1st Edition
Serene Urbanism A biophilic theory and practice of sustainable placemaking
Foreword by Thomas Barrie and Julio Bermudez, Part I: Theoretical Framework for Serene Urbanism, 1. Introduction, 2. Serene Environments, 3. Urban Perspectives, 4. Placemaking, 5. Sustainability, 6. The Serene, Biophilic, and Numinous, Part II: Serenbe: A Community Among the Trees, 7. The Serenbe Concept, 8. Master Plan Elements, 9. Placemaking as a Sustainable Strategy, 10. Cultural and Numinous Moments, 11. Serene Urbanism Analysis
Biography
Phillip James Tabb is Professor of Architecture and Liz and Nelson Mitchell Professor of Residential Design at Texas A&M University. He completed a PhD dissertation, “The Solar Village Archetype: A Study of English Village Form Applicable to Energy-integrated Planning Principles for Satellite Settlements in Temperate Climates” in 1990. Among his publications are Solar Energy Planning (McGraw-Hill, 1984), The Greening of Architecture: A Critical History and Survey of Contemporary Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design (Ashgate, 2014), and Architecture, Culture, and Spirituality (co-edited with Thomas Barrie and Julio Bermudez, Ashgate, 2015). He received his BS in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati, Master of Architecture from the University of Colorado, and PhD in the Energy and Environment Programme from the Architectural Association in London. He teaches studio design, sustainable architecture, and the theory of placemaking, and is a practicing urban designer and licensed architect.
Phillip Tabb illustrates the practical power of good theory. He demonstrates that an understanding of nature can enable architects and planners to create authentic, deeply rooted places. His work in planning the new community Serenbe near Atlanta provides strong, positive evidence for Professor Tabb’s biophilic approach. This thoughtful, timely book bridges theory and practice and should interest those with a desire to better understand sustainable urban design and planning.
Frederick Steiner, Paley Professor and Dean, School of Design, University of Pennsylvania
