Kirjahaku

Somewhere, between character and caricature, there exists an authentic—a truly unique—urban place, that blends global and local, old and new. Yet, in a dramatically changing world dominated by crises of climate change, maintaining public health, and social justice, finding such places—and explaining their relevance—may be easier said than done. Sustaining a City’s Culture and Character accepts that challenge, and provides a comprehensive method for assessing how and why successful places come to be, with an explicit emphasis on context: Authenticity, culture, character, and uniqueness are words with meanings that depend on who is using them and in what contexts. Through text interwoven with 160 full-colour photographs by the author, and select illustrations by others, this book addresses how to enact blended and contextualised urban change, using the past and the status quo as catalysts rather than castaways. It provides resources and examples for the context-vetting process and for understanding how one era, object, or generation informs the next.

In order to understand and improve cities today, personal observation remains as important as ever. While big data, digital mapping, and simulated cityscapes are valuable tools for understanding urban space, "using them without on-the-ground, human impressions risks creating places that do not reflect authentic local context. Seeing the Better City brings our attention back to the real world right in front of us, focusing it once more on the sights, sounds, and experiences of place in order to craft policies, plans, and regulations to shape better urban environments. Through clear prose and vibrant photographs, Charles Wolfe shows those who experience cities how they might catalogue the influences of Urban form, neighbourhood dynamics, public transportation, and myriad other basic city elements that impact their daily lives. He then shares insights into how they can use those observations to Contribute to better planning" and design indecisions. "Wolfe calls this the' "urban diary" approach, and highlights how the perspective of the observer is key to understanding the dynamics of urban space.He concludes by offering contemporary examples and guidance on how to use carefully recorded and organised observations as a tool to create change in urban planning conversations and practice. From city-dwellers to elected officials involved 'in local planning and design issues, this book is an invaluable tool for constructive, creative discourse about improving urban space.