Aqua House - Architecture That Integrates Water Technically and Aesthetically

Stephanie Madison of Habitus Living interviews the author about his book "Aqua House, Architecture that Integrates Water Technically and Aesthetically" Can you please elaborate on what inspired you to write Aqua Houses and the key ideas in the book?

Current concerns about global water usage and the increasing pollution of it's environments is what inspired me to write Aqua House. The book focuses on the relationship of water and architecture. It re-examines the place that it occupies in architecture in order to determine how current practices in architecture contribute to the pollution of water environments and to what is believed to be an unsustainable usage of it. The book then seeks to investigate how some of these practices in architecture could be modified in the future in order to mitigate the water problem.

The key idea in the book is how can the design of a house integrate the technical and aesthetic functions of water?

I have attempted to answer this by designing a building (Aqua House) that works with both the aesthetic and technical functions of aqua. In addition, the design integrates water and architecture in a way that could contribute to reducing contamination of the water environment. While Aqua House is a small project, focused on the problem of residential architecture it can perhaps help raise awareness of wider water issues. The lessons learned can perhaps be extrapolated to a re-examination of other types of buildings and urban environments, where a wider set of water issues could be examined.

In following the principles outlined in Aqua Houses, how can consumers integrate water-wise solutions into their homes that are both technically efficient and architecturally aesthetically appealing?

The principles outlined in Aqua House is that rain, which is collected, recycled and cleansed, is celebrated and organises the house. An example of how consumers could integrate water-wise solutions into their homes is to locate in the entry hall of their house a reflection pool that stores high quality water. It would celebrate the triumph of harvested water in the way that the sink in the foyer of Villa Savoye does, and invites cleansing of a guest's journey. Another example is to have a structure that consists of a series of aqua columns. The water columns replace the underground water cistern or solid water tanks used in other the sustainable houses allowing visual appreciation and awareness of quantity of the stored water, while also being used to supply the water needs.

What do you envision consumers wanting in terms of water-wise architectural spaces in the future, please describe? Why do you think consumers will be drawn to these spaces/design elements etc?

I envision consumers wanting water-wise architectural spaces to experience the various states and transformations, its distinctive tastes, sounds and smells. Water's beauty is in its fluidity, transparency and reflective-ness. For example water has symbolic meanings: to Chinese Feng Shui it represents good chi and in Christianity, it means cleansing. People are naturally drawn towards water for its aesthetic qualities and musicians frequently celebrate it in their work. Schubert's Water Songs, Deep Purple's Smoke on the Water, Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge over Troubled Water, Lady in the Water, The Wild River, Water Lilies are some examples of music and movies inspired by water. Paintings by artists like Hockney, Dali, Picasso, Monet, Escher, English all depict the beauty of water.

I think consumers will be drawn to the integrated design solutions knowing that each year they are sending 0.0 litres of effluent and 0.0 litres of stormwater to the rivers and oceans, and manage in the process to celebrate it.

For more about the book go to http://www.amazon.com/AQUA-House-Architecture-Technically-andAesthetically/dp/3639042778/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259274607&sr=8-1

Les Dykstra of Architects-ldl is an Award-winning Master Architect, Designer of Houses, Apartments, Renovations, Interiors, Commercial, School, Hotel and Green Buildings. For more information visit our website http://www.architects-ldl.co.nz/

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Biology, Science and Nature Books

Astronomy and Cosmology

Cosmology is the name given to a range of natural sciences, including both physics and astronomy that intends to provide an explanation for how the universe works as an integrated entity. Over the centuries, since the Pythagoreans in Greece during the 6th century BC considered the possibility that Earth was spherical, cosmology has come a long way and has integrated a variety of different fields of science.

Cosmology evolved from the observation of these Greeks who interpreted the natural laws of the heavenly bodies from which, eventually, the Ptolemaic model developed during the second century AD. Centuries later, during the 16th century, the Copernican system further developed the theories surrounding astronomy and cosmology - followed, in the 20th century, by the theories of special relativity and Albert Einstein's Theory of General Relativity. Overall, however, the case for cosmology states that the laws of physics work the same everywhere and that there is homogeneity throughout the universe.

'The Holographic Universe', written by Michael Talbot, tells its story in two parts: the first part devotes 55 pages to discussing David Bohm's holographic model of the universe - simplified into everyday language by Talbot. The second part of the book delves into events of the paranormal while, at the same time, attempting to rationalise the holographic model. Talbot introduces the reader to Karl Pribram as well as the philosophies of David Bohm.

Chemistry

Chemistry and biochemistry often go hand-in-hand, existing in parallel with other scientific disciplines such as dietetics [the science of food]. McCance and Widdowson, who produce 'The Composition of Foods' summarises food composition tables and updates much in the way of nutrition as a science. The foreword to the 6th edition has been written by Sir John Krebs while the actual volume itself provides an invaluable source of reference to dieticians and nutritionists the world over.

Meanwhile,'Principles of Biochemistry' by Nelson D has been described as a 'modern approach to biochemistry'. Personally, one of the best biochemistry books I have ever encountered was that written by Patterson - now, sadly, long since out of print. I attribute my successful pass in the biochemistry exams to the presence of Patterson which, by the time I had finished with it, was particularly dog-eared! Nelson D's 'Principles of Biochemistry' really is the next best thing to Patterson and a worthy successor.

Earth Sciences and Geography

Earth sciences are a catch-all term covering a different range of natural sciences from those mentioned above. These relate to the study of the earth and how different parts of it are interlinked to produce that homogenous whole that is the classic feature of the scientific world. If you are interested in the world around you then you may be interested in a lovely book by Gavin Pretor-Pinney. This book 'The Cloud Collector's Handbook' is full of charming pictures, below which you will find a short description of each cloud and space for you to record your own sightings. It certainly gives a new connotation to having your head in the clouds!

Education

If you think about it, there is all the difference in the world between someone who loves school and somebody who loves to learn: it doesn't necessarily follow that, if you love to learn, then you must enjoy school. Education, however, is all about learning for the sheer pleasure of gaining new information. This learning may or may not be associated with school: it can even cover any subject. Evidence of this can be seen in Richard Dawkins' book 'The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution'.

Dawkins goes about educating his readers, explaining to them how fossils can be dated accurately, all about plate tectonics etc, before going into the details of how these may be linked with the global distribution of plants and animals and the effects changes in these physical elements can have on them. Dawkins, whilst making it clear that he is aware [and who could not be?] of the great debate on creation v evolution, doesn't get drawn into the minutiae surrounding this eternal dispute.

Engineering and Technology

One book that I simply have to recommend is a fantastic book written by Jo Marchant. You will find it in our Science and Nature section under the heading of Engineering and Technology. The first thing to say is that this is not some dry and boring technical tome. This book relates the story behind a particularly ancient Greek artefact and what it took to decode its hidden mysteries. The book is called 'Decoding the Heavens: Solving the Mystery of the World's First Computer'. I wish Jo Marchant had found a more intriguing title for her book because this title really doesn't do this book justice.

The book relates the story of the Antikythera Mechanism which has been shown to have amazing capabilities as an astronomical calculator: scientists believe its complexity was at least 1500 years before its time. The Antikythera Mechanism artifact is a good 2,000 years old and was found during a dive in 1901. Scientists have been attempting to unravel its secrets ever since. So, if it's a true-life mystery you are interested, or a book that's a bit different I would strongly recommend this well-written and interesting book of Jo Marchant's.

There are innumerable other sub-genres to be found within our Science and Nature section, covering quite an array of subjects. If you are a fan of the border collie, Barbara Sykes writes a delightful treatise on 'Understanding Border Collies'. This is an excellent book written by somebody who really does understand the intricacies that go to make up this breed of dog and is an absolute 'must have' for all the lovers of border collies out there. Changing from dogs to elephants, I would certainly recommend 'The Elephant Whisperer: Learning about Life, Loyalty and Freedom from a Remarkable Herd of Elephants' - it will really pull on your heartstrings then have you howling with laughter! Check out all the other options within this section - you will probably amaze yourself at the treasure trove of titles hidden within our web pages!

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The Biology of Belief - Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter and Miracles

Book Review: The Biology of Belief, Unleashing the Power of Consciousness Matter & Miracles by Bruce Lipton

Dr. Bruce Lipton in "The Biology of Belief" states that "every material structure in the universe, including you and me, radiates a unique energy signature". He has proposed methods for healing and has made the complex topic of biological organisms much easier.

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene appearance or expression that is caused by something outside of changes in the underlying DNA sequence - Wikipedia.com

Epigenetics is a new field of biology that is been explored by Bruce. He unravels the obscure nature and behavior of cells under the influence of the environment. His view is that every individual cell functions as a universe, while the membrane saves the cell from foreign bodies and acts like the security guard who lets in the 'beneficial' and keeps out the 'harmful'.

We know that the 'cell' is the structural and functional unit of all living things, plants and animals. Lipton illustrates to us that the cells possess some kind of intelligence and therefore the cell can be taught through thinking and experience. As a result people should act and react in a positive manner to the environment, thoughts, suggestions and to outside energy.

We have enormous influence on the intellectual composition and framework of this cellular structure. Our influence can be so large that the cell genetics can be changed. The genetic propensity can also be changed by teaching the individual cell what to do next and also by shifting our mental and physical environment so that each and every cell can know and comprehend the type of alterations they need to create.

I found the topic of discussion in the biology of belief outstanding, we have all heard or perhaps have friends that are never ill or do not suffer from colds and flu as most other people do. This book and other experiences in my life make me think that just maybe if we believe that we will be healthy and have a positive outlook on life then we will be healthier, interesting read.

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Triplet Genetic Code - A Book Review Which Allows the Reader to Better Understand DNA Nutrition

This book presents the basics of what the genetic code is, so that the reader can have a basis of understanding of molecular biology. The backbone of the book is the central dogma of molecular biology, which is the idea that information flows from DNA to RNA to protein. It not only defines and discusses what the genetic code is, but discusses the rules of the genetic code and the type of mutations that can occur in the system.

The basic building blocks of both DNA and mRNA are adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine. These are defined as nitrogen bases and are usually labeled A, T, G, and C. These bases code for twenty specific amino acids. The twenty amino acids that can be created are as follows: alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartate, cysteine, glutamine, glutamate, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, praline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine. A nucleotide is defined as a linked bunch of molecules, composed of a phosphate group, nitrogenous bases, and a pentose sugar. The nucleotides code for these amino acids in groups of three, giving 64 possible combinations. The groups of threes are called codons. There are actually three codons that don't code for amino acids. These codons are called stop codons and they signal signal translation termination. These codons are UAA, UAG, and UGA.

The genetic code is said to be degenerate. This means that the code doesn't code to its capacity. Basically, the twenty known amino acids that can be created by the genetic code can be made by more than one type of nucleotide sequence. For instance, CUU, CUC, CUA, and CUG all code for the amino acid leucine. Another example is that CGU, CGC, CGA, and CGG all code for arginine.

According to the book, there are three main rules for the genetic code. The first rule is that the sequence of nitrogenous bases must follow the direction of translation. mRNA is translated in the 5' to 3' direction, so the codon sequences have to occur in the same orientation. This ensures that they will be properly translated. The first base of a codon must be located at the 5'-most end of the codon. For instance, the following three bases code for the amino acid cysteine: CGU. Two codons code for this amino acid, 5'-UGU-3' and 5'-UGC-3'. 5'-UGC-3' matches the codon CGU if you read it backwards.

The second rule is that one nucleotide can be used per reading frame. In other words, one nucleotide can only be part of one codon. For example, the code AATT could be read only as AAT or ATT, but not at the same time.

The last rule deals with start and stop codons. Basically, once you begin reading a codon from a specific nucleotide, one must continue reading it by threes until the end. The most common start codon is AUG. UAA, UAG, or UGA are the stop codons. So, the implication of this rule is that any sequence can be read in three different ways, depending on which nucleotide is put first. The three different ways of reading can yield three different amino acids.

Mutations are errors in codons caused by changes in nucleotide bases. Depending on the type of mutation, the error can cause no change or devastating change in protein created. These changes can result in positive phenotypic changes in the living organism, but usually are deleterious. The first type of mutation discussed is the base substitution. This is when one base is substituted for another. There are three main base substitutions: silent mutations, missense mutations, and nonsense mutations. Silent mutations do not change the amino acid created, due to the degeneracy of the genetic code. For example, if UGU is changed to UGC, the corresponding amino acid will still be cysteine. A missense mutation results in a substitution that changes the actual amino acid that is created by the codon. A nonsense mutation is a substitution that actually transforms the codon into a stop codon. This is generally considered to be the worst sort of base substitution mutation because it can really mess up the formation of a protein.

The next category of mutations is the insertion and deletion mutations. The main mutation that correlates to the insertion or deletion of a nucleotide in a codon is the frameshift mutation. This mutation is very profound in its effects, due to it changing every codon in a genetic sequence. It messes up the three codon structure which constitutes code, thus altering the protein that is created by the code.

The last category of mutations are the suppressor mutations. Supressor mutations change the result of an entirely different mutation. There are two types of these: extragenic and intragenic mutations. Extragenic mutations occur outside the genetic code, but has an effect on the amino acid sequence that is translated from the genetic code. Basically, one mutation can negate another mutation, due to the affects of a tRNA mutation. An intragenic mutation comes from within the genetic code. An example of this would be if an insertion of a particular nucleotide was negated by a frameshift deletion of this nucleotide. This book does a thorough job of educating the reader in the basic of the genetic code. It not only defines what the genetic code is, what rules govern it, and what mutations can occur in it, but it discusses how the genetic code is an indicator of evolution. Since all life shares the same four nitrogenous bases, which make up the codons that code for the proteins that make all living bodies, evolution from common descent seems plausible.

Written by Chris Bielke
Independent Affiliate GeneWize LifeSciences
Direct: 928-261-8247

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Bio Terrorism, Pandemics and Virus Vectors - Why We Need to Get the Word Out

We seem to have a situation of denial in the US, perhaps it's because we live in such a clean environment with safe fresh water to drink, proper disposal services, and some of the best doctors and medicines in the world. We also have the best food supply chain. Yes, we live with abundance, but we must not let our guide down. There are dangers we must come to terms with, one of the most serious of course being disease, viruses, and the potential for pandemics or even bio-terrorism.

In fact, over the years I've recommended many books on the topic of bio-terrorism and natural pandemics, and what we can do about it. No, I am not meaning to scare anyone, more so, recommending that we educate the public to the reality of how serious things can get. Indeed, I've also recommended by Richard Preston such as Demons in the Freezer, Hot Zone, and Cobra event. Yes, I've also recommended classics on Influenza such as "The Great Influenza - Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History," written by John M. Barry.

Today, however, I'd like to recommend an extremely good book that is simple to read, 100% spot on with important information, and written in a way that anyone can comprehend. It's vital that our citizenry and policy makers get it. I recommend that you read this book, it's one I own and use as a reference, it is flat excellent:

"Pandemic" by Gary C. Ridenour, M.D., Jack Bacon and Company Publishers, Reno, NV, (2007), pages 101, ISBN: 0-930083-35-0

If you never read another book in your entire life on the issues of flu pandemics - READ THIS ONE! Dr. Ridenour was a Naval Doctor, and as you know they have some of the greatest doctors in the world in the US Navy, it's a necessity. What he has to say is the straight skinny, and this book is accurate and to the point without wasting the readers time. Although it is only 101 pages, it's filled with 100 pages of what you need to know. So, I hereby recommend this book for anyone and everyone who is interested in this topic, and if you are not; You should be!

Lance Winslow is the Founder of the Online Think Tank, a diverse group of achievers, experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, futurists, academics, dreamers, leaders, and general all around brilliant minds. Lance Winslow hopes you've enjoyed today's discussion and topic. http://www.worldthinktank.net/ - Have an important subject to discuss, contact Lance Winslow.

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7 Daughters of Eve Book Review

The 7 Daughters of Eve is a non-fiction book written by human genetics profession Brian Sykes from the University of Oxford in England. Although a non-fiction book with its core being a nice commingling of the authors life story at the time when he was working to pioneer mitochondrial DNA research and testing, there are fictional aspects to it as well.

The first half of the book is interesting in that it tells the story of how the type of mitochondrial DNA testing came about and the stories from the authors personal life that helped move the research along. As an example, after a motor cycle accident left Sykes with a bad shoulder that needed to set before flying, he was able to take samples from a small island population in the Pacific Rim which was useful in showing how often (well, actually how not often) mitochondrial DNA mutates. It is these real stories that allow the average reader to enjoy the book without being overpowered by the science, which when summed up says that a mother passes mitochondrial DNA in its entirety on to all of her children.

Given that mitochondrial DNA is passed exactly from a mother to her children, it is possible to go back through history and find what Sykes called the 7 daughters of eve. These were 7 women who lead humans out of Africa and helped to populate the rest of the world according to the book.

Sykes attempts to give each of these women a name and tell the story of their life based on what we know about the area that they likely lived as well as archaeological evidence from the time period suggested by the number of mutations in the DNA sequence. While this part of the book was interesting, we see farming start in one story, dogs being domesticated in another, I found it more difficult to connect with then the actual story from Sykes life and the science which surrounded it.

It's a very interesting and quicker read then you might expect because Sykes is able to make the science sound both reasonable and accurate while explaining his own story. Each reader will likely favor a different part of the book, but it generally does not read anything like the long, boring and frustrating genetic textbooks that so many of us have been presented with in Biology class. I would say this is a definite read for anyone interested in Human Genetics.

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Anatomy 101 - The Human Body From a Kid's Point of View

The human body is something you'd think would be a natural object of understanding for humans, but not a huge number of people can boast knowledge of everything concerning these temples within which we live. Explaining it to children can prove difficult too - so what sort of things can you do to help your descriptions when those inevitable questions come along?

Children can be a lot smarter than we sometimes imagine. Many kids go through childhood experiencing various 'obsessions', where they find an interest and research it thoroughly; learning all there is to know about the subject. Take dinosaurs for example, which are always a popular interest. Most of us can probably think of at least one child who's been through the phase of reading up all about the giant lizards, collecting toys, watching the TV programmes, etc - if it's not us ourselves. This natural enthusiasm for learning is something that should be kept in mind - children, and humans in general, are inquisitive beings that thirst for knowledge. So it's important to latch onto this early and ensure kids get the most out of that early enthusiasm.

There are plenty of ways to encourage learning, such as books, DVDs, computer software and even plain old conversation. Children ask 'why?' a lot when growing up - and so do adults, albeit most of us do it quietly these days - and parents and teachers should capitalise on this inclination by telling them why, or how, or even what. What's more is that you'll probably get to enjoy it too.

A lot of the ways that kids learn stuff are usually fun. The books they read, the films they watch and even educational cartoons are designed to be amusing as well as instructive. This can make a welcome change from the slightly more stoic way of learning that grown-ups are used to, revisiting the basics in a bright and colourful manner that can prove entertaining as well. Opening up a book to help you teach your child about the human body can be a fun experience since children's literature is more about getting information across in an entertaining fashion rather than what comes across as quite inaccessible and stuffy by comparison in later years.

On top of all this, you spend time with the child, helping them to develop better social abilities whilst strengthening your own bond.

So what is there on the topic of the human body in particular? Depending on how old the child is, you could teach with anything ranging from rousing renditions of "head, shoulders, knees and toes" and the "hokey cokey" to question-and-answer sessions or reading books, watching television programmes and DVDs or using interactive CD ROMs or the internet.

There's a wealth of information out there concerning the human body, from your own personal knowledge to human body books - so don't feel restricted in what you can pass on as there's plenty of inspiration out there.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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