First published 1973
Urban planning advocate Lewis Mumford presents his collected writings on city development spanning over two decades of American growth. From 1922 to 1945, Mumford observed cities struggling with industrial expansion, suburban sprawl, and wartime pressures. His essays advocate for regionalism as an alternative to centralized metropolitan growth. Mumford champions garden cities that blend urban amenities with natural landscapes. He argues that proper regional planning can prevent the disintegration plaguing American cities. The collection traces his evolving thoughts on how communities can renew themselves through thoughtful design and democratic participation. Mumford offers readers a framework for understanding why cities fail and how they might succeed.
Genres: 20th-century, non-fiction, architecture, cities
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: social-commentary
Setting: America, United States
Period: 1922-1945
248 pages · Hardcover · Greenwood Press