From 2008, for the first time in human history, half of the world’s population now live in cities. Yet despite a wealth of literature on green architecture and planning, there is to date no single book which draws together theory from the full range of disciplines - from architecture, planning and ecology - which we must come to grips with if we are to design future cities which are genuinely sustainable. Paul Downton’s Ecopolis takes a major step along this path. It highlights the urgent need to understand the role of cities as both agents of change and means of survival, at a time when climate change has finally grabbed world attention, and it provides a framework for designing cities that integrates knowledge - both academic and practical - from a range of relevant disciplines. Identifying key theorists, practitioners, places and philosophies, the book provides a solid theoretical context which introduces the concept of urban fractals, and goes on to present a series of design and planning tools for achieving Sustainable Human Ecological Development (SHED). Combining knowledge from diverse fields to present a synthesis of urban ecology, the book will provide a valuable resource for students, researchers and practitioners in architecture, construction, planning, geography and the traditional life sciences.
Paul was born in Somerset, England on 11 September in the year of the Dragon (1952) when the level of CO2 in the atmosphere was just 311 ppm.
As a student, he wrote long and furious essays about architecture, ecology, and the future that were surprisingly well received (the Welsh School of Architecture featured ecological design long before it was fashionable). Discovering global warming in the late 1970s, he read the literature - and worried about the consequences.
With a family in tow, Paul left to work in Jordan for 2 years before emigrating to Australia in 1984, where he now lives. During many years of teaching and practice he has remained active in the community, seeking patterns of human settlement that can sustain, rather than destroy the world. Over 20 years ago he started focusing on the concept of 'ecopolis' - determined to see human civilization evolve in balance with the biosphere before it's too late. With 7 grandchildren destined to inherit whatever planet we're putting together right now, his concern is deep - and personal.
You can find out more about Paul and his award-winning work on www.ecopolis.com.au (and connected sites) and catch an occasional twitter on twitter.com/PFD311.
