quality of life, human health, and the resources of our planet. The main research subjects of the Institute are: wise management of resources, healthcare, environmental planning, […] 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
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
