The Human City presents the most cogent, evidence-based and
clear-headed exposition of the pro-suburban argument. . . . enriching
our understanding of what cities are about and what they can and must
become." Wall Street Journal Around the globe, most new urban
development has adhered to similar tenets: tall structures, small units,
and high density. In The Human City, Joel Kotkin--called "America's
uber-geographer" by David Brooks of the New York Times--questions
these nearly ubiquitous practices, suggesting that they do not consider
the needs and desires of the vast majority of people. Built
environments, Kotkin argues, must reflect the preferences of most
people--even if that means lower-density development. The Human City
ponders the purpose of the city and investigates the factors that drive
most urban development today. Armed with his own astute research, a
deep-seated knowledge of urban history, and a sound grasp of economic,
political, and social trends, Kotkin pokes holes in what he calls the
"retro-urbanist" ideology and offers a refreshing case for dispersion
centered on human values. This book is not anti-urban, but it does
advocate a greater range of options for people to live the way they want
at all stages of their lives.
