The American City: What Works and What Doesn't

Book Description

In this definitive sourcebook on urban planning design, noted urban scholar Alexander Garvin points out what has succeeded and what hasn't in the attempt to solve continuing problems in U.S. cities. He shows how the combination of small, collective private sector efforts, community level action, and broad-based government policy can and has achieved urban regeneration. Wide-ranging chapters provide urban planners, architects, builders, and others with: Insights on architectural, political, economic, social, and legal forces that shape cities in the U.S.; Methods for increasing access to affordable housing, clearing slums, preserving historical structures; Hard-to-find information on zoning law and legal concepts behind land use regulation; Hundreds of case studies and example that clearly illustrate successes and failures in urban planning and urban regeneration.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best textbooks I have ever owned.......2006-03-11

The writing is clear and concise and Garvin does a great job of making the material interesting and relevant!

Multidiscipinary approach to Creating Change.......2003-10-16

Mr. Garvin addresses the key factors that actually create effective change for cities today. He places a heavy emphasis on sound real estate financing, but he also demonstrates the need for effective government action and political leadership to spur private develoopments. When combined with good design and a proper reading of market forces, American Cities can and will be changed for the benefit of all its citizens.

Readers must understand, however, that Mr. Garvin does not ascribe what is "Best for the City." Each city represents a unique example and requires specific consideration when planning its future. Instead, Mr. Garvin brilliantly provides an accurate set of tools to direct a city's future, thus allowing the reader to determine what the future of his or her city should be.

Whether you're intersted in planning the future of your city or simply learning what influences the development of your city, I highly recommend this book.

High on concrete details, low on theoritical underpinnings.......2003-09-25

Garvin's text is of course a classic for students of American cities. As a sourcebook on successes and failures in cities all over the country it is unsurpassed. Garvin shows a depth of knowledge in planning issues that is deeply rooted in expertise in real estate development, economics, and politics. His insights into "what works" shows a lifetime of knowing the ins and outs of how urban developments get done in the real world.

The one shortcoming of "The American City" is Garvin's lack of attention to such planning concepts as participatory planning and community building. His "six ingredients of success" make a convenient tool for teaching basic planning concepts, but the text falls short in explaining the theortical underpinnings of planning today. Students walk away from Garvin's book convinced that good planning is esentially good real estate development. Little thought is given to concepts of fairness or social justice. Garvin never asks the student, for instance, "who are we planning for?" These theortical questions are essential to give students a deeper and more nuanced view of urban planning.

How cities work--an interdisciplinary approach.......2002-09-27

When Alexander Garvin's "The American City" was first published in 1996, it fast became a classic text in universities all over the country in the study of the city. Because it is an incredibly rich and profoundly insightful interdisciplinary exploration of all aspects of the planning of cities, it has been eagerly embraced by students of architecture, planning, urban studies, government, finance, and even sociology. Because it is so compelling written and marvelously accessible, however, it has also become a beloved book by lay people interested in any and every aspect of what determines the life and success of the created environment in which they live.

Since most of the original edition was actually completed by 1990, it did not include the last decade of development in the fast-changing world of urban thinking. In this second edition, Mr. Garvin brings his study of the city into the twenty-first century, including examples, issues, and trends that did not exist at the time the first edition was written. More strikingly, however, he has also succeeded in reorganizing and restating his original material-sometimes subtly, and sometimes more extensively-in even more powerful and effective ways. But whether it is the almost completely new chapter on Retail Shopping, or the only mostly preserved gem from the first edition on Parks and Playgrounds, all of the clarity and vitality so characteristic of Mr. Garvin's writing are enhanced in this new edition. The new edition also features numerous new photographs-a particular treat to the many readers who especially appreciate the masterful way he has illustrated his points with visual images, virtually all taken by Mr. Garvin himself. (Since he is firmly committed to the principle that one actually has to experience and explore in person the environments one is studying, the author makes sure to use images that reflect his own personal vision, which fortunately for us is as artistically pleasing as it is intellectually informative.)

Whether one wishes to understand the history of American cities, learn the principles of real estate development, research the trends in government involvement in housing and urban renewal, get insight into why particular undertakings in particular cities worked or failed, or, most excitingly, sense the incredible complexity and interaction of all those forces (historical, political, architectural, legislative, sociological, economic, etc.) that determine and describe the life of the city, this book is a must-read-and one that is as enjoyable as it is informative and enlightening.

The definitive modern planning manual...newly updated.......2002-09-09

There is a very good reason that Garvin's The American City has become required reading for most of the major urban affairs programs across the country: it stands alone as the definitive book on practical urban planning as we enter the 21st century. The first edition of this book, released in 1995, was a breath of fresh air in the field as it avoided emotional polemics in favor of thorough, pragmatic analyses of virtually every aspect of urban planning. This new, 560 page edition builds on the strengths of the original but has been substantially updated. It now includes coverage of the effects of stadiums and entertainment centers, BIDs, environmental factors, and much more. It has also been updated with the latest statistical information and additional stunning photos, as well as follow-ups on the projects originally covered in the first edition.

Garvin himself is uniquely qualified to write this book. For over thirty years he has taught Yale University's Introduction to the Study of the City course, while remaining busy as an architect, real estate developer and Director of Comprehensive Planning for the City of New York. After the publication of the original edition he became the Managing Director for Planning of New York's bid to host the 2012 Olympics (which was just selected as one of the finalists), and this year he was chosen to head up the complete rebuilding of the World Trade Center site after September 11 as the Vice President for Planning, Design and Construction of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation.

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Government Finance Review, published by Government Finance Officers Association on February 1, 1997. The length of the article is 679 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The American City: What Works, What Doesn't. (book reviews)
Author: Ben Hayllar
Publication: Government Finance Review (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 1997
Publisher: Government Finance Officers Association
Volume: v13 Issue: n1 Page: p50(1)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

The American City: What Works, What Doesn't. (book reviews): An article from: Journal of the American Planning Association

Average customer rating:

The American City: What Works, What Doesn't. (book reviews): An article from: Journal of the American Planning Association
Eugenie Ladner Birch
Manufacturer: American Planning Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Journal of the American Planning Association, published by American Planning Association on September 22, 1996. The length of the article is 927 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The American City: What Works, What Doesn't. (book reviews)
Author: Eugenie Ladner Birch
Publication: Journal of the American Planning Association (Refereed)
Date: September 22, 1996
Publisher: American Planning Association
Volume: v62 Issue: n4 Page: p531(2)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

Step-by-step diagrams incorporating circles, semicircles, squares, rectangles and other common geometrical shapes help young artists design 28 vehicles: fire engine, dump truck, bicycle, camper, submarine, helicopter, hot-air balloon, more. Helps teach fundamentals of line, shape, form and dimension. 110 black-and-white illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

Great instructions for great pictures.......2005-06-29

I stopped my artistic development at stick figures and my children (ages 5 and 7) aren't much better. But, they want to draw different things. This series is great -- it is simple to follow and the results are great. I highly recommend this book as well as other books in the How to Draw series.

How to Draw Fast Cars, Monster Trucks, & Fighter Jets

Average customer rating:

Well Done!!
Excellent!
i wish i could give it zero stars!!

How to Draw Fast Cars, Monster Trucks, & Fighter Jets
Christopher Hart
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Study & Teaching | Reference | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0823023958

Customer Reviews:

Well Done!!.......2003-07-16

Well written and incredible drawings. Anybody who likes to move around in something with a motor will love this book. Of course most kids who love cars grow up into adults who love cars. I enjoyed this book as much as my 13 year old son.

Excellent!.......2003-07-16

This is a great little book. Like a lot of guys, I love fast cars and this book was a pleasure to read and study with. Lots of practice and my techniques have improved greatly. This book is well worth the modest cover price.

i wish i could give it zero stars!!.......2001-09-13

Just with all of Hart's books this book cover is misleading.You look at the cover and think I'm really going to learn something and you read the book and get disappointed.He only shows the finnished step.He doesn't show the steps on how to get to the finnished step.Instead of describing how he draws it he gives you a history on each car.I'm sorry but telling a person the car history doesn't show them how to draw the car.I'm starting to think that Hart's books aren't very good.

How to Draw Trucks And Tractors (Activity Books)

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How to Draw Trucks And Tractors (Activity Books)
Rebecca Gilpin
Manufacturer: Usborne Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0794511341

Average customer rating:

It's a great beginning drawing book for 4 to 6 year olds.

How to Draw Trucks and Cars (Art Smart)
Christine Smith
Manufacturer: Gareth Stevens Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0836816110

Customer Reviews:

It's a great beginning drawing book for 4 to 6 year olds........1999-07-10

We got this book for our 5-year-old grandson and he absolutely loved it. It's a very simple book, with only five different cars and four different trucks to draw. Each one is easy and yet the finished drawings look very much like real cars and trucks. For each vehicle, the author also adds suggestions at the bottom of the page for ways to add special features to the drawing. Our grandson spent countless hours drawing each vehicle over and over again.

How to Draw Cars And Trucks (Doodle Books)

Average customer rating:

How to Draw Cars And Trucks (Doodle Books)
Rob Court
Manufacturer: Child's World
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 159296804X

Mean Machines: How to Draw Cool Cars, Trucks and Motorcycles

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Mean Machines: How to Draw Cool Cars, Trucks and Motorcycles
Dermot Walshe
Manufacturer: Impact
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Themes | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1581808283

Book Description

Mean Machines are tough, fast, even huge, but drawing them is as easy as 1, 2, 3, Go!

At least, it will be when you follow this comprehensive, easy to use guide from popular comic and film artist Dermot Walshe. Walshe, a lifelong fan of mean machines and an avid motorcyclist, teaches you everything you need in order draw cool, stylish vehicles. You'll learn to steer your way through art supplies, set up a drawing area, sketch and trace, create exciting backgrounds, add drivers and passengers--you'll even learn how vehicles work on the inside! With Mean Machines you'll discover the ins and outs of drawing every car, truck, or motorcycle you've ever seen, as well as tips on creating the cars and motorcycles of the past and not-too-distant future. From gangster's getaway cars, to monster trucks, to motorcycles, no matter what your skill level you'll learn to use the most basic lines and shapes to create advanced artwork.

Inside you'll find:

20 step-by-step demonstrations covering a wide variety of cars, trucks, and motorcycles from various time periods and angles
secrets to drawing drivers and creating cool settings
solutions to drawing issues specific to each type of vehicle, including the basic engineering of different makes and models
hundreds of unique, detailed color and black and white illustrations
a helpful, illustrated glossary of car, truck and motorcycle parts

Whether you dream of becoming a professional artist or are just looking to have some fun, Mean Machines will give you all the instruction, inspiration, and tools necessary to draw both the vehicles you see and the ones you can only imagine!

Average customer rating:

How To Draw Cars and Trucks (Michael LaPlaca)

How to Draw Cars & Trucks (How to Draw)
La Placa
Manufacturer: Troll Communications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Drawing | Art | Arts & Music | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Draw Cars (Draw)

How to Draw (How to Draw (Dover))

ASIN: 0893754986

Customer Reviews:

How To Draw Cars and Trucks (Michael LaPlaca).......2000-06-25

A great book to introduce children (and parents) to drawing w/ easy to follow instructions... A great tool for parents and children to work and learn together...My child's pre-school had this book and he will be so excited to have his own copy @ home.

How to Draw Incredible Cars (Edge Books)

Average customer rating:

How to Draw Incredible Cars (Edge Books)
Aaron Sautter
Manufacturer: Edge Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1429600772

Average customer rating:

How to Draw Monster Trucks (Edge Books)
Aaron Sautter
Manufacturer: Capstone Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1429600799

How to Draw Sports Cars, Monster Trucks & Fighter Jets

Average customer rating:

A bit of skill needed

How to Draw Sports Cars, Monster Trucks & Fighter Jets

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0823023931

Customer Reviews:

A bit of skill needed.......2005-07-21

It helps if you have some basic drawing skills before you try this book. Great concepts and ideas. It is more advanced than some of the beginer books, but if you have those skills it is great. If you are buying a book for a kid that has no drawing skills yet but loves to try to draw these type of things, try "How to Draw Tanks and Fighting Machines" also sold at Amazon. It is more accessible than this one. To see more drawing books for kids you might want to check my lists on the subject.

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