Urban Design

Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Build American Prosperity is a book of forward-thinking ideas that breaks with modern wisdom to present a new vision of urban development in the United States. Presenting the foundational ideas of the Strong Towns movement he cofounded, Charles Marohn explains why cities of all sizes continue to struggle to meet their basic needs, and reveals the new paradigm that can solve this longstanding problem.

In this groundbreaking history of the modern American metropolis, Richard Rothstein explodes the myth that America's cities came to be racially divided through de facto segregation - that is, through individual prejudices, income differences, or the actions of private institutions like banks and real estate agencies. Rather, he incontrovertibly makes clear that it was de jure segregation - the laws and policy decisions passed by local, state, and federal governments - that actually promoted the discriminatory patterns that continue to this day.

After decades of unchecked sprawl, more people than ever are moving back to the city. Dense urban living has been prescribed as a panacea for the environmental and resource crises of our time. But is it better or worse for our happiness? Are subways, sidewalks, and tower dwelling improvements on the car dependence of sprawl?

Landscape designer and historian Wade Graham follows the acclaimed American Eden with a lively, accessible cultural history of modern cities—from suburbs, downtown districts, and exurban sprawl, to shopping malls and “sustainable” developments—seen through the lens of planning, design...

Jane Jacobs and the Human City: Exploring the Principles of Human-Centered Urban Design is a powerful exploration of one of the most influential urban thinkers of the twentieth century. Jane Jacobs changed the way the world understands cities by insisting that real urban vitality comes from people—their interactions, diversity, and daily lives—not from abstract blueprints or top-down planning. This book introduces Jacobs’s life and legacy while connecting her ideas to the modern framework of human-centered design. From her defense of sidewalks and public spaces to her critique of ...

Segregation by Design draws on more than 100 years of quantitative and qualitative data from thousands of American cities to explore how local governments generate race and class segregation. Starting in the early 20th century, cities have used their power of land use control to determine the location and availability of housing, amenities (such as parks), and negative land uses (such as garbage dumps). The result has been segregation - first within cities and more recently between them. 

In this no-holds-barred treatise, Donald Shoup argues that free parking has contributed to auto dependence, rapid urban sprawl, extravagant energy use, and a host of other problems. Planners mandate free parking to alleviate congestion but end up distorting transportation choices, debasing urban design, damaging the economy, and degrading the environment. Ubiquitous free parking helps explain why our cities sprawl on a scale fit more for cars than for people. But it doesn't have to be this way.

״Amazing! Would rate 6 stars if possible!!!״ - Dino Pieczynski ״This book is beautiful and inspirational - - - and one of the top 5 books I've ever read.״ - Marc DeVincent ״This beautifully written book challenges the very essence of identity, creation, and the role of the artist in a world addicted to imitation.״ - David Rockman ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What if the most profound work of architecture is the line you leave missing? The Architect of Nowhere is a philosophical fable, a magical realism novel about art, integrity...

Transform Your Outdoor Spaces Into Beautiful, Bountiful Edible Gardens! Imagine stepping into your backyard, balcony, or even a small urban corner and finding vibrant fruits, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs growing harmoniously alongside stunning flowers and lush greenery. In Foodscaping 2.0: From Grass to Greens, Ace Bailey introduces you to the art and science of blending beauty and functionality in your landscapes, creating gardens that nourish your body and delight your senses. This book is more than a gardening guide—it’s a blueprint for sustainable living. Whether you’re a ...

Urban planning is a craft learned through practice. Planners make rapid decisions that have an immediate impact on the ground - the width of streets, the minimum size of land parcels, the heights of buildings. The language they use to describe their objectives is qualitative - “sustainable,” “livable,” “resilient” - often with no link to measurable outcomes. Urban economics, on the other hand, is a quantitative science, based on theories, models, and empirical evidence largely developed in academic settings.

Living Patterns: Christopher Alexander and the Power of Pattern Language in Design is a compelling exploration of one of the most influential architectural thinkers of the modern era. Christopher Alexander’s groundbreaking work on pattern language transformed not only architecture but also urban planning, community design, and even software development. This book offers readers an accessible yet in-depth introduction to his vision of creating environments that are not only functional and beautiful but truly alive. From his early writings in Notes on the Synthesis of Form to his ...

A permaculture expert and popular YouTube Homesteader shares the skills and the delights of becoming a part of your own food story in this inspiring, accessible, and beautiful invitation to a more abundant, healthy, and connected life. Have you ever wanted to experiment with growing your own...

**Transform Your Urban Environment Discover the Power of Community by Design** Step into a world where urban spaces become vibrant, inclusive, and alive with possibility. "Community by Design" is not just another book about urban planning; it is a manifesto for a revolutionary approach to designing environments that breathe life into every street corner and every neighborhood. This comprehensive guide transcends the traditional boundaries of urban design to explore how we can create thriving communities that cater to the diverse needs of residents. From historical influences to futuristic ...

Overwhelmed by clutter? Tired of constantly tidying up? Discover a path from chaos to calm with expert decluttering strategies tailored to busy moms. Clearing Clutter, Creating Joy is your essential companion on the journey to reclaiming your space and sense of calm. This comprehensive guide gives you inspiration and practical tools to transform your home into a tranquil sanctuary. Written by Michelle Urban, an expert in home organization and decluttering, the book offers strategies tailored specifically to busy moms. Whether you're new to decluttering or have struggled with it before, ...

Dive into the innovative realm of urban metamorphosis with "Reimagining Urban Landscapes"— a thought-provoking exploration into the transformation of city environments. This forward-thinking eBook is the ultimate compendium for anyone interested in the future of urban living, offering a riveting traverse across the multifaceted dimensions of urban renewal. As you embark on this journey, you will uncover the essence of urban revitalization, from its historical roots to the visionary prospects of tomorrow. Discover the paramount importance of community involvement with in-depth discussions ...

Step inside the world of one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century. The Vision of Modern Living: Understanding the Ideas and Legacy of Le Corbusier explores the groundbreaking theories, iconic buildings, and bold urban plans that redefined modern architecture. From his famous “Five Points of Architecture” and the Modulor system of human proportion to his visionary Radiant City and spiritual later works like the Chapel at Ronchamp, Le Corbusier’s career reshaped the way we think about homes, cities, and the role of design in everyday life. Written in clear, ...

How Real Estate Developers Think considers developers from three different perspectives. Brown profiles the careers of individual developers to illustrate the character of the entrepreneur; considers the roles played by innovation, design, marketing, and sales in the production of real estate; and examines the risks and rewards that motivate developers as people.

99% Invisible is a big-ideas podcast about small-seeming things, revealing stories baked into the buildings we inhabit, the streets we drive, and the sidewalks we traverse. The show celebrates design and architecture in all of its functional glory and accidental absurdity, with intriguing tales of both designers and the people impacted by their designs.

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. ...

When Conrad learns his father has perfected a way to create demonic clones of living people, he realizes it's only a matter of time before the Overworld falls once again to Victus. The Arcane Council is already in flux, and Max's father, Xander, is running for primus. If he wins, it will give Victus another solid rung to climb to the top. Several ministers already seem in favor, and with a little push, the entire council could belong to Victus.