Civic Realism

by Peter G. Rowe

A study of the shape and appearance of civic places and the social, political, and cultural circumstances that bring them into existence. A civic place belongs to everyone and yet to nobody in particular. In Civic Realism , Peter G. Rowe looks at the shape and appearance of civic places, and at the social, political, and cultural circumstances that bring them into existence. The book is as much about the making and reshaping of civic places as it is about urban architecture per se. According to Rowe, the best civic place-making occurs across the divide between the state and civil society. By contrast, the alternatives are not very attractive. On the one side are state-sponsored edifices and places of authoritarian nature. On the other are the exclusive enclaves of corporate-dominated urban and suburban environments.

266 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

About the author

Architect, researcher, author, and educator.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing to look at books that I may want to give to the book sale. So this one, from graduate school, is a keeper. I am not sure for what class I read it....I am thinking about Urban Design - as its focus is the shape and appearances of civic places and the social, political and cultural circumstances of why they happen. Filled with pictures - fun, it makes me want to go back to Barcelona and Rome and visit Ljubliana, Slovenia. We had looked at visiting Slovenia last year, but opted for Prague, Dresden, Berlin and Koln to visit family. I think the refugee mess had something to do with opting out as well! And I would imagine that is not getting any better this year.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much better read than his book on Modern Housing, Rowe discusses seemingly random examples of urban zones/initiatives (Post-Franco Plazas in Barcelona, Tompkins Square, Ljubljan's river walk by Jose Plecnik, the Campo in Sienna)to support his concepts of a few things that are necessary for a "civic realism." Sort of convincing for an academic/urban treatise - a good commuter book in 20 minute doses.