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Sapling Bookstore (13)
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Jigsaw Cities: Big Places, Small Spaces
Anne Power; John Houghton
(2007)
Paperback - 280 pages
Policy Press
ISBN: 1861346581
Synopsis by Amazon.co.uk:
This new book explores Britain's intensely urban and increasingly global communities as interlocking pieces of a complex jigsaw, which are hard to see apart yet they are deeply unequal. How did our major cities become so divided? How do they respond to housing and neighbourhood decay? "Jigsaw City" examines these issues using Birmingham, Britain's second largest city and pioneer of the modern urban order, as our strongest model of the drive to create public solutions to private squalor is in three parts. Through looking at major British cities, using Birmingham as a case study, the authors explore: the origins of Britain's acute urban decline; the idea that "one size doesn't fit all"; the continuing urban flight that traps the poor and pays the rich to move out. The book will attract policymakers in cities and government; it will help students of social science, regeneration bodies, community organisations and environmental specialists. The style of the book with its live examples and hands-on experience is extremely accessible in spite of its strong historic background. Its unique 'insider' perspective on policy making and practical impacts offer a useful and unusual perspective.
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Urban Forms
Ivor Samuels, Jean Castex, Jean Charles Depaule, Phillippe Panerai
(2004)
Paperback - 240 pages
Architectural Press
ISBN: 0750656077
Synopsis by Amazon.co.uk:
This popular and influential work, translated here into English for the first time, argues that modern urbanism has upset the morphology of cities, abolished their streets and isolated their buildings. In tracing the stages of this transformation, this book presents the view that the urban tissue, the intermediate scale between the architecture of buildings and the diagrammatic layouts of town planning, is the essential framework for everyday life. Only by investigating the urban tissue will it be possible to understand the complex relationships between plot and built form, between streets and buildings and between these forms and design practices. The chosen trail of the first French edition - Paris, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt - is one of continuously evolving modernity. It outlines a history, which, in one century (1860-1960), completely changed the aspect of our towns and cities and transformed our way of life. The shock has been such that we are still looking for answers, still attempting to find urban forms that can accommodate present day ways of life and at the same time maintain the qualities of the traditional town. This English edition brings the story forward to the present day and considers the impact of the New Urbanism in the United States, which, over the last decade, has sought to re-establish former relationships within the urban tissue.
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Groundswell: Constructing the Contemporary Landscape
Peter Reed
(2005)
Paperback - 168 pages
Museum of Modern Art, New York
ISBN: 087070379X
Synopsis by Amazon.co.uk:
Groundswell: Constructing the Contemporary Landscape presents twenty-three projects that reveal the surge of creativity and discussion surrounding the designed landscape in a broad, principally urban, international context. In the last twenty years, many significant new public spaces have been created for sites that have been reclaimed from conflict, environmental degradation and abandonment. The projects, found throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, were selected for their outstanding design, and to demonstrate a variety of scales, contexts, materials and types of spaces. This fully illustrated volume includes an essay by Peter Reed, Curator in the Department of Architecture and Design at The Museum of Modern Art, that demonstrates how these innovative projects expand the definition of the modernist landscape while responding to a variety of conditions such as social function and the transformation and reclamation of formerly industrial areas. The essay is followed by a full-colour plate section featuring the selected projects. Catalogue entries for each project provide a succinct description of the site, its transformation and design concepts illustrated by photographs, drawings and models.
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The Anxious City
Richard J. Williams
(2004)
Paperback - 296 pages
Routledge, an imprint of Taylor & Francis Books Ltd
ISBN: 0415279275
Synopsis by Amazon.co.uk:
In the western world, cities have, arguably, never been more anxious: realistic anxieties about personal safety, and metaphorical anxieties about the uncertain place of the city in culture are the small change of journalism and political debate. Cities have long been regarded as problems, in need of drastic solutions. In this context, the contemporary revival of city centres is remarkable. But in a culture that largely fears the urban, how can the contemporary city be imagined? How is it supposed to be used or inhabited? What should it look like? What should be its purpose? Which existing forms of urban life might serve as models for a new city? Taking England since WW2 as its principal focus, this provocative and original book considers the western city at a critical moment in its history. Historically among the most urbanised of countries, England is an extraordinary urban laboratory. The energy and thoroughness with which its cities have been transformed in the 1990s have lessons for urban development everywhere. The Anxious City examines the problem of the contemporary city through a series of detailed case studies: Poundbury, Milton Keynes, Liverpool's Albert Dock redevelopment, Trafalgar Square, Canary Wharf, the Great Court of the British Museum, and central Manchester after the 1996 IRA bomb. It deals with some broader cultural phenomena too: the continuing attraction of picturesque aesthetics, and the lure of southern European urbanism (exemplified by the RIBA's canonisation of Barcelona) and the complex, contradictory relationship between urbanism in England and the USA. The experience of these places, the book argues, shows a culture where the idea of the city remains contested: the frantic redevelopment of city centres in the 1990s represented one vision of the city - the city of spectacular consumption, competing in some imaginary urban race with other world cities. But such development took place against continuing suburbanisation and sprawl. In spite of all the building works, the city was still being worked out This book is a cultural history that will be essential reading for anyone interested in the recent history of urban life. It argues that the contemporary city is uniquely anxious, caught between nostalgia for the past, and uncertainty about the future. At a crucial moment in the history of the city, it cuts through the urbanistic propaganda spread by architects and politicians. This unique and challenging study will be of interest to students and practitioners alike.
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Neighbourhoods That Work: A Study of the Bournville Estate, Birmingham
Rick Groves, Alan Middleton, Alan Murie, Kevin Broughton
(2003)
Paperback - 72 pages
The Policy Press
ISBN: 1861345380
Synopsis by Amazon.co.uk:
This study provides the results from major original research addressing issues which are central to current debates about social cohesion and neighbourhood renewal. The research focuses on Bournville - a successful, mixed tenure residential neighbourhood in Birmingham. The findings of the study contribute to current debates about social capital and policy responses designed to achieve more balanced and cohesive neighbourhoods. It challenges simplistic approaches which tend to advocate the social engineering of mixed tenure developments, changes to allocation policies or the disposal of socially rented housing into ownership as ways of achieving 'successful' neighbourhoods.
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The Enterprising City Centre: Manchester's Development Challenge
Gwyndaf Williams
(2003)
Paperback - 352 pages
Spon Press
ISBN: 0415252628
Synopsis by Amazon.co.uk:
The re-emphasis on city centres as part of the wider agenda on urban renaissance and sustainable development has increased policy concerns in the field. "Enterprising City Centres" focuses on urban development processes and the dynamics of changing city centres with the context of the emergence of urban entrepreneurialism as a driving force in delivering urban development. It looks at the role of new modes of governance and the political economy of partnership working. The devastation caused to Manchester city centre as a result of the bombing of its core in June 1996 was to have a major physical, economic and cultural impact on the city and its key interests. The robustness of established public-private partnership arrangements enabled community leaders and key stakeholders to highlight the opportunities that this afforded to drive through a very ambitious renewal programme, and to enhance the city centre's competitiveness and quality. The dynamic redevelopment challenges presented to Manchester city centre has provided an ideal case-study for research into the issues of regeneration and the lessons learnt for master-planning, programme development and implementation can be applied to any city centre regeneration project. "Enterprising City Centres" reveals exemplars of local partnership working, the development and delivery of realistic implementation plans, and the range of instruments available to create both an improved quality to the urban environment and enhanced commercial and cultural competitiveness of our major city centres. That this was largely delivered in Manchester within a five-year period of intensive development and renewal activity amply demonstrates the value of such experience for wider dissemination.
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Newcastle's Grainger Town: An Urban Renaissance
Fiona Cullen, David Lovie
(2003)
Paperback - 74 pages
English Heritage Publications
ISBN: 1873592779
Review by Sapling Editor:
Grainger Town' is a historically important area at the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, centred upon a series of Classical streets laid out by Richard Grainger in the 1830s. By the 1990s, Grainger's streets were largely intact but in severe decline, the area having lost its position as the city's retail and business centre. Set up in 1997, the Grainger Town Project was an ambitious attempt to breath new life into the area, seeking to improve the public realm and bring buildings back into use in a programme of 'heritage-led regeneration'. By the time it ended in 2003, the Project had achieved many of its goals, bringing in new retail, leisure, office and residential schemes, and successful transforming the appearance and perceptions of the area.
Published in 2003, this new book provides a timely opportunity to reflect on the Project's successes and challenges. However, with English Heritage a key player in the Project, and both authors playing important roles themselves, the book's portrayal veers towards rose-tintedness; while it rightly celebrates the Project's successes - of which there are many - it would be useful to learn also from the Project's difficulties and mistakes. The book does note the challenges in persuading businesses to invest in the area, but we learn little of the contestations around specific schemes, or ideas that were rejected; for instance, a key example of facadism, contrary to the Project's own policy and subject to signifiant local opposition, is rather glossed over.
'Newcastle's Grainger Town' is also very much a book of parts - the first section provides a good historical account of the city's growth, leading up to Grainger's radical remodelling; the second sets the scene for the Grainger Town Project itself, providing an insight into its operation; and the third is a walking tour incorporating many of the most notable buildings, streets and spaces. While the structure of the first two parts makes good sense, the walking tour does feel rather incongruously tacked on, and replicates much of the content from Lovie's earlier 'Buildings of Grainger Town' guide. By not seeming quite sure who its audience is - academics, practitioners, visitors to the city - the book ends up spreading itself rather thin, a difficulty when it is already relatively short. With its attractive presentation and many beautiful photographs, the book does offer a reasonably-priced introduction to Grainger Town, particularly for anyone unfamiliar with Newcastle. However, those who have seen the Project unfold may prefer to read the various evaluation reports, or wait for a more critical and reflexive account elsewhere -- Graham Soult
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Towards an Urban Renaissance
Urban Task Force, Lord Rogers of Riverside (Introduction), John Prescott
(1999)
Paperback - 328 pages
Department of the Environment & Department of Transport Library
ISBN: 185112165X
Synopsis by Amazon.co.uk:
The Urban Task Force was established by the Department of Environment, Transport and Regions to simulate debate about our urban environment. Their findings, conclusions and recommendations were presented in a final report to government ministers in summer 1999, forming the basis for this book.
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The Creative City
Charles Landry
(2000)
Paperback - 311 pages
Earthscan
ISBN: 1853836133
Synopsis by Amazon.co.uk:
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 the 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.
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Social Exclusion in European Cities: Processes, Experiences and Responses
Ali Madanipour, Goran Cars (eds.)
(1999)
Paperback - 301 pages
Routledge, an imprint of Taylor & Francis Books Ltd
ISBN: 0117023728
Synopsis by Amazon.co.uk:
This study defines what is meant by "social exclusion" in terms of its causes, how it is experienced and the way in which policy and community initatives are confronting the problem. It is argued that developments in the structure of the global economy, resulting in investment in certain areas, have intensified social polarization and exclusion. The symptoms of "social exclusion" include long-term unemployment; informalization of work; a widening gap in levels of income, education and health; and changing family structure. This is heightened, asserts the editor, by planning and housing policies, which often create whole neighbourhoods of disadvantaged people. Comparative studies of communities responding to social exclusion lead to proposals for urban regeneration schemes linking housing with employment as part of a Europe-wide initiative to combat the problem.
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Urban Regeneration
Peter Roberts (Editor), Hugh Sykes (Editor)
(1999)
Paperback - 352 pages
Sage Publications Ltd
ISBN: 0761967176
Synopsis by Amazon.co.uk:
Providing students and practitioners with a detailed overview of the key theoretical and applied issues, this book is a comprehensive and integrated primer on regeneration. The various chapters: review the history and context of urban regeneration; consider funding implications; look at environmental, social and community issues, as well as employment, education and training; focus on managing urban regeneration; consider land use issues; and discuss monitoring and evaluation. The book concludes with a comparative analysis, with examples from America and Europe, and a discussion of future trends.
The book represents the first systematic overview of urban regeneration in one volume and is set to become the standard reference work. As such, it will be required reading for practitioners involved in regeneration, and students of urban studies, planning, architecture, and estate management.
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Urban Policy and Politics in Britain
Dilys M. Hill
(2000)
Paperback - 272 pages
Palgrave, formerly Macmillan Press
ISBN: 0333739221
Synopsis by Amazon.co.uk:
The Labour Government has unleashed a new dynamism in urban policy and politics in Britain and given rise to a variety of initiatives including elected mayors, regional development agencies and assaults on social exclusion and educational standards, to name but a few. This text analyses the key changes in approach and policy since the 1970s, especially the increased role of the market and its implications for the legitimacy and accountability of local political structures. It provides an introduction to the development and an insight into the opportunities and constraints of urban renewal.
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Estates on the Edge
Anne Power
(1998)
Paperback - 464 pages
Palgrave, formerly Macmillan Press
ISBN: 0333746031
Synopsis by Amazon.co.uk:
This text recounts the decline and rescue of low income government sponsored housing estates across Northern Europe giving an account of the intense physical, social and organizational problems facing social landlords in five countries. The ownership, management and letting patterns diverge sharply between the Continent, Britain and Ireland, between council landlords, non profit, co-operative and independent landlords. But their community problems reveal similar trends towards poverty, polarization and incipient breakdown. To avert the threat of incipient ghettos the stabilizing pressures need to be stronger than the growing pressures towards chaos. Governments have become directly involved in estate rescue because of the vital social role estates are playing. The text traces the process of decline and renewal and shows how we can learn the lessons of policy failures and successes.
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