The Built Environment in the Critical Zone: From Pre- to Postindustrial Cities

摘要: Abstract Majority of the existing research on Earth’s Critical Zone focuses intertwined network physical, chemical, and biological processes studies interactive cycles water, carbon, energy in designated international Observatory sites. However, is now undergoing a rapidly increasing, constraining burden from human activities. Ever since advent industrial capitalism emergence large cities, activities urban growth have had critical, often adverse, impacts Zone. study complex correlation between urbanization remains understudied. This chapter takes an unprecedented step toward integrating perspectives architecture, planning, geography to examine this correlation. Recognizing fundamental role its life-sustaining resources (particularly water) resulted creation cities ancient world. The effects models postindustrial around globe been examined. Analyzing theoretical underpinnings environmental sustainability, compact city model has used illustrate evaluate example vernacular architecture organic design as climatic response desert Iran. Finally, addresses changes practice decrease adverse suburbanization make informed, proactive decisions designing sustainable future.