Author: Senol Utku
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9780849374319
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 298
Book Description
Theory of Adaptive Structures provides the basic theory for controlling adaptive structures in static and dynamic environments. It synthesizes well-established theories on modern control as well as statics and dynamics of deformable bodies. Discussions concentrate on the discrete parameter adaptive structures dealing with actuator placement, actuator selection, and actuation computation problems - keeping these structures at close proximity of any chosen nominal state with the least energy consumption. An introduction to the distributed parameter adaptive structures is also provided. The book follows that modern trend in research and industry striving to incorporate intelligence into engineered products through microprocessors that are becoming smaller, faster, and cheaper at astounding rates. Not using them in engineered products may become an enormous liability. Resulting from the advances in materials technology on sensors and actuator technologies as well as the availability of very powerful and reliable microprocessors, there is an ever-increasing interest in actively controlling the behavior of engineering systems. Engineers and engineering scientists must revive and broaden their activities to maximize applications for predicting and controlling the behavior of deformable bodies. Topics include: An introduction to adaptive structures Incremental excitation-response relations in static and dynamic cases Active control of response in static case Statically determinate adaptive structures Statically indeterminate adaptive structures Active vibration control for autonomous and non-autonomous cases Active control against wind Active control against seismic loads Distributed parameter adaptive structures The technology of adaptive structures has created an environment where the analysis, not the computation, of structural response - due to actuator-inserted deformations - has become important. Problems related to the placement, the operation in real time, and the energy consumption of the actuators require the review and broadening of the theories long dormant due to the emphasis placed in the numerical simulations of structural behavior by the displacement finite element method. This book furnishes the basic theory needed by modern engineers in the design and control of discrete parameter adaptive structures .
Theory of Adaptive Structures
Author: Senol Utku
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9780849374319
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 298
Book Description
Theory of Adaptive Structures provides the basic theory for controlling adaptive structures in static and dynamic environments. It synthesizes well-established theories on modern control as well as statics and dynamics of deformable bodies. Discussions concentrate on the discrete parameter adaptive structures dealing with actuator placement, actuator selection, and actuation computation problems - keeping these structures at close proximity of any chosen nominal state with the least energy consumption. An introduction to the distributed parameter adaptive structures is also provided. The book follows that modern trend in research and industry striving to incorporate intelligence into engineered products through microprocessors that are becoming smaller, faster, and cheaper at astounding rates. Not using them in engineered products may become an enormous liability. Resulting from the advances in materials technology on sensors and actuator technologies as well as the availability of very powerful and reliable microprocessors, there is an ever-increasing interest in actively controlling the behavior of engineering systems. Engineers and engineering scientists must revive and broaden their activities to maximize applications for predicting and controlling the behavior of deformable bodies. Topics include: An introduction to adaptive structures Incremental excitation-response relations in static and dynamic cases Active control of response in static case Statically determinate adaptive structures Statically indeterminate adaptive structures Active vibration control for autonomous and non-autonomous cases Active control against wind Active control against seismic loads Distributed parameter adaptive structures The technology of adaptive structures has created an environment where the analysis, not the computation, of structural response - due to actuator-inserted deformations - has become important. Problems related to the placement, the operation in real time, and the energy consumption of the actuators require the review and broadening of the theories long dormant due to the emphasis placed in the numerical simulations of structural behavior by the displacement finite element method. This book furnishes the basic theory needed by modern engineers in the design and control of discrete parameter adaptive structures .
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9780849374319
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 298
Book Description
Theory of Adaptive Structures provides the basic theory for controlling adaptive structures in static and dynamic environments. It synthesizes well-established theories on modern control as well as statics and dynamics of deformable bodies. Discussions concentrate on the discrete parameter adaptive structures dealing with actuator placement, actuator selection, and actuation computation problems - keeping these structures at close proximity of any chosen nominal state with the least energy consumption. An introduction to the distributed parameter adaptive structures is also provided. The book follows that modern trend in research and industry striving to incorporate intelligence into engineered products through microprocessors that are becoming smaller, faster, and cheaper at astounding rates. Not using them in engineered products may become an enormous liability. Resulting from the advances in materials technology on sensors and actuator technologies as well as the availability of very powerful and reliable microprocessors, there is an ever-increasing interest in actively controlling the behavior of engineering systems. Engineers and engineering scientists must revive and broaden their activities to maximize applications for predicting and controlling the behavior of deformable bodies. Topics include: An introduction to adaptive structures Incremental excitation-response relations in static and dynamic cases Active control of response in static case Statically determinate adaptive structures Statically indeterminate adaptive structures Active vibration control for autonomous and non-autonomous cases Active control against wind Active control against seismic loads Distributed parameter adaptive structures The technology of adaptive structures has created an environment where the analysis, not the computation, of structural response - due to actuator-inserted deformations - has become important. Problems related to the placement, the operation in real time, and the energy consumption of the actuators require the review and broadening of the theories long dormant due to the emphasis placed in the numerical simulations of structural behavior by the displacement finite element method. This book furnishes the basic theory needed by modern engineers in the design and control of discrete parameter adaptive structures .
Adaptive Structures
Author: Robert L. Clark
Publisher: Wiley-Interscience
ISBN: 9780471122623
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 488
Book Description
Mechanical Engineering/Materials Science An applications-oriented approach for engineers and advanced students Adaptive Structures covers the key concepts and practical issues involved in translating much of the theory of adaptive structures into successful, real-world hardware. Easily applied to a variety of application physics, the material emphasizes the integration of control strategies, transduction device dynamics, and spatial signal processing through novel sensing methods and actuator configurations (physical or transformed coordinates). The book contains essential models of adaptive structures and components to facilitate design approaches. The accompanying disk features script files, operating under MATLAB, which can be used to generate most of the results presented throughout the book and are invaluable to readers developing their own structural models. Topics include: * Fundamentals of structural dynamics; linear systems and signals; and signal processing and digital filters * The integration of spatial and temporal signal processing techniques * Transduction device dynamics and links between physical, modal, and wave domain models for structural dynamic analysis and control * An overview of classical controls * An application-oriented review of adaptive feedforward control and multivariable feedback control system architectures
Publisher: Wiley-Interscience
ISBN: 9780471122623
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 488
Book Description
Mechanical Engineering/Materials Science An applications-oriented approach for engineers and advanced students Adaptive Structures covers the key concepts and practical issues involved in translating much of the theory of adaptive structures into successful, real-world hardware. Easily applied to a variety of application physics, the material emphasizes the integration of control strategies, transduction device dynamics, and spatial signal processing through novel sensing methods and actuator configurations (physical or transformed coordinates). The book contains essential models of adaptive structures and components to facilitate design approaches. The accompanying disk features script files, operating under MATLAB, which can be used to generate most of the results presented throughout the book and are invaluable to readers developing their own structural models. Topics include: * Fundamentals of structural dynamics; linear systems and signals; and signal processing and digital filters * The integration of spatial and temporal signal processing techniques * Transduction device dynamics and links between physical, modal, and wave domain models for structural dynamic analysis and control * An overview of classical controls * An application-oriented review of adaptive feedforward control and multivariable feedback control system architectures
Adaptive Structures
Author: David Wagg
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 9780470512043
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 314
Book Description
Adaptive structures have the ability to adapt, evolve or change their properties or behaviour in response to the environment around them. The analysis and design of adaptive structures requires a highly multi-disciplinary approach which includes elements of structures, materials, dynamics, control, design and inspiration taken from biological systems. Development of adaptive structures has been taking place in a wide range of industrial applications, but is particularly advanced in the aerospace and space technology sector with morphing wings, deployable space structures; piezoelectric devices and vibration control of tall buildings. Bringing together some of the foremost world experts in adaptive structures, this unique text: includes discussions of the application of adaptive structures in the aerospace, military, civil engineering structures, automotive and MEMS. presents the impact of biological inspiration in designing adaptive structures, particularly the use of hierarchy in nature, which typically induces multi-functional behavior. sets the agenda for future research in adaptive structures in one distinctive single volume. Adaptive Structures: Engineering Applications is essential reading for engineers and scientists working in the fields of intelligent materials, structural vibration, control and related smart technologies. It will also be of interest to senior undergraduate and postgraduate research students as well as design engineers working in the aerospace, mechanical, electrical and civil engineering sectors.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 9780470512043
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 314
Book Description
Adaptive structures have the ability to adapt, evolve or change their properties or behaviour in response to the environment around them. The analysis and design of adaptive structures requires a highly multi-disciplinary approach which includes elements of structures, materials, dynamics, control, design and inspiration taken from biological systems. Development of adaptive structures has been taking place in a wide range of industrial applications, but is particularly advanced in the aerospace and space technology sector with morphing wings, deployable space structures; piezoelectric devices and vibration control of tall buildings. Bringing together some of the foremost world experts in adaptive structures, this unique text: includes discussions of the application of adaptive structures in the aerospace, military, civil engineering structures, automotive and MEMS. presents the impact of biological inspiration in designing adaptive structures, particularly the use of hierarchy in nature, which typically induces multi-functional behavior. sets the agenda for future research in adaptive structures in one distinctive single volume. Adaptive Structures: Engineering Applications is essential reading for engineers and scientists working in the fields of intelligent materials, structural vibration, control and related smart technologies. It will also be of interest to senior undergraduate and postgraduate research students as well as design engineers working in the aerospace, mechanical, electrical and civil engineering sectors.
Goals, Goal Structures, and Patterns of Adaptive Learning
Author: Carol Midgley
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1135646759
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 330
Book Description
Conducted over a 7yr period & spawning many jrnl pub's, this vol. will summarize the many interconnected studies that were conducted, will frame each one in terms of the larger lit, & will emphasize their contrib's to motivational theory & educ. practice
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1135646759
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 330
Book Description
Conducted over a 7yr period & spawning many jrnl pub's, this vol. will summarize the many interconnected studies that were conducted, will frame each one in terms of the larger lit, & will emphasize their contrib's to motivational theory & educ. practice
The Evolution of Adaptive Systems
Author: James Patrick Brock
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080542468
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 657
Book Description
The data of evolutionary biology have changed in a very radical way in recent years, the most significant input to this revolution being the advances made in developmental genetics. Another recent development is a noticeable shift away from extreme specialization in evolutionary biology. In this, we are perhaps to be reminded of George Gaylord Simpson's comments: "evolution is an incredibly complex but at the same time integrated and unitary process." The main objective of this book is to illustrate how natural adaptive systems evolve as a unity--with the particular objective of identifying and merging several special theories of evolution within the framework of a single general theory. The Evolution of Adaptive Systems provides an interdisciplinary overview of the general theory of evolution from the standpoint of the dynamic behavior of natural adaptive systems. The approach leads to a radically new fusion of the diverse disciplines of evolutionary biology, serving to resolve the considerable degree of conflict existing between different schools of contemporary thought. - The book is a timely volume written by a natural historian with a broad view of biology - The author draws examples from a large range of organisms from many different habitats and niches where interesting adaptations have evolved - Probes deeply into mechanisms of evolution such as developmental genetics, morphogenesis, chromosome structure, and cladogenesis - Clear definition of terms, with illustrations visualizing the main theoretical structures, and point-by-point summaries clearly stating the principal conclusions
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080542468
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 657
Book Description
The data of evolutionary biology have changed in a very radical way in recent years, the most significant input to this revolution being the advances made in developmental genetics. Another recent development is a noticeable shift away from extreme specialization in evolutionary biology. In this, we are perhaps to be reminded of George Gaylord Simpson's comments: "evolution is an incredibly complex but at the same time integrated and unitary process." The main objective of this book is to illustrate how natural adaptive systems evolve as a unity--with the particular objective of identifying and merging several special theories of evolution within the framework of a single general theory. The Evolution of Adaptive Systems provides an interdisciplinary overview of the general theory of evolution from the standpoint of the dynamic behavior of natural adaptive systems. The approach leads to a radically new fusion of the diverse disciplines of evolutionary biology, serving to resolve the considerable degree of conflict existing between different schools of contemporary thought. - The book is a timely volume written by a natural historian with a broad view of biology - The author draws examples from a large range of organisms from many different habitats and niches where interesting adaptations have evolved - Probes deeply into mechanisms of evolution such as developmental genetics, morphogenesis, chromosome structure, and cladogenesis - Clear definition of terms, with illustrations visualizing the main theoretical structures, and point-by-point summaries clearly stating the principal conclusions
Society-- a Complex Adaptive System
Author: Walter Frederick Buckley
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 9789057005374
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 330
Book Description
First Published in 1998. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 9789057005374
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 330
Book Description
First Published in 1998. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
Smart Structures Theory
Author: Inderjit Chopra
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 052186657X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 925
Book Description
This book focuses on smart materials and structures, which are also referred to as intelligent, adaptive, active, sensory, and metamorphic. The ultimate goal is to develop biologically inspired multifunctional materials with the capability to adapt their structural characteristics, monitor their health condition, perform self-diagnosis and self-repair, morph their shape, and undergo significant controlled motion.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 052186657X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 925
Book Description
This book focuses on smart materials and structures, which are also referred to as intelligent, adaptive, active, sensory, and metamorphic. The ultimate goal is to develop biologically inspired multifunctional materials with the capability to adapt their structural characteristics, monitor their health condition, perform self-diagnosis and self-repair, morph their shape, and undergo significant controlled motion.
Sociological Practice
Author: Derek Layder
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 144623682X
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 202
Book Description
In this textbook, Derek Layder offers a better understanding of the links between theory and research, and provides an analysis of the relationship between the two. He develops clear usable strategies to encourage theory development in the practical context of social research, and introduces a new approach - adaptive theory - which can be used to generate new theory as well as develop existing theory in conjunction with empirical research. Layder concludes by providing an outline of new rules of sociological method that show how adaptive theory can be put into practice.
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 144623682X
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 202
Book Description
In this textbook, Derek Layder offers a better understanding of the links between theory and research, and provides an analysis of the relationship between the two. He develops clear usable strategies to encourage theory development in the practical context of social research, and introduces a new approach - adaptive theory - which can be used to generate new theory as well as develop existing theory in conjunction with empirical research. Layder concludes by providing an outline of new rules of sociological method that show how adaptive theory can be put into practice.
Organizations and Communication Technology
Author: Janet Fulk
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1452252467
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 329
Book Description
Organizations and Communications Technology is must reading for those interested in the relation of communication technology to organizational form and function. The book does what many such collections do not do: It presents in a complementary--if not totally unified--fashion a variety of perspectives on and answers to questions raised about the essential nature, determinants, and effects of the organization-communication technology interface. Such coherence in theme and structure is not accidental; rather, it derives from the editors′ commitment to a robust theoretical foundation in which to ground past and future research. . . . They have succeeded brilliantly in their efforts to focus substantive scholarship on theory building in a data-rich but theory-poor field. The result is a work that will no doubt be a classic. The reader who makes the commitment to mine its essays will not be disappointed. --Journal of Business and Technical Communication "As a summary of the field, this collection of theoretical essays succeeds on two main counts. . . . First, it brings together in one volume writers whose recent work has been widely cited and discussed throughout the literatures of information science, communication, management, and technology studies. Second, the book presents some exciting theoretical ideas about the relationship between communication technologies and social behavior that are applicable beyond the organizational setting. . . . On the whole, this book is a fine overview that updates and lends structure--′organizes′--this evolving literature for a diverse audience." --Journal of Communication "The editors . . . argue convincingly that the study of human and organizational aspects of communications technology suffers from a glut of data and a deficiency of theory. The objective of the book becomes one of starting the process of developing a corpus of theory that will integrate the knowledge we have. Overall, the book achieves this objective well, with the gratifying addition that there are also plenty of practical recommendations of immediate value to the practitioner. . . . This is an ambitious book and given the importance of the topic this is inevitable. It is aimed at a broad range of disciplines. It is unashamedly theoretical in its approach yet contains a good deal of immediate practical importance. My own prediction . . . suggests that this book will be regarded as a milestone from which future progress will be measured." --The Occupational Psychologist "Communications technology offers a wonderful springboard for much broader considerations of how people in organizations and behavior within them. Worthwhile . . . engaging." --Academy of Management Review "Will interest any business communication scholar concerned with the ways organizations are affected by new technologies. . . . Provide[s] a wealth of stimulating ideas." --Journal of Business Communication "Organizations and Communications Technology is an attempt to provide a foundation for theory development on information technology in organizations by delegating the task to a set of competent researchers and theorists. Given the dearth of theory development in the field such a strategy makes some sense. Because of (its) diversity, organizations, communications, and management information systems scholars should all find something of interest." --Administrative Science Quarterly How do technology and organization interact to shape organizational structures and processes? What organizational, political, and social processes constrain technological development? What forces shape the articulation of organizational and technological systems? Answering these and other pivotal questions, this powerful volume centers on the role of theory for advancing our knowledge of communication technology in organizations at several levels: micro, group, and macro. A distinguished team of contributors examines a richly diverse group of topics, including telecommunications, communication networks and new media, the use of group decision support systems, and discretionary databases, to name but a few. Organizations and Communication Technology offers nothing less than a fresh foundation for research and management practice. As such, it is essential reading for scholars, practitioners, and students in the fields of management studies, communication science, organization studies, and policy studies.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1452252467
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 329
Book Description
Organizations and Communications Technology is must reading for those interested in the relation of communication technology to organizational form and function. The book does what many such collections do not do: It presents in a complementary--if not totally unified--fashion a variety of perspectives on and answers to questions raised about the essential nature, determinants, and effects of the organization-communication technology interface. Such coherence in theme and structure is not accidental; rather, it derives from the editors′ commitment to a robust theoretical foundation in which to ground past and future research. . . . They have succeeded brilliantly in their efforts to focus substantive scholarship on theory building in a data-rich but theory-poor field. The result is a work that will no doubt be a classic. The reader who makes the commitment to mine its essays will not be disappointed. --Journal of Business and Technical Communication "As a summary of the field, this collection of theoretical essays succeeds on two main counts. . . . First, it brings together in one volume writers whose recent work has been widely cited and discussed throughout the literatures of information science, communication, management, and technology studies. Second, the book presents some exciting theoretical ideas about the relationship between communication technologies and social behavior that are applicable beyond the organizational setting. . . . On the whole, this book is a fine overview that updates and lends structure--′organizes′--this evolving literature for a diverse audience." --Journal of Communication "The editors . . . argue convincingly that the study of human and organizational aspects of communications technology suffers from a glut of data and a deficiency of theory. The objective of the book becomes one of starting the process of developing a corpus of theory that will integrate the knowledge we have. Overall, the book achieves this objective well, with the gratifying addition that there are also plenty of practical recommendations of immediate value to the practitioner. . . . This is an ambitious book and given the importance of the topic this is inevitable. It is aimed at a broad range of disciplines. It is unashamedly theoretical in its approach yet contains a good deal of immediate practical importance. My own prediction . . . suggests that this book will be regarded as a milestone from which future progress will be measured." --The Occupational Psychologist "Communications technology offers a wonderful springboard for much broader considerations of how people in organizations and behavior within them. Worthwhile . . . engaging." --Academy of Management Review "Will interest any business communication scholar concerned with the ways organizations are affected by new technologies. . . . Provide[s] a wealth of stimulating ideas." --Journal of Business Communication "Organizations and Communications Technology is an attempt to provide a foundation for theory development on information technology in organizations by delegating the task to a set of competent researchers and theorists. Given the dearth of theory development in the field such a strategy makes some sense. Because of (its) diversity, organizations, communications, and management information systems scholars should all find something of interest." --Administrative Science Quarterly How do technology and organization interact to shape organizational structures and processes? What organizational, political, and social processes constrain technological development? What forces shape the articulation of organizational and technological systems? Answering these and other pivotal questions, this powerful volume centers on the role of theory for advancing our knowledge of communication technology in organizations at several levels: micro, group, and macro. A distinguished team of contributors examines a richly diverse group of topics, including telecommunications, communication networks and new media, the use of group decision support systems, and discretionary databases, to name but a few. Organizations and Communication Technology offers nothing less than a fresh foundation for research and management practice. As such, it is essential reading for scholars, practitioners, and students in the fields of management studies, communication science, organization studies, and policy studies.
A Theory of Architecture
Author: Nikos A. Salingaros
Publisher: Off The Common Books
ISBN:
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 544
Book Description
More than a decade in the making, this is a textbook of architecture, useful for every architect: from first-year students, to those taking senior design studio, to graduate students writing a Ph.D. dissertation in architectural theory, to experienced practicing architects. It is very carefully written so that it can be read even by the beginning architecture student. The information contained here is a veritable gold mine of design techniques. This book teaches the reader how to design by adapting to human needs and sensibilities, yet independently of any particular style. Here is a unification of genuine architectural knowledge that brings a new clarity to the discipline. It explains much of what people instinctively know about architecture, and puts that knowledge for the first time in a concise, understandable form. Dr. Salingaros has experience in the organization of the built environment that few practicing architects have. The later chapters of this new book touch on very sensitive topics: what drives architects to produce the forms they build; and why architects use only a very restricted visual vocabulary. Is it personal inventiveness, or is it something more, which perhaps they are not even aware of? There has not been such a book treating the very essence of architecture. The only other author who is capable of raising a similar degree of passion (and controversy) is Christopher Alexander, who happens to be Dr. Salingaros’ friend and architectural mentor. “Surely no voice is more thought-provoking than that of this intriguing, perhaps historically important, new thinker?” From the Preface by His Royal Highness, Charles, The Prince of Wales “A New Vitruvius for 21st-Century Architecture and Urbanism?” Dr. Ashraf SalamaChair, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar “Architecture, Salingaros argues, is governed by universal and intuitively understood principles, which have been exemplified by all successful styles and in all civilizations that have left a record of themselves in their buildings. The solution is not to return to the classical styles… the solution is to return to first principles and build within their constraints… ” Dr. Roger Scruton Philosopher, London, UK “A fundamental text, among the most significant of the past several years.” Dr. Vilma Torselli Architect and Author, Milan, Italy “A Theory of Architecture demonstrates how mathematics and the social sciences offer keys to designing a humane architecture. In this brilliant tome Salingaros explains why many modern buildings are neither beautiful nor harmonious and, alternatively, how architects and patrons can employ scale, materials and mathematical logic to design structures which are exciting, nourishing, and visually delightful.” Duncan G. Stroik Professor of Architecture, University of Notre Dame, Indiana “Salingaros explores ways to clarify and formalize our understanding of aesthetic forms in the built environment, using mathematics, thermodynamics, Darwinism, complexity theory and cognitive sciences. Salingaros’ remarkable observations suggest that concepts of complexity and scale can someday provide a full-bodied explanation for both the practice and the appreciation of architecture.” Kim Sorvig Architecture & Planning, University of New Mexico See this book’s Wikipedia entry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Theory_of_Architecture Nikos A. Salingaros is an internationally known urbanist and architectural theorist who has studied the scientific bases underlying architecture for thirty years. Utne Reader ranked him as “One of 50 visionaries who are changing your world”, and Planetizen as 11th among “The top 100 urban thinkers of all time”. He is Professor of Mathematics at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Publisher: Off The Common Books
ISBN:
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 544
Book Description
More than a decade in the making, this is a textbook of architecture, useful for every architect: from first-year students, to those taking senior design studio, to graduate students writing a Ph.D. dissertation in architectural theory, to experienced practicing architects. It is very carefully written so that it can be read even by the beginning architecture student. The information contained here is a veritable gold mine of design techniques. This book teaches the reader how to design by adapting to human needs and sensibilities, yet independently of any particular style. Here is a unification of genuine architectural knowledge that brings a new clarity to the discipline. It explains much of what people instinctively know about architecture, and puts that knowledge for the first time in a concise, understandable form. Dr. Salingaros has experience in the organization of the built environment that few practicing architects have. The later chapters of this new book touch on very sensitive topics: what drives architects to produce the forms they build; and why architects use only a very restricted visual vocabulary. Is it personal inventiveness, or is it something more, which perhaps they are not even aware of? There has not been such a book treating the very essence of architecture. The only other author who is capable of raising a similar degree of passion (and controversy) is Christopher Alexander, who happens to be Dr. Salingaros’ friend and architectural mentor. “Surely no voice is more thought-provoking than that of this intriguing, perhaps historically important, new thinker?” From the Preface by His Royal Highness, Charles, The Prince of Wales “A New Vitruvius for 21st-Century Architecture and Urbanism?” Dr. Ashraf SalamaChair, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar “Architecture, Salingaros argues, is governed by universal and intuitively understood principles, which have been exemplified by all successful styles and in all civilizations that have left a record of themselves in their buildings. The solution is not to return to the classical styles… the solution is to return to first principles and build within their constraints… ” Dr. Roger Scruton Philosopher, London, UK “A fundamental text, among the most significant of the past several years.” Dr. Vilma Torselli Architect and Author, Milan, Italy “A Theory of Architecture demonstrates how mathematics and the social sciences offer keys to designing a humane architecture. In this brilliant tome Salingaros explains why many modern buildings are neither beautiful nor harmonious and, alternatively, how architects and patrons can employ scale, materials and mathematical logic to design structures which are exciting, nourishing, and visually delightful.” Duncan G. Stroik Professor of Architecture, University of Notre Dame, Indiana “Salingaros explores ways to clarify and formalize our understanding of aesthetic forms in the built environment, using mathematics, thermodynamics, Darwinism, complexity theory and cognitive sciences. Salingaros’ remarkable observations suggest that concepts of complexity and scale can someday provide a full-bodied explanation for both the practice and the appreciation of architecture.” Kim Sorvig Architecture & Planning, University of New Mexico See this book’s Wikipedia entry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Theory_of_Architecture Nikos A. Salingaros is an internationally known urbanist and architectural theorist who has studied the scientific bases underlying architecture for thirty years. Utne Reader ranked him as “One of 50 visionaries who are changing your world”, and Planetizen as 11th among “The top 100 urban thinkers of all time”. He is Professor of Mathematics at the University of Texas at San Antonio.