Customer Reviews

Skinny Streets and Green Neighborhoods: Design for Environment and Community

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Expertly and knowledgeably co-authored by Cynthia Girling (Director and Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of British Columbia) and Ronald Kellett (Professor of Landscape Architecture and Director of the Neighborhoods LAB in the Design Centre for Sustainability at the University of British Columbia) Skinny Streets And Green Neighborhoods: Design For Environment And Community is an innovative modern introduction and study of urban planning and ecology that deftly provides the reader with an exceptional selection of proven methods for solving generally difficult problems for community landscapes in urban areas. Inclusive of in-depth analysis with years of experience in the urban planning, with an excellent selection of design strategies for opportune placement of plant life for the essential betterment of the environment. An outstanding contribution to Environmental Studies and Urban Studies reference collections, Skinny Streets And Green Neighborhoods is very strongly recommended for all students of ecological design within the context of an urban environment.

I love the bbok, it is beautifully edited, and very relevant for anyone researching on sustainability and cities. It is probably too much focused on the suburban type of neighborhood ( I think they are trying to justify this model through green sustainability ) , but it is very clear and precise on the strategies taken by all these developments.

I was still in needs for more images and detailed sections of the models proposed, that's why I think of it as a reference book. All drawings are very basic, beautifully made but basic.

There are plenty of books out there about traditional neighborhood design and new urbanism, but few if any of them address issues such as water, sustainability, or natural systems. Instead, they tend to focus primarily on fundamental design issues such as street and block design. Skinny Streets and Green Neighborhoods takes matters a step further by breaking down the topics into green networks, gray networks, gray fabric, green fabric, and urban water. As the title for my review suggests, this book is a step in the right direction, but there is still room for improvement (hence four rather than five stars) because much of the material here is introductory and basic; there are few details about exactly how to design the elements that will make a neighborhood "green." However, it is a very good starting place for anyone interested in the subject, and it makes an excellent addition to the library of any designer or planner.