Download or read book Infrastructural Optimism written by Linda C. Samuels and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2021-09-29 with total page 423 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Infrastructural Optimism investigates a new kind of twenty-first-century infrastructure, one that encourages a broader understanding of the interdependence of resources and agencies, recognizes a rightfully accelerated need for equitable access and distribution, and prioritizes rising environmental diligence across the design disciplines. Bringing together urban history, case studies, and speculative design propositions, the book explores and defines infrastructure as the basis for a new form of urbanism, emerging from the intersection of architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design. In defining this new infrastructure, the book introduces new dynamic and holistic performance metrics focused on "measuring what matters" over growth for the sake of growth and twelve criteria that define next generation infrastructure. By shifting the focus of infrastructure – our largest public realm – to environmental symbiosis and quality of life for all, design becomes a catalytic component in creating a more beautiful, productive, and optimistic future with Infrastructural Urbanism as its driver. Infrastructural Optimism will be invaluable to design, non-profit and agency professionals, and faculty and students in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design, working in partnership with engineers, hydrologists, ecologists, urban planners, community members, and others who shape the built environment through the expanded field of infrastructure.
Download or read book The Infrastructural City written by Kazys Varnelis and published by Actarbirkhauser. This book was released on 2009 with total page 251 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Once the greatest American example of a modern city served by infrastructure, Los Angeles is now in perpetual crisis. Infrastructure has ceased to support its urban plans, subordinating architecture to its own purposes. This out-of-control but networked world is increasingly organized by flows of objects and information. Static structures avoid being superfluous by joining this system as temporary containers for people, objects, and capital. This provocative collection of photography, essays, and maps looks at infrastructure as a way of mapping our place in the city and affecting change through architecture.
Download or read book Fundamental Theories of Mega Infrastructure Construction Management written by Zhaohan Sheng and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-10-20 with total page 502 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Fundamental Theories of Mega Infrastructure Construction Management: Theoretical Considerations from Chinese Practices is a collection of decades of research and applications of managing megaprojects using theories of complex systems and management sciences. It presents basic (classical) theory of megaproject management and is a showcase of more than 30 years of research of complex system and management sciences on the theory of megaproject management resulting from the integrating of theory and practice of megaprojects. The theory and models have undergone rigorous systematic testing during the management and implementation of megaprojects in China. Megaprojects are huge undertakings, often in infrastructure (bridges, tunnels, airports, etc.) that involve huge levels of investment, often take years to complete, and typically run into delays, cost overruns, and any number of unforeseen problems. Over the last few decades, no one country has undertaken more of these projects than China, and this book presents the fundamental theories underlying the practice of Mega Infrastructure Construction Management as practiced in China. Individual chapters provide a basic definition of Mega Infrastructure Construction and it’s management; an overview of the theories behind it; the Formation Path; basic concepts; fundamental principles; scientific problems; the Method System of Meta-synthesis; specialized methods in research; and intelligent management of Mega Infrastructure Construction. Although the theoretical construction management problems in this book are derived from construction practices in China, they can be applied universally and extended for great fundamental significance.
Download or read book The Optimist s Telescope written by Bina Venkataraman and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2020-08-25 with total page 338 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Named a Best Book of 2019 by NPR “How might we mitigate losses caused by shortsightedness? Bina Venkataraman, a former climate adviser to the Obama administration, brings a storyteller’s eye to this question. . . . She is also deeply informed about the relevant science.” —The New York Times Book Review A trailblazing exploration of how we can plan better for the future: our own, our families’, and our society’s. Instant gratification is the norm today—in our lives, our culture, our economy, and our politics. Many of us have forgotten (if we ever learned) how to make smart decisions for the long run. Whether it comes to our finances, our health, our communities, or our planet, it’s easy to avoid thinking ahead. The consequences of this immediacy are stark: Deadly outbreaks spread because leaders failed to act on early warning signs. Companies that fail to invest stagnate and fall behind. Hurricanes and wildfires turn deadly for communities that could have taken more precaution. Today more than ever, all of us need to know how we can make better long-term decisions in our lives, businesses, and society. Bina Venkataraman sees the way forward. A journalist and former adviser in the Obama White House, she helped communities and businesses prepare for climate change, and she learned firsthand why people don’t think ahead—and what can be done to change that. In The Optimist’s Telescope, she draws from stories she has reported around the world and new research in biology, psychology, and economics to explain how we can make decisions that benefit us over time. With examples from ancient Pompeii to modern-day Fukushima, she dispels the myth that human nature is impossibly reckless and highlights the surprising practices each of us can adopt in our own lives—and the ones we must fight for as a society. The result is a book brimming with the ideas and insights all of us need in order to forge a better future.
Download or read book Investing in America s Infrastructure written by United States. Congress. House. Committee on Public Works and Transportation. Subcommittee on Economic Development and published by . This book was released on 1993 with total page 594 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Economics of Infrastructure Provisioning written by Arnold Picot and published by MIT Press. This book was released on 2016-04-29 with total page 527 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The complexities of financing, installing, implementing, and regulating public infrastructures, including empirical research, analytical models, and theoretical insights. Infrastructures—tangible, intangible, and institutional public facilities, from bridges to health care—are a vital precondition for economic and societal wellbeing. There has been an increasing awareness that we cannot rely on market forces for infrastructure investment and maintenance. In this volume, experts from Europe, North and South America, and Asia examine the complexities of financing, installing, implementing, and regulating public infrastructures. Their contributions span a range of methodological approaches, including historical and empirical research, analytical models, theoretical analysis, and sector and regional case studies; they consider the economics of infrastructure provisioning by government, through private-public partnerships, and privatization arrangements. The book first treats general investment, growth, and policy issues, and then offers sector-specific analyses of transportation, energy, telecommunications, and water infrastructures. The chapters cover topics that include the evolution of historical infrastructure; the relationships between the state and private finance in funding and financing infrastructure; and the relevance of infrastructure for economic growth. Contributors Julio C. Aguirre, Laure Athias, Stephen J. Bailey, Sumedha Bajar, Biswa Nath Bhattacharyay, Federico Boffa, Daniel Danau, Sumit S. Deole, Balázs Egert, Massimo Florio, Stephan Fretz, Asmae El Gallaa, Marco Giorgino, Hugh Goldsmith, Nico Grove, Markus Hofmann, Lynne Kiesling, Johann Kranz, Antonio Nunez, Arnold Picot, Michael Pollitt, Olivier Crespi Reghizzi, Martina Santandrea, Stéphane Straub, Annalisa Vinella
Download or read book M e Lu za Building Optimism written by Ion de Andrade and published by . This book was released on 2021-09 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On the transformation of a favela--an urban success story on the Brazilian coast This illustrated volume documents the transformation of the favela Mãe Luíza, as an example of how to build community, create citizenship and identity, and promote initiative and participation. Alongside a story by Brazilian author Paulo Lins, short articles and essays trace the history of Mãe Luíza from the point of view of local activists, as well as invited authors from various fields. With roughly 15,000 inhabitants, Mãe Luíza, located near the ocean in the Brazilian city of Natal, is a favela with all the familiar grievances. In 1984, Italian transplant Padre Sabino Gentili founded the Centro Sócio. With community participation, the Centro created much-needed social infrastructure. After Padre Sabino's death, the Ameropa Foundation further invested in the infrastructure--efforts that culminated in the construction of a sports arena and a music school designed by Swiss architects, facilities usually lacking on the Brazilian peripheries.
Download or read book Decentralization and Infrastructure in the Global Economy written by Jonas Frank and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2015-07-03 with total page 497 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The subnational dimension of infrastructure has emerged as one of the greatest challenges in contemporary public finance policy and management. Ensuring the efficient provision of infrastructure represents a challenge for all countries irrespective of their level of centralization or decentralization. This book proposes an innovative approach for the strengthening of decentralized public investment and infrastructure management. Decentralization and Infrastructure in the Global Economy: From Gaps to Solutions covers the most important aspects of infrastructure investment in a decentralized setting. It discusses infrastructure gaps and the quality of subnational spending; how functional responsibilities, financing and equalization can be designed; sector-specific arrangements in high expenditure areas, such as health, education and roads; key steps of the public investment cycle and management; and analyses the political economy and corruption challenges that typically accompany decentralized infrastructure projects. This book challenges some of the well-accepted principles of intergovernmental fiscal relations and will be useful to researchers and practitioners of public finance policy and management.
Download or read book Handbook of Infrastructures and Cities written by Olivier Coutard and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. This book was released on 2024-04-12 with total page 483 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Contributing towards a thriving research area, this comprehensive Handbook presents a broad discussion of infrastructure as social phenomena. It compiles diverse perspectives to delineate the current ‘infrastructural turn’ and assess policy and research challenges relating to contemporary forms of infrastructural development.
Download or read book The Management and Measurement of Infrastructure written by Charlie Karlsson and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. This book was released on 2007 with total page 488 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Highlights the growing demand for accurate, complete and continuous disclosure of information related to management activities, expenditures, stock availability and shadow prices. This book also presents theoretical and practical advances as well as concepts and paradigms in infrastructure systems.
Download or read book Irregularities Frauds and the Necessity of Technical Auditing in Construction Industry written by A. L. M. Ameer and published by Authorhouse UK. This book was released on 2013-07 with total page 117 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book deals with construction irregularities, frauds and the necessity for technical auditing of construction projects. The book deals with basic guide lines for technical auditing of construction to bring in savings. This also gives a set of proposals for future improvements of the existing system and the same can be used in developing countries or modified to suit each country's requirements.
Download or read book Burning Matters written by Peter C. Little and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2021-10-18 with total page 249 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Global trade in electronic waste (e-waste) has led to various waste management challenges and many regions of the Global South have suffered the toxic consequences. In Burning Matters, Peter C. Little explores the complex cultural, economic, and environmental health politics of e-waste work in Ghana. He brings to light the lived experiences of Ghana's e-waste workers, as they navigate the health, social, and economic challenges of highly toxic e-waste labor. In particular, Little engages the experiences of e-waste workers who burn bundles of electrical cables to extract copper, a practice that contaminates bodies and the urban environment and which has attracted international organizations seeking to mitigate risk and find quick tech solutions to this highly toxic e-waste work. A nuanced perspective on e-waste burning and environmental politics in Africa at a time when global e-waste generation and trade is at an all-time high, Burning Matters contends that e-waste interventions devoid of ethnographic perspective and knowledge risk downplaying the vibrant complexities of e-waste itself and the matters of social life and labor that matter most to Ghana's e-waste workers.
Download or read book The Governance of Infrastructure written by Kai Wegrich and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2017-03-02 with total page 305 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Infrastructure only tends to be noticed when it is absent, declining, or decrepit, or when enormous cost overruns, time delays, or citizen protests make the headlines. If infrastructure is indeed a fundamental driver of economic growth and social development, why is it so difficult to get right? In addressing this perennial question, this volume-the fourth edition in an annual series tackling different aspects of governance around the world-makes the case for a governance perspective on infrastructure. This implies moving beyond rational economic analysis of what should be done towards an analysis of the political, institutional, and societal mechanisms that shape decision-making about infrastructure investment, planning, and implementation. Engaging with theories from sociology, political science, and public administration, and drawing on empirical analyses bridging OECD and non-OECD countries, the contributions to this volume dissect the logics of infrastructure governance in a novel way, providing timely analyses that will enrich both scholarly and policy debates about how to get infrastructure governance right.
Download or read book Sewage Infrastructure written by Sterling Xander and published by Publifye AS. This book was released on 2024-10-05 with total page 161 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ""Sewage Infrastructure: A Historical Journey Through the Underbelly of Urban Development"" offers a comprehensive exploration of one of society's most overlooked yet crucial systems. This engaging book delves into the evolution of sewage systems from ancient civilizations to modern cities, highlighting the engineering marvels that make contemporary wastewater management possible. It presents a fascinating narrative that interweaves historical context, technological advancements, and societal progress, demonstrating how sewage infrastructure serves as a mirror of urban development and public health. The book's approach is both informative and accessible, guiding readers through complex topics such as hydraulic principles and wastewater chemistry while maintaining a clear, engaging tone. It progresses from ancient drainage systems to cutting-edge sustainable practices, incorporating insights from recent archaeological discoveries and global case studies. By examining milestones like the great sanitation awakening of the 19th century and the advent of modern treatment plants, the book illustrates the profound impact of sewage management on public health and environmental stewardship. What sets this work apart is its holistic perspective, connecting engineering principles with historical narratives and sociological insights. It not only addresses technical aspects but also explores the broader implications of sewage infrastructure on urban planning, economic development, and environmental conservation. This multifaceted approach makes the book a valuable resource for professionals, students, and curious readers alike, offering a deeper understanding of the hidden systems that support modern life.
Download or read book The Report Indonesia 2018 written by Oliver Cornock and published by Oxford Business Group. This book was released on 2018 with total page 332 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 2018 the Indonesian economy recorded a growth rate of 5.2%, the highest in five years. This was in spite of a slump in the rupiah and a trade imbalance, and took place against a backdrop of rising US interest rates and deteriorating trade relations between the world’s two biggest economies. The country’s emphasis on industrialisation and infrastructure development is laying the foundations for continued economic growth. Moreover, the archipelago’s growing middle class population, geographical position and human capital development agenda, alongside progress in free-trade agreements, make it a strong contender on the global economic stage. The country holds considerable potential for developing entrepreneurial and creative prowess, already being home to four unicorn startups. Investors have continued to look beyond traditional destinations, with emerging cities like Surabaya and Palembang showing strong possibilities for economic growth. Although the outcome of the April 2019 national election will determine the course of further infrastructure development and tax reforms, the future looks promising, with predictions of continued growth accompanied by stable inflation.
Download or read book Infrastructure Productivity Evaluation written by Wouter Jonkhoff and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2011-01-11 with total page 105 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Infrastructure construction and use is at the heart o the current political debate. Not only are European member state governments investing large amounts of money to alleviate the harmful effects of the economic downturn due to the credit crisis, EU accession countries receive large amounts of cohesion funds for infrastructure purposes. Infrastructure is widely believed to contribute largely to economic performance, but to what extent is this the case? How does the productivity of roads, railways and ports relate to the invested money, and what determines their effectiveness? In this Brief, which focuses to a large extent on Dutch and European practice, numerous distinguished economists describe policy practice and analytical tools for infrastructure appraisal. Moreover, harmonisation of European approaches for evaluation of infrastructure are discussed. The study focuses both on scientific productivity measurement as on case studies of infrastructure policy.
Download or read book Realizing the Potential of Public Private Partnerships to Advance Asia s Infrastructure Development written by Akash Deep and published by Asian Development Bank. This book was released on 2019-01-01 with total page 341 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This publication highlights how public–private partnerships (PPPs) can be effective to meet Asia's growing infrastructure needs. It shows how governments and their development partners can use PPPs to promote more inclusive and sustainable growth. The study finds that successful PPP projects are predicated on well-designed contracts, a stable economy, good governance and sound regulations, and a high level of institutional capacity to handle PPPs. It is the result of a collaboration between the Asian Development Bank, the Korea Development Institute, and other experts that supported the theme chapter "Sustaining Development through Public–Private Partnership" of the Asian Development Outlook 2017 Update.
