Although contemporary practice in urbanism has many sources of design guidelines; it lacks theory to provide a flexible approach to the complexities of most urban situations. The author provides that theoretical framework; looking beyond the style obsession of urban makeovers to the fundamental elements of city-making. The scope of this book takes in illuminating historical analysis and significant theoretical coherence; while recent case studies link the physical environment to the citizens within it; ultimately offering a new methodology for the analysis and design of urban spaces which encourages a balance between diversity and community.
#3566952 in eBooks 2006-06-01 2006-06-01File Name: B000PMGI8Q
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Specious and DisappointingBy Matthew BrenerBeing a construction and demolition professional I purchased this book with great expectation and was very disappointed with this terribly written and often over-the-top specious nonsense. The classification of the barbaric destruction of the World Trade Towers as "demolition" is beyond contempt and should; on the face of it; be reason enough to avoid purchasing this book so as not to support such a poorly thought-out and immature response to a wanton act of war. If the destruction of the WTC is demolition; then so was Pearl Harbor; the bombing of Dresden; and the entire Vietnam War. Shameless. Stay clear of this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. RUBBLEBy GRAEMEA VERY BASIC REVIEW OF A TOPIC THAT HAS BEEN BETTER COVERED IN DETAIL BY OTHER BOOKS. CONTAINS LITTLE DETAIL AND WORTH REFERNCING.4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Loved this BookBy Jesse KampThis book is not about the technical aspects of demolition or the politics between the players of the industry. It is masterfully researched and documented by 41 pages of reference notes. It is written with matchless wit combined with seriousness and compassion. It touches on all aspects of "unbuilding" which has existed for many centuries. It goes through the early use of pick axe; the wrecking ball; ever-present dynamite to recent "deconstructing" by hand to recycle for future use every possible piece of lumber; brick and fixture. More important; it explains all the reasons why demolition does and has occurred. Some seem valid and others are simply sad. In many ways we cannot blame the demolitionists as they are often reacting to obsolescence created by government; greed by land barons; buildings that were built with a particular life span; or the new fields of play for the demolitionists such as nuclear plant obsolescence and urban asphalt removed to make way for urban living. In short; "it goes to the heart of the scientific; social; economic; and personal meaning of how (and why) we unbuild our world."