Books

Molecular Biology Exploring the cutting edge of art and science.

Swiss multimedia artist Michel Comte and the NCCR MSE (National Center of Competence in Research Molecular Systems Engineering) at the University of Basel and ETH Zurich collaborated to produce this exploration of the fascinating work taking place at the intersection of molecular biology and contemporary art. Groundbreaking developments in the fi eld of bioengineering are rapidly changing the way we relate to the world around us, but the complexity of the science has created a vast communication gap between specialists and the general public. EL & Us – engineering life and us – is a bold, accessible visual invitation to join the discussion on the meaning and ethics of engineering organisms, a practice on the verge of changing not only how we treat disease, but how we understand life itself. Created within the framework of the NCCR MSE’s interdisciplinary Art of Molecule initiative, this work contributes to the ongoing conversation about the project’s research goals and the future of biological engineering.

Michel Comte: EL & Us Steidl Verlag, Göttingen 2022 144 pages, EUR 58

Kenny R. Cupers (ed.): What is Critical Urbanism. Urban Research as Pedagogy Park Books, Zurich 2022 192 pages, CHF 41

Critical Urbanism Visions of 21st century urbanism.

The rapidly changing and often paradoxical realities of life in urban spaces demand vast knowledge and expertise of city planners, scholars, politicians and activists alike. How can we nurture productive interchange in urban centers that are in equal parts globally networked, radically fragmented and fraught with rising inequality? The authors of this book, experts from the University of Basel’s Critical Urbanism master’s program, conceptualize urban studies as a practical, pedagogical approach for understanding and designing diverse 21st century cities. Through critical study of historical and contemporary inequalities, the authors derive new visions for the future of urban life. Kenny Cupers is Professor of Architectural History and Urban Studies at the University of Basel. Sophie Oldfi eld is Professor of Urban Studies at Cornell University. Manuel Herz is an architect and was previously an assistant professor at the University of Basel. Laura Nkula-Wenz is a lecturer in the Critical Urbanism program at the University of Basel. Emilio Distretti is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Basel. Myriam Perret is an architect and research associate at the University of Basel.

Botany The defi nitive reference on alpine fl ora.

Christian Körner’s fully revised, extended edition of this authoritative text, fi rst published in 1999, is a comprehensive exploration of alpine plant life and the myriad biological and physical factors that contribute to its diverse and awe-inspiring forms. The book describes the characteristics of alpine plant physiology, reproduction and biogeography as well as plant interactions with soils, water, carbon, nutrients and changing climatic conditions in alpine ecosystems, drawing on examples from around the world, including the tropics. Color photography and diagrams, up-to-date insights based on current research and vivid, accessible descriptions make this incomparable classic an essential reference for fi eld biologists and students of biology and ecology as well as citizen scientists and nature lovers the world over.

Christian Körner: Alpine Plant Life. Functional Plant Ecology of High Mountain Ecosystems Springer Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg 2021 500 pages, CHF 118 (hardcover) / CHF 24.99 (softcover)