Urban Architecture

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 Outdated zoning codes have maintained racial segregation, prioritized cars over people, and enabled great ecological harm.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.

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, ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Journalist Julie Satow's thrilling, unforgettable history of how one illustrious hotel has defined our understanding of money and glamour, from the Gilded Age to the Go-Go Eighties to today's Billionaire Row. From the moment in 1907 when New York millionaire Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt strode...

From the Haitian-style “shotgun” houses of the 19th century to the lavish high-rises of the 21st century, a walk through the streets of America’s neighborhoods that reveals the rich history—and future—of urban housing The Philadelphia row house. The New York tenement. The Boston...

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 ...

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 "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 ...

In cities all around the world, people whisper about staircases that were never built—steps that appear in malls, schools, subway stations, and forgotten corners of the urban landscape. Some lead upward into blinding light. Others descend into impossible darkness. A few circle back to doors that shouldn’t exist. And many… lead to places no person should ever find. The Staircases That Go Nowhere gathers forty chilling urban legends inspired by these mysterious structures: • stairwells that grow taller every night • mall steps that whisper your name • emergency exits that open ...

Lazar works for the Ministry of Intangible Assets, cataloging things no one can touch—nostalgia, regret, silence. His life is orderly, gray, and safely meaningless until an expired packet of powdered soup lets him see the world's hidden metadata.Suddenly, objects have souls, people come with warning labels, and a mysterious group known as the Happy People threatens the foundations of a society built on control and quiet despair. Sent to inventory happiness before it spreads, Lazar is pulled into a collapsing city where kebab stands anchor reality, demons file paperwork, and time itself ...

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.

'Mind-shifting, heart-lifting' ISABELLA TREE 'Inspiring and essential' ALASTAIR HUMPHREYS 'As entertaining as it is enlightening' INDEPENDENT, ★★★★★ Nature isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. But today the majority of the world’s population lives in some form of urban environment...

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.

Discover Copenhagen through the interplay of myth, memory, and modern energy. Copenhagen reveals its national character through harbor life, human-scale streets, and architecture that blends imagination with practical design. This book offers an inviting look at how the city expresses Denmark’s values of trust, comfort, and public life built for everyday use. Inside you will explore: How the harbor shapes Copenhagen’s rhythm and sense of shared space. The story and symbolism of the Little Mermaid by the water. Why the Black Diamond makes culture feel open, modern, and accessible. How ...

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 ...

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.