This book focuses on the spatial character of the city. A brief survey of the history of urban development leads to the proposal of a methodology for the design of urban space, concentrating on the relationship of four elements: patterns, narratives, monuments and spaces.
The book addresses the current debate regarding urban regeneration through the proposal of a flexible framework for the analysis of urban context and the integration of new interventions to create sustainable cities. This work draws on the dual expertise of historical research and design experience.
Although contemporary practice in urbanism has many sources of design guidelines it lacks a theory which provides a flexible approach to the complexities of most urban situations. This book aims to provide a theoretical framework which looks beyond the style obsession of urban makeovers to the fundamental elements of city-making. The book will feature historical analysis, theoretical coherence, contemporary case studies, good illustrations and a physical context for citizenship.

Through a detailed study of the principal spaces of Italian cities, this book explores the relationship between political systems and their methods of representation in architecture. Illustrated by contemporary photographs and analytical drawings, it examines significant piazzas and situates these examples in their social and political contexts, highlighting the urban evidence of shifts between autocratic and democratic forms of government through history. The ideological role of political architecture is analyzed through the work of various theorists including ancient sources, Renaissance thinkers and modern critics. The complex evolution of individual spaces over time is represented by their physical layering from ancient times to the present day. Other examples connect the development of different characteristic types of Italian urban form in chronological sequence, categorized by art historical and political periods.

Through a detailed study of the principal spaces of Italian cities, this book explores the relationship between political systems and their methods of representation in architecture. Illustrated by contemporary photographs and analytical drawings, it examines significant piazzas and situates these examples in their social and political contexts, highlighting the urban evidence of shifts between autocratic and democratic forms of government through history. The ideological role of political architecture is analyzed through the work of various theorists including ancient sources, Renaissance thinkers and modern critics. The complex evolution of individual spaces over time is represented by their physical layering from ancient times to the present day. Other examples connect the development of different characteristic types of Italian urban form in chronological sequence, categorized by art historical and political periods.

Once again, new interpretations are presented of some of the most famous architecture of the period. Work by lesser-known architects, whose influence and role have been overlooked by conventional histories of the subject, is discussed. The case study structure allows each example to be discussed and used as a springboard to explore different theoretical approaches. Filled with beautiful photographs, plans and architect's drawings, this is a clear and accessible discussion on a period of architecture that engages many questions still under debate in architecture today.