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What Cities Say: A Social Interpretation of Urban Patterns and Forms

Online ISBN:
9780197647806
Print ISBN:
9780197647769
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Book

What Cities Say: A Social Interpretation of Urban Patterns and Forms

Emily Talen
Emily Talen
Professor of Urbanism, University of Chicago
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Published online:
18 July 2024
Published in print:
9 September 2024
Online ISBN:
9780197647806
Print ISBN:
9780197647769
Publisher:
Oxford University Press

Abstract

This is a book about how to “read” cities. Cities are a reflection of social values and priorities, and we can learn how to interpret them. Cities are the result of a wide range of intentional acts, from the minute to the grandiose, from the desires of the individual homebuilder to those of the reigning despot. They might reflect the highest aspirations, or a simple financial calculus, or mundane, utilitarian needs. Form and pattern might be the product of blueprints and plans, or it might be the product of gradual, incremental accretion spanning centuries. In any of these cases, it is possible to develop a language of interpretation. Using samples of cities from all time periods and places, this book presents thirty-five city patterns and forms, summarizing how they might be interpreted. The topics progress from larger to smaller scale, from complete cities and towns to plazas and squares. The aim of the book is to help craft better arguments in the public discourse about why one type of pattern or form might be better than another in a given place. Knowing what kinds of city patterns and forms we want requires first knowing what city patterns and forms mean to us. By exposing these meanings, we will be in a stronger position to articulate, and argue for, the kinds of cities we want.

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