Urban Architecture

Thirty years after its publication, The Death and Life of Great American Cities was described by The New York Times as "perhaps the most influential single work in the history of town planning....[It] can also be seen in a much larger context. It is first of all a work of literature; the descriptions of street life as a kind of ballet and the bitingly satiric account of traditional planning theory can still be read for pleasure even by those who long ago absorbed and appropriated the book's arguments."

During the real estate crash of the late 2000s, Christopher Brown purchased an empty lot in an industrial section of Austin, Texas. The property—a brownfield site bisected with an abandoned petroleum pipeline and littered with concrete debris and landfill trash—was an unlikely site for a home. Along with his son, Brown had explored similar empty lots around Austin, so-called “ruined” spaces once used for agriculture and industry awaiting their redevelopment as Austin became a 21st century boom town.

Legal scholar and architect Sara C. Bronin examines how zoning became such a prevailing force and reveals its impact. Outdated zoning codes have maintained racial segregation, prioritized cars over people, and enabled great ecological harm. But, as Bronin argues, once we recognize the power of zoning, we can harness it to create the communities we desire, and deserve. Drawing on her own experience leading the overhaul of Hartford's zoning code and exploring the efforts of activists and city planners across the country, Bronin shows how new codes are reshaping our cities.

Conceived in the Gilded Age, the Ferry Building opened in 1898 as San Francisco's portal to the world—the terminus of the transcontinental railway and a showcase of civic ambition. In silent films and World's Fair postcards, nothing said "San Francisco" more than its soaring clock tower. But as acclaimed architectural critic John King recounts, the rise of the automobile and double-deck freeways severed the city from its beloved structure. King's narrative spans the rise and fall and rebirth of the Ferry Building, introducing colorful figures who fought to preserve its character.

Discover the fascinating world of sustainable architecture and green design with "Sustainable Structures," your one-stop guide to the future of urban living. This groundbreaking new eBook dives deep into the art and science of integrating ecological principles into modern cityscapes, showcasing how innovative techniques and technologies are transforming the way we design, build, and live. "Sustainable Structures" takes you on an insightful journey through 20 comprehensive chapters, each dedicated to a crucial aspect of sustainable urban design. From the importance of nurturing healthy urban...

The world’s skyscrapers have brought us awe and wonder, and yet they remain controversial—for their high costs, shadows, and overt grandiosity. But, decade by decade, they keep getting higher and higher. What is driving this global building spree of epic proportions? In Cities in the Sky, author Jason Barr explains all: why they appeal to cities and nations, how they get financed, why they succeed economically, and how they change a city’s skyline and enable the world’s greatest metropolises to thrive in the 21st century.

Escape into the verdure-clad pages of "Urban Canopy," where the intersection of ecology and modern living blossoms across a thriving landscape of knowledge. Imagine a future where cities breathe through verdant rooftops, communities draw together in luscious aerial gardens, and our very buildings pulse with life. "Urban Canopy" unveils the transformative power of green roofs in an urban world—towering oases that could redefine our skylines. Each chapter delves into a specific facet of this marvel, not just as a concept, but as a practical and approachable reality for the world of tomorrow...

The Philadelphia row house. The New York tenement. The Boston triple-decker. Every American city has its own iconic housing style, structures that have been home to generations of families and are symbols of identity and pride. Max Podemski, an urban planner for the city of Los Angeles and lifelong architecture buff, has spent his career in and around these buildings. Deftly combining his years of experience with extensive research, Podemski walks the listener through the history of our dwelling spaces.

Step into a world where less is infinitely more, where silence speaks volumes, and space itself becomes the protagonist of a story that shapes the fabric of communities and the essence of urban living. "The Essence of Space" is a transformative journey through the philosophy of minimalist architecture – a quiet yet powerful force in the environment we dwell in. Embark on a narrative that begins with the core principles of minimalist design, where the art of subtraction creates a sanctuary of tranquility amongst the tumultuous urban sprawl. As you traverse the chapters, you'll explore how ...

Embark on an extraordinary journey into the urban jungle with "The City Explorer's Handbook." This gripping and vibrant eBook offers an in-depth exploration of metropolitan delights and urban evolution. From homesteads to towering skyscrapers and the stark contrast between lifestyles, the investigation into city life begins. Learn about the brief yet rich history of cities and marvel at the modern marvels of urbanism. Discover how nature beautifully entwines itself into the urban realm, asserting its indispensable role. Experience the thrill of architecture, varying styles and periods, ...

Immerse yourself in "Green Foundations," a comprehensive guide to the transformative world of landscape architecture. Traverse the historical trails that have shaped our understanding of natural and built environments, and delve into the artistry that merges aesthetics with ecological consciousness. "Green Foundations" is your gateway to appreciating the profound impacts of green spaces within busy urban landscapes. Explore how verdant oases contribute to our psychological well-being and foster vibrant communities, all while playing a critical ecological role in sustaining urban ...

Step into the future of architecture and urban planning with "Blueprint for Tomorrow," a cutting-edge eBook that unveils a world where buildings whisper to the winds of sustainability and cities dance in harmony with nature's rhythm. In the realm of innovative architecture, the marriage between form and function births structures that not only stand against the test of time but also stand for the conservation of our planet. Delve into the fascinating intersection of textiles and architecture, as "Blueprint for Tomorrow" reveals how the right fabrics can transcend mere aesthetics, morphing ...

Embark on an odyssey through the meticulously crafted spaces within "Blueprint of Ingenuity", a revolutionary text soaring through the harmonious intersection of art and science in the world of architecture. Within its chapters, readers traverse the delicate balance of beauty and structural might, from the understated elegance of residential homes to the towering marvels that punctuate our skylines. Unlock the age-old mysteries enshrouding iconic historical landmarks, as well as the ingenuity behind modern architectural wonders. This volume masterfully dissects the meat of architectural ...

Discover the vibrant tapestry of urban life with "The Mosaic Metropolis," your comprehensive guide to the emergent world of culturally inclusive cities. As society evolves, the urban landscape becomes a canvas for the dynamic interplay of different backgrounds, traditions, and visions. This transformative eBook invites you on a profound exploration of how cities can flourish by embracing diversity in every brick and beam. Delve into the core of what makes a city truly pulse with life in Chapter 1, where definitions and benefits encompass the panoramic view of diverse urban environments. ...

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of "Small Scale Metropolises," where the grandeur of cities meets the precision of miniaturization. Dive into the enchanting universe where every tiny brick tells a story, and intricate skylines fit within the palm of your hand. Explore the magic of miniature metropolises, and learn how to transform your visionary concepts into tangible cityscapes. From the rustling leaves of miniature trees to bustling streets alive with Lilliputian cars and people, this book guides you through each exquisite detail of crafting your own urban masterpiece. Begin ...

Le Corbusier famously said, "A house is a machine for living in." We now confront the litany of environmental challenges associated with the legacy of the architectural machine: a changing climate, massive species die-off, diminished air and water quality, and resource scarcities. Brook Muller offers an alternative: water-centric urban design that fosters sustainability, equity, and architectural creativity.

We are living in a new urban age and its most tangible expression is the "supertall": megastructures that are dramatically bigger, higher, and more ambitious than any in history. In Supertall, TED Resident Stefan Al—himself an experienced architect who has worked on some of the largest buildings in the world—reveals the advancements in engineering, design, and data science that have led to this worldwide boom.

Dickson D. Despommier proposes a visionary yet achievable plan for creating a new, self-sustaining urban landscape. He argues that we can find solutions through the concept of biomimicry: emulating successful strategies found in nature. A better city is possible if we heed the lessons that forests and trees teach about how to store carbon, grow food, collect rainwater, and convert sunlight into energy.

The buildings designed in our lifetimes encapsulate the dreams and aspirations of our culture, while also revealing the sobering realities. Whether modest or monumental, they offer a living history of Britain, symbols of the forces that have shaped our modern landscape and icons in their own right. Iconicon is an enthralling journey around the Britain we have created since 1980: the horrors and delights, the triumphs and failures.

What effect do the places where we live or work have on us? Historian Roberta Rio, who researches the history of buildings, apartments and properties for her clients, regularly comes across astonishing and recurrent patterns. In this book she reveals what the Etruscans, the Romans and Cathedral architects all knew about the effects of places, what we ourselves should know and how we can find it out. Rio offers us a refreshingly down-to-earth summary of the findings of her research, and makes it practicable for our own personal use.