Customer Reviews

Everyday Urbanism

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Everyday Urbanism draws attention to the otherwise neglected ways of promoting street-life and the informal economy, especially in the US where there is an increasing need with the fragmentation of the urban/suburban fabric and economically declining, though often socially strong and active as in the case of LA neighborhoods.
The collection of essays range from cases in LA where it successfully occurs,innovative design ideas towards stimulating street-life, vendoring and its accessories, to sustainable informal trash recycling systems in LA neighborhoods, to careful observation methods which may inform local level urban design and planning.
It is a unique text in terms of introducing this idea of being aware of and celebrating everyday life (especially in the western world) within the design disciplines of architecture, urban design/planning and landscape architecture.

Everyday Urbanism is a wonderful collection of thoughts, projects and stories about the contemporary urban life in America (more specifically Southern California). Rather than speak about grand utopian visions, Everyday Urbanism investigates specific urban conditions. Each author brings their own perspective and dimmension to this interesting and entertaining compilation.

An excellent introduction to the thought of urban conception as a way of life, or even better of living. Michel de Certeau and the others would love to read it.