Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature

by Douglas Farr

Written by the chair of the LEED-Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) initiative, Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design with Nature is both an urgent call to action and a comprehensive introduction to "sustainable urbanism"--the emerging and growing design reform movement that combines the creation and enhancement of walkable and diverse places with the need to build high-performance infrastructure and buildings.

Providing a historic perspective on the standards and regulations that got us to where we are today in terms of urban lifestyle and attempts at reform, Douglas Farr makes a powerful case for sustainable urbanism, showing where we went wrong, and where we need to go. He then explains how to implement sustainable urbanism through leadership and communication in cities, communities, and neighborhoods. Essays written by Farr and others delve into such issues as: Enriching the argument are in-depth case studies in sustainable urbanism, from BedZED in London, England and Newington in Sydney, Australia, to New Railroad Square in Santa Rosa, California and Dongtan, Shanghai, China. An epilogue looks to the future of sustainable urbanism over the next 200 years.

At once solidly researched and passionately argued, Sustainable Urbanism is the ideal guidebook for urban designers, planners, and architects who are eager to make a positive impact on our--and our descendants'--buildings, cities, and lives.

Genres: Urban Planning, Urban Design, Urbanism, Nonfiction, Urban, Architecture, Cities

352 pages, Hardcover

First published November 16, 2007

Reviews

[Doug]

I earned the equivalent of a PhD writing this book.

[Kay Mammo · Rating 4 out of 5]

forgot to mark this as finished. i think this book is so good at describing how we build sustainable urban spaces and communities. i give it a 4 because i do think we’ve learned more about how to sustainably build since the book has been published—LEED-ND wasn’t even out yet when this book was published. i also think this book is a little dense/hard to read for folks unfamiliar with all of the technicalities on the topic, including myself.

[ola ✶ cosmicreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

wspaniały podręcznik, przystępny język, wytłumaczone wszystko, co ważne, ahhh, żeby tylko polskie książki były tak dobre jak ta

[Bea McPherson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean, cool, but hard for me to get into

[Michael Lewyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a well-done and detailed guide on how to make new communities pedestrian-friendly while reducing energy consumption- in other words, a combination of new urbanism and environmentalism. What makes this book unusual is that Farr sets out quantitative criteria that architects and planners can use in creating and evaluating projects. The downside of this high level of detail is that the book is sufficiently technical that (unlike, say, Andres Duany's Suburban Nation) it is not for the casual reader; much of Farr's analysis will be over the head of even a fairly educated layperson.

I do think the first few chapters (which focus on why urbanism and environmentalism are important) could have used some pruning. Although one list of talking points suggests that "emphasizing the positive may attract more people than gloom and doom", Farr occasionally lapses into the kind of alarmist rhetoric that may be inspiring to the most committed environmentalists, but may be offputting to other readers.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to see an urban future that is sustainable, healthier, and socially conscious, read this book. Farr highlights the wonderful designs and ideas that are currently being developed to show how communities could be revitalized, carbon-neutral, respectful of natural habitats, energy-independent, flood-free, and job-creating. Bravo to Farr for compiling a handbook that outlines how developed nations can cut consumption and ameliorate climate change while improving public health and happiness.

[Aviva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I don't agree with all of the hot points in Farr's book, I think a lot of the principles of designing with our natural environment in mind was illustrated well. I originally borrowed it from the library and then went out and purchased a copy for my urban planning collection. I would recommend to add it to your collection!

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is like a compendium of good practices, with everything from sustainable streetscapes to building infrastructure all brought together in one place. Amazing resources to have, but dense. A bit like a career of learning packed into one book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the solution to the New Urban/Landscape Urban debate, and it was around before Landscape Urbanism rose to prominence.

[Ryan]

A fact filled book on how we can create more sustainable places. Reads more like a text book, but contains loads of useful information, examples and sources for further study.

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the book project I managed. It only gets 3 starts since it was painful to create. But it's actually really interesting, albeit slightly dated by now.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written by one of the people developing the LEED-ND standard. Mostly directed towards local govt. practitioners.

[Elma Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm OBSESSED with my job! This book written by Doug Farr, makes my work simpler....It's really a conversation piece! Go Green! :)

[Bhrmslm · Rating 5 out of 5]

nothing yet

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish it had had more pith.