The Human City - Urbanism for the Rest of Us (Paperback)

In The Human City, internationally recognized urbanist Joel Kotkin challenges the conventional urban-planning wisdom that favors high-density, "pack-and-stack" strategies. By exploring the economic, social, and environmental benefits of decentralized, family-friendly alternatives, Kotkin concludes that while the word "suburbs" may be outdated, the concept is certainly not dead. Aside from those wealthy enough to own spacious urban homes, people forced into high-density development must accept crowded living conditions and limited privacy, thus degrading their quality of life. Dispersion, Kotkin argues, provides a chance to build a more sustainable, "human-scale" urban environment. After pondering the purpose of a city--and the social, political, economic, and aesthetic characteristics that are associated with urban living--Kotkin explores the problematic realities of today's megacities and the importance of families, neighborhoods, and local communities, arguing that these considerations must guide the way we shape our urban landscapes. He then makes the case for dispersion and explores communities (dynamic small cities, redeveloped urban neighborhoods, and more) that are already providing viable, decentralized alternatives to ultra-dense urban cores. The Human City lays out a vision of urbanism that is both family friendly and flexible. It describes a future where people, aided by technology, are freed from the constraints of small spaces and impossibly high real estate prices. While Kotkin does not call for low-density development per se, he does advocate for a greater range of options for people to live the way they want at various stages of their lives. We are building cities without thinking about the people who live in them, argues The Human City. It's time to change our approach to one that is centered on human values.

General

Imprint:	Surrey Books,U.S.
Country of origin:	United States
Release date:	March 2017
Authors:	Joel Kotkin
Dimensions:	216 x 140 x 22mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback - Trade
Pages:	312
ISBN-13:	978-1-57284-216-8
Categories:	Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Social groups & communities > Urban communities Books > Social sciences > Politics & government > Central government > Central government policies Books > Earth & environment > Geography > Human geography > General Books > Earth & environment > Regional & area planning > Urban & municipal planning > General
LSN:	1-57284-216-4
Barcode:	9781572842168

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