
Invention and Evolution
Design in Nature and Engineering
Michael French(Author)
Cambridge University Press
2nd Edition
Published on 15. September 1994
Book
Hardback
387 pages
978-0-521-46503-8 (ISBN)
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Description
This textbook for engineering students provides an introduction to design for function, using many examples of manufactured artefacts and living organisms to demonstrate common themes and fundamental principles. Examples forcefully illustrate the importance of the basic design principles related to materials, energy and information. The author also discusses the relation of aesthetic and functional design, the crucial relation of design to production in artefacts, and reproduction in organisms. The book concludes with a brief summary of the role and requirements of designers and inventors. This second edition has been extensively revised, with more examples and a new chapter with actual design case studies to illustrate key ideas. In addition, many exercises have been added to help reinforce important points in the text.
Reviews / Votes
Review of the first edition: 'This book is strongly recommended for students and practitioner alike. It is studded with gems of information and fascinating comparisons well illustrated both in the diagrams and the text.' Engineering Design Education and Training Review of the first edition: 'Indeed it deserves the same wide audience as J. E. Gordon's brilliant popular classic: The Science of Strong Materials and Structures. It deals largely with different aspects of design but it resembles them in its clarity, wisdom, humour, and in its astonishing range of examples.' The Times Higher Education SupplementMore details
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
Revised edition
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 179 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
954 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-46503-8 (9780521465038)
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Schweitzer Classification
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New editions

Book
09/1994
2nd Edition
Cambridge University Press
€79.10
Shipment within 15-20 days
Additional editions

Book
09/1994
2nd Edition
Cambridge University Press
€79.10
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Content
'Preface to the second edition; Preface to the first edition; Acknowledgements; 1. The designed world; 2. Energy; 3. Materials; 4. Mechanism; 5. Structures; 6. Systems; 7. The practice, principles and philosophy of design; 8. Economy, form and beauty; 9. Production, reproduction, evolution and design; 10. Designing and inventing; 11. Some case studies; Questions; Answers; Suggestions for further reading; Index.