On November 7, architect Jeanne Gang’s new book, “Reverse Effect: Renewing Chicago’s Waterways,” will be released. The book, developed by Studio Gang Architects’ publications division and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), is expected to aid in the transformation of the city’s current water system.

“Reverse Effect” was initially prompted by the 2010 NRDC report which called for a barrier in the Chicago River’s South Branch. The purpose of the proposed barrier was to separate the Great Lakes from the Mississippi Watershed, thereby preventing an invasive carp population from entering Lake Michigan. As Studio Gang began investigating the dividing of the river from the watershed, they discovered the many ways in which this barrier could bring together and recharge surrounding neighborhoods. The group of architects, led by Gang, was inspired into releasing a book about Chicago’s new and exciting possibilities.

“Rather than seeking to control nature with technology,” it says in the book, “we will discover instead that in the 21st century,nature becomes technology… Can Chicago be the city that sets this new paradigm by transforming its waterways once again?”

Gang’s ultimate goal is to inspire all types of Chicagoans–architects, designers, policy-makers and others–to come together in order to reshape the river and allow it to reshape the future of the city.

Prior to its official release, “Reverse Effect” will be available for the first time at an exclusive NRDC event to be held on November 3. The event will benefit the work being done for the Chicago River and the Great Lakes. Featured at this event will be a one-time-only performance of Carpocolypse!, an original sketch based on the carp crisis, by Second City.

The book will also be available for sale and signing at a November 17th event to be held at the Chicago Public Library’s Harold Washington Library Center. Part of the event will consist of a conversation between Gang and NRDC’s Henry Henderson. The event will be free and open to the public.