La Cultura de las Ciudades

by Lewis Mumford

La cultura de las ciudades es quizá la obra más personal de Lewis Mumford. Bajo la forma de tratado histórico, el autor hace un repaso fascinante por las diversas formas de evolución de la ciudad desde el núcleo urbano organizado alrededor de los gremios de la Edad Media, hasta las nefastas megalópolis de nuestros días, pasando por la insensata ciudad barroca y la tenebrosa ciudad industrial.

Pero Mumford no se detiene ahí, y en los capítulos finales llega a proponer una forma de estructuración social alternativa basada en el propio territorio entendido como unidad viva, delimitando un proyecto de ciudad «a escala humana» vinculado de forma natural a su entorno, es decir: la región.

Escrito en 1938, La cultura de las ciudades, significó una magnífica ampliación a Técnica y civilización —su inmediato predecesor, de inminente aparición en Pepitas— y propició que Mumford comprendiera la necesidad de escribir su siguiente trabajo, el también crucial La ciudad en la historia. No obstante, este libro, que se edita por primera vez en España, es especialmente singular en la medida en que en él Mumford ofreció lo mejor de sí mismo al acuñar su concepto de «planificación regional», expuesto explícitamente en estas páginas como respuesta al avance del fascismo en Europa.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Urban Planning, Urbanism, Architecture, Philosophy, Cities

768 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1938

About the author

Lewis Mumford (October 19, 1895 – January 26, 1990) was an American historian and philosopher of technology and science. Particularly noted for his study of cities and urban architecture, he had a tremendously broad career as a writer that also included a period as an influential literary critic. Mumford was influenced by the work of Scottish theorist Sir Patrick Geddes.

Reviews

[Spasa Vidljinović]

Dugo putovanje kroz dva toma Mamfordove enciklopedijske građe je završeno. Kultura gradova je impozantan udžbenik za sve one koje interesuje dublje proučavanje grada: arhitekte, pejzažne arhitekte, sociologe, istoričare...

Knjiga ima pozamašan istorijski uvod. Razvoj grada od ranog srednjeg veka do prve polovine 20. je propraćen gomilom multidisciplinarnih podataka kojim objašanjava promene urbanih sredina, uglavnom evropskih država i SAD. Saznajemo kako i zašto se menjao: od zidina, arhitekture, podgrađa, utvrđenog dela, zamka, kasnije palate, zašto su pravljeni bulevari, kakve su bile navike srednjovekovne porodice, prehrambene, sanitarne, erotske, obrazovne, kako su životinje uticale na čistoću i nečistoću... Sve ovo je praćeno nacrtima i fotografijama, uz koje idu tekstovi koji objašnjavaju, planove gradova, objekata (zgrada, kuća, ustanova) puteva, što drumskih što vodenih, a sve to kroz vekove. Zanimljivo prikazuje razvijanja parka, pa tzv. Vrtnog grada, koji su mi ostali upečatljivi.

Mamford je entuzijasta, kritikuje tadašnji društveni trenutak sveta, period pred Drugi svetski rat, kao sumrak civilizacije, ali sa velikim optimizmom gleda ka dalje, što će ga napustiti, u nekim drugim knjigama, kasnije napisanim. Drugi deo ovog dela su njegovi predlozi kako živeti i kako bi trebalo da izgleda grad i regija, kao osnovne jedinice života većeg broja ljudi. Protivi se megalomaniji ne samo kapitalizma tog vremena nego i drugih poredaka na stranputici civilizacije, zalaže se za biofiliju, da sve bude prilagođeno životu pojedinca, da individualno i kolektivno moraju biti u harmoniji, da se poruše stare tablice, da se izgradi novo društvo, koje će počivati na ekološkom, prirodnom gradu.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has two parts. The first part covers the city from the middle ages to the modern megalopolis (as of the 1930s when the book was written). The second part presentats the concepts of biogregions and garden cities as the way forward for urban life. Mumford presentation of bioregionalism is ground-breaking - if we had followed the bioregionalist vision in the USA quality of life would have been tremendously enhanced. But some momentum is building for bioregionalism (e.g. Barbara Kingsolver's /Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life.
Mumfords presentation of the history of urban life here is quite good, although his later work The City in History is superior on that front. It is the presentation of bioregionalism that is the special contribution of The Culture of Cities.

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scholarly, reassuring authority with arguments built up from anecdotes and examples that lend convincing weight, but oddly sparse in conclusion; as if working at the wrong scale and yet not aware of the fact.

Lots of amazing stories, ideas, history - I loved reading this book - but I could't help but feel that the general thrust of the arguments - that cities only ever worked at a certain size and humanity would be best pressed to organize itself into regional cities that do not trend into megapolises...well that seems like a nice plan on paper but rests on precepts that are hopelessly certain.

The book includes a life-cycle of cities, as though they were a species of animal metamorphosizing from one stage into the other as entirely known quantities.

I came to this book because I believe cities have to change and I wanted to learn more about how people think about cities. Instead I found a book written by someone who thinks they know everything about how cities work; and hoo boy does Lewis Mumford know a lot, but he is writing in 1938, here. Time behind him is a book to be read from; time in front of him...well I'll be fair, his predictions are extremely good. The rise and fall of fascism, the concentration of capital, the global distribution of industry to the most beneficial labor market...but the time in front of him has to contain more than he knew.

We have to build cities differently now; thinking both in terms of economics and politics and trade and culture at a societal level, a complete reconsideration of energy generation and distribution and transit on a logistical and infrastructure level, but also at a level that incorporates human experience; wellness, community, privacy and growth.

All that has to take place against the backdrop of the real world and existing megacities; people have to want it, people have to invest in it; it has to make sense. A garden city is a wonderful concept but fails at the human level in today's society.

Greenspace? Yes! Natural environments? Absolutely. Industry that does not make life a living hell of sooty and exhausting servitude? Bring it on.
Just...we aren't going back to the middle ages. The next era has to be made out of the current one.

[Simone Roughouser · Rating 5 out of 5]

i could only find this "book 2", but i have only seen the full edition (maybe it is 2 books combined?). this book is amazing! written in the late 1930s it addresses many issues in urban planning and architecture that confront us now. it talks about the development of the city since ancient and medieval times (but keep in mind it . it disses pittsburgh the couple times it mentions it, for it's major pollution. actually, one of these pitts-dis-pages is my favouritepart of the book! lewis starts going off on how living near industry, disconnected from nature and in the dark and dirty city mutes your senses and you lose your appreciation for the fresh and fine things. he claims this is why even upper middle class

[Michael Layden · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the great advantages of reading is that it brings you down intellectual roads you never considered. I'm from a rural area where the community has ties going back for generations . While I can understand the attraction of cities, they are an alien entity to me.

I don't really think much about how they could be made better, my usual thinking is more about how Rural communities can survive from the economic imbalance caused by the economics of scale of urban centres. But this book has really made me look at this from a different perspective.

Firstly the book was written in 1938, so one does not think his concerns should be as topical now as then. It is deeply disturbing that 80 years later the debate he is bringing up about the role of cities, the needs that they should full fill and their optimal structures and size of neighbourhoods are still not resolved.

The language of the book is from a different era, television is just arriving, the Nazis are threatening, cars are starting to clog the cities. A time we are familiar with in old newsreels, but somehow more alive in the pages of this book as he discusses the gaps in services, public spaces etc.
It is a fascinating period in the evolution of houses because of the increase costs of all the new services we now take for granted, i.e Water,sewerage, electricity, phones, washing machines, cookers, bathrooms and even air conditioning and TV. All needing their own space and public infrastructure.

Right through the book I kept hitting ideas and concepts I had not really though about. Like the traditional focus of towns in different eras. The role of arts, culture etc. It is a book I will reread at some stage.

As often happens when your reading several books at once, I found this book coupled with "The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers: Economic Change and Military Conflict from 1500 to 2000" by Paul Kennedy and "Truth" by Hector Macdonald had a strange and powerful synergy.
Macdonald talks about the slippery nature of truth and how difficult it is to make predictions and forecasts based on how we can look at what is happening at any particular time in diametrically different ways. Both Mumfords book just prior to the second world war and Kennedy's book just prior to the collapse of the soviet union were wonderful historical discussions of how we got to specific economic and social trends that brought us to a specific time.
There are no glaring misinterpretations I think in either Mumfords or Kennedy's work, yet the actual world we are now living in really is very different than they expected yet the trends they spotted are still relevant.

It is interesting hearing Mumford discussing how purely economic forces were driving policy in the 1930s and the need to enhance social networking back then. 80 years later the same dynamics are still driving society.

Again like so many books one is reminded of how one has to bring a historical perspective to todays problems if we are not to confuse longterm trends with failures of any particular generation or government policy. The short term cycle between elections or even for the 24 hr news channels is not really the correct time interval needed to understand society trends.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The information, thoughts, and ideas in this book are things that everybody should know. This book essentially talks about that as long as humans are alive and cities exist we should try to make things nice. This includes everything from taking care of our natural environment, having a sense of privacy from other people as well the hustle bustle, our towns being walkable, and architecture form following function. The author instills all this by having the first half of the book be a history of sorts of European/American cities and the second half kind of being the things the author would like to see happen. The author doesn't hide some of his political beliefs but they in know way detract from the quality of his opinions on urban design.
The history section seemed kind of choppy, it's two hundred odd pages of the author talking about history without it being as good of an actual book about the topic. There is always kind of a meandering feel to the book as well as some repetition that makes you feel like you know what the point is the whole time. And if you've read "The Geography of Nowhere: The Rise and Decline of America's Man-made Landscape" by James Howard Kunstler you will have gotten most of the gist of this book (to me Kunstler is sort of an angry old man yelling from his porch - albeit correct, while Mumford feels like more of a professor giving a lecture).
This book is bit of a big one (around 500 pages of the book before the lengthy index and bibliography) and is not always easy going which loses it a star. However the ideas behind all that are timeless and fresh. They were relevant a thousand years ago and will be a thousand years from now. If you're interested in city planning and a sort of baseline of what humans need to live a good life, you should give this book a shot (and before the aforementioned "The Geography of Nowhere").

[Slagle Rock · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read about 3/4 of this book so I'm going to count it. My interest waned at the end because I found I was sifting through a lot of heavy verbiage to find too few interesting nuggets of information, not that there aren't interesting nuggets in this comprehensive examination of city life from the middle ages onwards to just before the Second World War. Mumford was for sure one of the intellectual lights of the 20th Century where architecture and urban planning are concerned. His book nevertheless could have used some strenuous editing, in my opinion, for it too often takes up what seem like pet peeves of the author at the expense of historical discipline.

[J. Quantaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though written in the later 1930s, Lewis Mumford keen analysis of cities is vitally relevant today. In fact, city planners in Europe and North America should refer to his words daily. This book is for anyone who wishes to understand the 21st-century mess we have gotten ourselves into.

[noblethumos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lewis Mumford's "The Culture of Cities" stands as a seminal work in urban studies, offering a comprehensive exploration of the cultural dynamics that shape urban environments. Mumford delves into the historical, social, and psychological dimensions of cities, unveiling their profound influence on human civilization. This review aims to provide an academic evaluation of Mumford's arguments, highlighting the book's strengths, weaknesses, and its significance within the field of urban studies.


"The Culture of Cities" by Lewis Mumford presents a thought-provoking analysis of the complex relationship between cities and culture. Mumford explores the historical development of cities, their architectural forms, and the social and psychological aspects that underpin urban life. Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing history, sociology, and anthropology, Mumford offers a nuanced understanding of the cultural forces that shape urban spaces and their impact on human well-being, creativity, and social cohesion.

Mumford's work stands out for its emphasis on the organic nature of cities as living organisms that influence the development of human potential. He argues that cities should be designed to nurture the cultural and intellectual growth of their inhabitants, fostering a sense of community, aesthetics, and heritage preservation. Mumford's analysis extends beyond physical infrastructure, delving into the social and psychological dimensions of cities, highlighting the importance of cultural expression and communal engagement in creating vibrant urban environments.


One of the notable strengths of "The Culture of Cities" lies in Mumford's interdisciplinary approach and wide-ranging knowledge. Drawing upon historical and anthropological insights, he provides a comprehensive analysis of urban spaces that is enriched by his expertise in sociology and architectural criticism. This multifaceted perspective allows Mumford to offer readers a holistic understanding of the cultural complexities within cities, highlighting the interplay between physical structures, social dynamics, and human experiences.

Moreover, Mumford's prose is characterized by its eloquence and clarity. He skillfully combines theoretical concepts with vivid descriptions, effectively conveying the essence of urban environments and the cultural forces that animate them. Mumford's ability to engage readers through accessible language and captivating narratives contributes to the book's accessibility and wider appeal.


While "The Culture of Cities" presents a compelling analysis, it is not without limitations. Some argue that Mumford's historical focus may be Eurocentric, potentially overlooking the rich urban traditions and cultural diversity found in non-Western cities. A more inclusive and global perspective could enhance the book's applicability and relevance to a broader range of urban contexts.

Additionally, Mumford's work has been subject to criticism for its limited engagement with the economic and political dimensions of urban life. While he highlights the cultural and social aspects, a more comprehensive exploration of the economic forces, power dynamics, and political structures that shape cities would provide a more holistic understanding of urban complexity.


"The Culture of Cities" holds significant importance within the field of urban studies as a seminal work that illuminates the cultural dimensions of urban environments. Mumford's exploration of the intricate interplay between cities and culture challenges traditional views of cities as mere physical entities, promoting a more holistic understanding of urban life. The book's contribution lies in its ability to inspire critical reflections on the role of culture, aesthetics, and social dynamics in the planning and design of cities, fostering environments that enhance human well-being and facilitate collective creativity.


Lewis Mumford's "The Culture of Cities" offers a comprehensive exploration of the cultural forces that shape urban environments. While the book has its limitations, it stands as a significant contribution to the field of urban studies, encouraging a holistic understanding of cities as cultural tapestries that influence human civilization.

GPT

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Culture of Cities looks at the sociological, political, and psychological implications of urban living. Nearly 80 years old from its original publication, the book anticipates many of the changes of the 20th century -- including efforts like Brasilia and planned cities -- as well as some nostalgia for the rural-focused 19th century country like.

Mumford looks at the rise of cities going back more than 1,000 years, focusing on how urban areas affected the political balance in a nation-state. Although he was writing contemporaneously with the rise of Nazism, the book focuses on a time before Hitler used the city as a symbol of power. Unfortunately, he was also too early to see some of the extraordinary advances in the second half of the 20th century, especially in communications, transportation, and infrastructure, that have had such an enormous impact on today's cities.

For readers new to urban planning, the Culture of Cities can be a bit dense, as it is packed with facts and references. Still, Mumford takes readers through history at a breakneck pace, showing how development has driven -- and been driven by -- every era.

[GeraniumCat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested to read this because it's a classic work on urban development and because Mumford speaks to all my own prejudices about large cities, advocating decentralisation rather than agglomeration into ever-bigger megalopolises. It was written in 1938, and although I felt that it should be a must-read for anyone studying "the city", it should be as part of a more-up-to-date reading list - I found myself questioning Mumford's assumptions and wondering whether modern research, of which there is now a good deal, would bear out his conclusions. At the same time, I applaud his conviction that cities must offer a more humane environment for people and would suggest that there is still much for today's city planners to learn from him.

[Sylvain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it was first published over 70 years ago, The Culture of Cities is still incredibly relevant; maybe because, sadly, most of its optimistic predictions have yet to be realized. Clearly the product of a brilliant mind.

[Eric Hines]

cities

[Cuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for architecture student like me

[Andreu · Rating 3 out of 5]

.