Introduction

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.