"Designing Cities" is the first "reader" to be published in the thriving field of urban design. It has been assembled to appeal to a broad range of readers interested in how the design of cities comes about.

The volume has been carefully structured to help students gain an understanding of the theoretical context from which urban design has emerged. At the same time, it promotes a particular theoretical paradigm, suggesting that urban design is best viewed as a branch of spatial political economy. The selection of articles advances this idea as far as possible, both in its organization and in its content.

The reader includes work from the past 30 years by such world famous authors as Manuel Castells and David Harvey, as well as writing by lesser known scholars which deserves a wider audience. The overall organization of the book is carefully explained in relation to the subject matter by the editor.

"The Form of Cities "offers readers a considered theoretical introduction to the art of designing cities.

Demonstrates that cities are replete with symbolic values, collective memory, association and conflict.
Proposes a new theoretical understanding of urban design, based in political economy.
Demonstrates different ways of conceptualising the city, whether through aesthetics or the prism of gender, for example.
Written in an engaging and jargon-free style, but retains a sophisticated interpretative edge.
Complements "Designing Cities" by the same author (Blackwell, 2003).

"The Form of Cities "offers readers a considered theoretical introduction to the art of designing cities.

Demonstrates that cities are replete with symbolic values, collective memory, association and conflict.
Proposes a new theoretical understanding of urban design, based in political economy.
Demonstrates different ways of conceptualising the city, whether through aesthetics or the prism of gender, for example.
Written in an engaging and jargon-free style, but retains a sophisticated interpretative edge.
Complements "Designing Cities" by the same author (Blackwell, 2003).

"Designing Cities" is the first "reader" to be published in the thriving field of urban design. It has been assembled to appeal to a broad range of readers interested in how the design of cities comes about.

The volume has been carefully structured to help students gain an understanding of the theoretical context from which urban design has emerged. At the same time, it promotes a particular theoretical paradigm, suggesting that urban design is best viewed as a branch of spatial political economy. The selection of articles advances this idea as far as possible, both in its organization and in its content.

The reader includes work from the past 30 years by such world famous authors as Manuel Castells and David Harvey, as well as writing by lesser known scholars which deserves a wider audience. The overall organization of the book is carefully explained in relation to the subject matter by the editor.