Collection Spotlight: UrbanNext
by Barbara Opar, Librarian for Architecture and French Language and Literature
UrbanNext is a multi-faceted platform, produced by Actar, a leading publisher in the field of architecture, bringing together e-books, essays, photographic atlases, data, architectural projects, podcasts and lecture videos on timely topics. These include ecological concerns and sustainability, investigations into new types of urbanism like walkable cities, and socially oriented topics like inclusion, affordable and collective housing and changing work environments.
The user will discover important e-titles like From Control to Design by Syracuse University graduate Michael Meredith and Mutsuro Sasaki, Farshid Moussavi’s iconic The Function of Style and the highly referenced The Arsenal of Exclusion & Inclusion. In the video 50 Species Towns, Charles Waldheim talks about urbanism as a way of developing cities while addressing issues of sustainability, inclusion and respect for heritage. Hear Kiel Moe share his views on LEED. Deborah Berke, Jeanne Gang and Lydia Kallipoliti expound on their various approaches to the environment through a series of podcasts.
While taking full advantage of new ways of structuring its content, Actar has developed a research- driven platform which critically analyses its socially responsive subject matter. Each of the texts, lectures, podcasts and other media types are presented by respected academics and practitioners in the field, knowledgeable about the specifics of the topics being addressed. Many of the videos are short yet informative.
As a new product, UrbanNext is still under development in terms of building and sharing its content. The lexicon is essential to take full advantage of the materials included. The interface is not intuitive. But the quality of the information outweighs any issues.
UrbanNext is not just for those studying or interested in architecture. It is multidisciplinary and has much to offer those working in environmental studies, sociology and urban affairs. To provide feedback or suggest a title to add to the collection, please complete the Resource Feedback Form.