Neighbourhoods For The Future - A Plea For A Social And Ecological Urbanism

by Maarten Hajer (Contributor), Edwin Buitelaar, Chris ten Dam

To provide for ever-growing populations, cities build new neighbourhoods, transform old industrial areas, and renew the existing urban fabric. The focus now is on energy-neutral neighbourhoods, but in order for these to work, residents must be engaged and the tactics embedded within a broader social policy. This book revisits the neighbourhood as the appropriate scale to build our urban futures: it is small enough to be tangible, large enough to make a difference. Introducing the concepts of neighbourhood arrangements and ecologies, it provides a new perspective on the relation between participants, resources, and rules to spark change and realise future sustainable living.

Genres: Nonfiction, Urban Design

320 pages, Paperback

Published January 12, 2021

Reviews

[Z]

good points but scope of case studies far too limited to western europe (and portland! lol). boo.

[Maarten Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This multiple case study book on the sustainable and transformational potential of neighborhoods is all but dry stuf. It has in depth tacit knowledge while providing a direction for action, learning and change. The international aspect of the chosen case studies and ‘vignettes’ is really nice. This is a book al urban sustainability professionals and broader city makers could use.

[Iain Filkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really compelling writing that makes a convincing case for their take on how to build housing that is built to empower humans in a way that works with nature vs against it. Although they mention this as a specific weakness early in the text, I was left wanting for more case studies outside of Western Europe & NA

[Ale Procaccino · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really interesting book that I think has a lot of very good points about sustainable neighborhoods. I found it a little “jargon-y” at times, and the writing wasn’t super interesting (which I guess it doesn’t have to be) but overall a solid book

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this just after I started working in the social housing sector. A very inspiring read, helping me bring theory and good example into practice!