Top urban planning books
Walkable City
What is Walkable City about?
Jeff Speck, a well-known city planner, shares his insights on what makes cities better for living. You’ll learn about the creation of smart urban environment, especially in terms of cars and public transport. Even if you’re not familiar with this topic, Speck explains everything in an easy and engaging form.
The Death and Life of Great American Cities
What is The Death and Life of Great American Cities about?
Written by Jane Jacobs, an urban activist, this book is one of the most influential in terms of urban planning. Jacobs criticizes the ineffective aspects of a city planning and highlights the problems to be addressed. It is a very informative read, that provides a better understanding of a comfortable city.
Suburban Nation
What is Suburban Nation about?
Is your neighborhood a comfortable place to live in? "Suburban Nation" dissects this question, focusing on suburban sprawl and it’s impact on society. It combines theoretical foundation of urban planning with the human problems like poverty, isolation, and pollution.
The Geography of Nowhere
What is The Geography of Nowhere about?
In his book, James Howard Kunstler encourages readers to pay attention to their urban environment. Criticizing urban planning issues, Kunstler argues that our cities are mostly planned for cars instead of human comfort. If you are interested in architecture, urban planning, and creating a more suitable built environment, you will benefit from this book.
The Color of Law
What is The Color of Law about?
In addition to human connections and prejudices, segregation in America has also influenced urban planning. Richard Rothstein explores the laws and housing policies related to segregation, proving that this period in history has left an undeniable mark on American cities. His book highlights the role government plays in the way society builds its future.
Streetfight
What is Streetfight about?
Janette Sadik-Khan and her co-author Seth Solomonow write about the potential of improving the city infrastructure. Sadik-Khan shares her experience as a commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation, proving that change is possible even in the most challenging cities. This book inspires readers to take interest in the development of their communities, becoming a part of urban transformation.
Capital City
What is Capital City about?
Urban politics is complicated, and one of its most controversial issues is gentrification – the transformation of low-income areas through more affluent residents. Samuel Stein covers socio-economical aspects of this phenomenon and shares its possible solutions. As this is a well-researched book, after reading it you’ll have a good grasp on the situation and will be able to form your opinion.
Traffic
What is Traffic about?
We perceive driving and traffic as something so inextricably linked to the city life, that we rarely even consider them. In "Traffic", Tom Vanderbilt shares information about the influence of driving-oriented cities. His book can be of interest to both drivers and pedestrians, as it provides a wider context for both types.
Feminist City
What is Feminist City about?
Leslie Kern’s book looks at the way our cities are structured from an unconventional point of view – as a feminist. Female experiences and struggles in the city are rarely taken into account by urban planners. To address this issue, Kern discusses the aspects for improvement, to make cities more comfortable for women, especially for mothers and single women.
Paved Paradise
What is Paved Paradise about?
Most probably you’ve never considered that parking can be fascinating, yet this book is exactly about that. Parking has a surprisingly significant effect on communities, which has to be taken into account by urban planners. You’ll dive into the policies and challenges regarding parking and will be able to see the issue from a new side.
The 99% Invisible City
What is The 99% Invisible City about?
"The 99% Invisible City" is about the small and often ignored things that constitute our urban environment. You will learn about the details that make up a city, noticing the systems and objects you’ve probably haven’t taken into account before. This book, which is based on a podcast of the same name, is a wellspring of practical trivia.
The Works
What is The Works about?
When you drive through the city, do you ever wonder how is everything connected behind the scenes? The Works answers questions like these, telling the readers all the interesting facts about city infrastructure. Although this book is specifically about New York, this knowledge is fundamental for may other cities too.
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