Crystal Clear

By Jane Heller

Book Overview

This is a manual investigating the subject of urban ecology and systemic development from the perspective of architectural design.? It sets out to explore two main goals: to discuss the contemporary relevance of a systemic practice to architectural design, and to share a toolbox of informational design protocols developed to describe the city as a territory of Self-Organization. Collecting together nearly a decade of design experiments by the authors and their practice, ecoLogicStudio, the book is organized into three design domains; environments, machines and behavioral spaces.? The conversation touches disciplinary definitions, often perceived as oppositions, such as? sustainable development versus ecologic urbanization, algorithmic [process driven] versus critical [narrative driven] architecture, bottom-up tactical versus top-down strategic design, space as patterns of use versus behavioral space, low tech materiality versus high tech design, the boundary of the natural and the artificial realms within the city and architecture. A new kind of emergent "real-time world-city" is presented in the book in the form of an operational design manual for the assemblage of proto-architectures, the incubation of proto-gardens and the coding of proto-interfaces.? These proto-types of machinic architecture materialize as synthetic hybrids embedded with biological life [proto-gardens], computational power, behavioral responsiveness [cyber-gardens], spatial articulation [ecoMachines and Fibrous structures], remote sensing [FunClouds], and communication capabilities [Footprint Grotto]. With this manual ecoLogicStudio illustrates a form of know-how that constitutes the basis for its critical practice. Such a mode of practice is better understood through the actual application of the manual, by experiencing architecture as an experimental practice devoted to promote a critical understanding of our societ

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0758214979
• ISBN13: 9780758214973
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Kensington Pub Corp
• Length: 380 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.3" x 1.0" x 3.5"

Customer Reviews

Sedona Lovers

What a fun book! Some of the characters or should I say caractures are a riot, like "Amanda", a wealthy, arrogant and-incredibly "stupid" woman who just doesn't "get it."If you love "Sedona, Arizona"-or would like to fall in love read this book. You will get a sense of how beautiful and "far-out" it is-A really unique place to visit!

Funny, charming book!

This is one of the few books I've read that I have laughed out loud to. It's really a fun book and it introduced me to Jane Heller. I've since read all her books, and this remains my favorite.It's a great summer read, combining mystery, humor, and romance. It's such an easy book to get into- you just immediately connect with the characters (as wacky as they are). If you are new to Jane Heller, or just looking for a mystery, check out this book. It won't keep you guessing, but it will make you laugh.

Very good

I have skimmed the other reviews and feel that people are being a little harsh. I liked this book. It may be predictable, but I didn't pick this up for any other reason than 'light reading'. I find Ms. Heller's writing to be very witty and humorous. Her writing just flows with the help of witty dialogue and not-too-thick descriptions. I have also read Sis Boom Bah and love it just the same. I am looking forward to reading more.

Romance & murder/suspense all in one..just great!

This was the 1st (but not last) Jane Heller book I read...about a woman who goes to sedona to "find herself"...and ends up finding herself on a suspence filled jaunt with an unlikely yet delightful companion by her side to help her figure out a murder.

Nobody dies and we still have a good mystery!

Crystal is one of the most refreshing characters to hit the "funky woman detective" arena in recent years. This tongue-in-cheek poke at metaphysical Sedona, Arizona made me laugh so hard I could barely breathe! Whether you need or want your aura cleansed or not, this book is a real treat for your neo-vortex (or is that neo-cortex)?