Product Description
Cities have always been the crucible of culture and civilization and the hubs of wealth creation. But today they face enormous challenges. Over half the world's population already lives in cities and the proportion is set to grow rapidly. Compounded by infrastructural, economic and social problems, dramatic changes are taking place. If cities are to flourish, there has to be a paradigm shift in the way they are managed, to draw fully on the talents and creativity of their own residents - businesses, city authorities and the citizens themselves. This text is a call for imaginative action in the development and running of urban life and a clear and detailed toolkit of methods by which our cities can be revived and revitalized. Presenting case studies and examples of urban innovation and regeneration from around the world, it analyzes teh crucial steps and disciplines involved. It shows how to think, plan and act creatively in addressing urban issues, and how to apply the methods described in any city.
From the Publisher
'...shows how new modes of thinking can help regenerate cities facing the challenge of survival
Sir Peter Hall, Bartlett Professor of Planning, University College London
Charles Landry is one of the very few people with the experience and imagination to address the fundamental problems that confront cities today... gives this book a unique authority
Tim Campbell, Head of the Urban Partnership, The World Bank
'Immensely rewarding. A veritable cascade of stimulating ideas for anyone practically involved in making their city work.'
Ketso Gordhan, CEO, City of Johannesburg
Finally, someone who has figured out how to make culture a vital part of the modern city
Marc Pachter, senior strategy advisor to the secretary of the Smithsonian, Washington, DC
a stimulating text with numerous case studies
Aslib Book Guide, Vol. 65, No 10
For all those involved in urban planning, professionally or academically, this is essential reading.
SPEL (SCOTTISH PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL LAW), No 83, Feb 2001
exhorting decision makers makers to think afresh, become holistic, take risks, innovate, emulate and evaluate
provides a toolkit
'
URBAN POLICY RESEARCH, March 2001