Urban Planning Design

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?

In elegant and often hilarious prose, Kunstler depicts our nation's evolution from the Pilgrim settlements to the modern auto suburb in all its ghastliness. The Geography of Nowhere tallies up the huge economic, social, and spiritual costs that America is paying for its car-crazed lifestyle. It is also a wake-up call for citizens to reinvent the places where we live and work, to build communities that are once again worthy of our affection. Kunstler proposes that by reviving civic art and civic life, we will rediscover public virtue and a new vision of the common good.

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 ...

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, ...

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.

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...

Previously published by the National League of Cities, this book will enable you to put everything related to zoning in context. As stated in the book's Introduction by renown Land Use Attorney Dwight H. Merriam, FAICP, this book is "essential reading for every citizen who is interested in understanding this important aspect of the operation of their local government.... ZONING 101 will turn the novice into an expert, and reinforce an expert's understanding of ... the seven basic elements that form the center of the universe for all zoning ordinances." The Connecticut Conference of ...

Designing for Everyone is a transformative guide that redefines how we envision our communities, emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity at every turn. This comprehensive eBook takes you on an insightful journey through the fundamental principles and innovative strategies needed to create environments that cater to all individuals, regardless of abilities or backgrounds. Beginning with a foundational understanding of accessibility and inclusivity, you will explore their historical roots and the vital roles urban planners and architects play in shaping diverse communities. Discover how to ...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

How to Make a Beautiful City? is a practical guide for city planners, architects, and concerned citizens alike who want to transform their cities into beautiful and livable places. In this book, the author draws on his research and experience to highlight the challenges faced by many megacities around the world, such as pollution, traffic, and a lack of greenery. The author offers practical solutions to overcome them. By adopting a European housing model, the author proposes 16 practical steps to urban planning success, which include developing good architecture, cleaning up the city, ...

Step into a visionary tale of urban innovation with "Blueprinting Tomorrow," an extraordinary journey into the architectonic renaissance shaping our cities' destinies. This riveting eBook reveals the impetus behind the future urbanism movement, meticulously dissecting the complex, multi-faceted beast that our cities’ planning and design have become. As you delve into Chapter 1, you will discover the quintessence of 21st-century urbanism, tracing its historical roots and witnessing the transformative power of technology on our built environments. "Blueprinting Tomorrow" doesn't just ...

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 ...

How to we make sense of our surroundings and give a place meaning? What does a ‘sense of place’ signify? The Psychology of Place explores a wide range of studies of buildings, cities and regions that answer these questions. The book is widely regarded as the most fruitful statement of the psychological theories that help us to understand our transactions with the built and natural environments. Still frequently studied and cited 40 years after it was first published this ebook now makes this important work generally available.

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. ...

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.