Design of Cities: Revised Edition by Edmund N. Bacon

Character town planning benefits from Mr. Bacon’s work. Design of Cities is the book one should read when starting a career in design, any kind of design, but building and city design in particular. And, even though “design” is the topic, Mr. Bacon’s Philadelphia experiences permeate the book and strengthen his story.

Mr. Bacon was the distinguished executive director of the Philadelphia Planning Commission from 1949 until 1970. He is personally responsible for the resurrection and enhancement of this great American city. Mr. Bacon’s approach is to describe the forces and factors of design and then apply them to cities around the world, large and famous, small and little-known.