Forman R.T.T. Urban Ecology: Science of Cities

New York: Cambridge University Press, 2014. XIV, 464 p. – ISBN: 978-1-107-00700-0 (hardback), ISBN: 978-0-521-18824-1 (paperback).A richly illustrated, worldwide portrayal of urban ecology - it draws scholars, students, and professionals to the field with a solid footing
Presents the ecology of diverse human structures - from residential, commercial and industrial areas to green spaces, corridors and networks
Offers a rich array of spatial patterns, flows/movements, changes over time, simple models, and principles - a key framework to understand the subject
Worldwide learning perspective from hundreds of cities in diverse regions - it provides easy access to a cornucopia of international patterns and solutionsHow does nature work in our human-created city, suburb, and exurb/peri-urb? Indeed how is ecology - including its urban water, soil, air, plant, and animal foundations - spatially entwined with this great human enterprise? And how can we improve urban areas for both nature and people? Urban Ecology: Science of Cities explores the entire urban area: from streets, lawns, and parks to riversides, sewer systems, and industrial sites. The book presents models, patterns, and examples from hundreds of cities worldwide. Numerous illustrations enrich the presentation. Cities are analyzed, not as ecologically bad or good, but as places with concentrated rather than dispersed people. Urban ecology principles, traditionally adapted from natural-area ecology, now increasingly emerge from the distinctive features of cities. Spatial patterns and flows, linking organisms, built structures, and the physical environment highlight a treasure chest of useful principles. This pioneering interdisciplinary book opens up frontiers of insight, as a valuable source and text for undergraduates, graduates, researchers, professionals and others with a thirst for solutions to growing urban problems.