Product Description

Quantum City explores the metaphorical relationships between quantum theory, urban design and the concept of the city, with a very serious aim: to radically change the way the urban realm is both experienced and designed.

Using the terminology and themes of quantum theory and the 'new physics', the author draws the reader into an intriguing discussion of the principles, practices and operations of urbanism. This new language offers the missing interface between the different disciplines of the city, and promises to be a potent metaphor for the development of various theories for the 21st century city.
Challenging traditional approaches to the theory of cities, this thought-provoking book will be enjoyed by both design professionals and anyone interested in the city, its history and culture.

* Explains cutting edge theories; linking quantum physics with urban design
* The accessible and straightforward style allows you to develop your ideas about urban design
* International case studies make the book universally relevant

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1047094 in Books
• Published on: 2002-05-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Review
'The author uses the terminology and themes of quantum physics in order to provide an overview of urban design principles, operations, practices, principles and education. For the potential reader, there are number of possible areas of interest in this:
· General historic overview of development of cities,
· General historic overview of development of science,
· General introduction to quantum theory,
· Metaphorical relation of quantum theory to urban design.'
Iain Borden, The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL and judge for the President's Medals dissertation prizes, RIBA.

From the Publisher
The reader is invited to explore the 'Quantum City' and the ways in which it is set to make a significant contribution to the development of architectural theory. This is the first attempt at linking the concepts of quantum theory to the field of urban design, encouraging the urban designer and architect to look at the design of cities from a new perspective. It is an easy, enjoyable, non-technical read with a very serious aim: to change the way designers (and the public in general) look at the urban realm.

About the Author
Ayssar Arida is an urban designer, architect and writer and currently runs Q-DAR in London and Beirut. He has taught architecture at the American University of Beirut and lectures and publishes internationally on the dynamics of urbanism and cultural paradigms. The author can be reached through the book's companion website: quantumcity.com

Customer Reviews

well worth reading
What makes this book so interesting is that the author draws on his understanding of places as diverse as Oxford and Beirut when putting forward his ideas on how quantum theory can be applied to the way we look at our cities. Luckily there is also a introduction to quantum theory for those of us (like me) who are new to it. Recommended.