![The City in History; Its Origins, Its Transformations, and Its Prospects.](https://www.charactertowns.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/thecityinhistory.jpeg)
The City in History; Its Origins, Its Transformations, and Its Prospects.
The City in History [1961] provides the basis for modern city planning. It is one of the ‘oldies but goodies’ that should be found in the essential readings for anyone interested in cities. Lewis Mumford’s massive historical study brings together a wide array of evidence from the earliest group habitations through medieval towns to modern cities. His […]
![APA Great Places in America](https://www.theamericancity.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/apa-greatplaces-slideshow1.jpg)
APA Great Places in America
APA’s Great Places in America offers a strong foundation for planning any small city or town. City planning can benefit greatly from the APA’s analysis of the factors that make great places. American Planning Association’s flagship program, Great Places in America, celebrates places of exemplary character, quality, and planning. The qualities used to selected great […]
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The Birth of City Planning in the United States,1840 – 1917.
The Birth of City Planning [2003] by Jon A. Peterson is an interesting take on the American planning profession. He recounts its history from 1840 to 1917 and laments its transformation from city planning to urban planning. The subsuming of cities and counties by regional metropolitan areas that are highly urban is undeniable; however, as a practitioner, […]
Vibrant Downtowns; Dynamic Multi-‐Faceted Centers for Social and Commercial Engagement
Vibrant Downtowns are essential features of character towns. They are the dynamic setting for social and economic discourse with physical settings that facilitate conversations and gathers; places such as cafe’s, restaurants, libraries, post offices, plazas and parks. People seem to enjoy life in certain small town downtowns and special places within bigger cities. Main street is the place where society, commerce and tourism meet and flourish. The features of the […]
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The Art of the Long View; Planning for the Future in an Uncertain World
The Art of the Long View is all about scenario planning. The Art of the Long View by Peter Schwartz is a book that benefits every futurist, including city planners and economic development directors faced with the problems of city growth or decline that is uncertain. The subtitle, “Planning for the Future in an Uncertain World” describes […]
![How Paris Became Paris; The Invention of the Modern City.](https://www.charactertowns.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/paris-e1420661721125.jpg)
How Paris Became Paris; The Invention of the Modern City.
City planning has been a practiced art for centuries. How Paris Became Paris [2014] by Joan DeJean presents a fascinating story of transformation; a story so detailed and engaging that the workings of the invention process can be readily seen. The reigns of Henry IV, Louis XIII and Louis XIV from 1589 to 1715 combined for […]
Campus Master Planning; Processes, Composition and Design Principles
Campus Master Planning relies on a holistic, integrated approach to connecting different but complementary land uses, buildings and activities to create a cohesive center for creativity; a multi-faceted place where the combined intellectual energy exceeds the achievements of the isolated genius. Educational institutions thrive on campuses from high school to college to university. Industrial, medical […]
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Who Says Elephants Can’t Fly? Inside IBM’s Historic Turnaround.
Smart machines and cities are one outcome from the rejuvenated IBM. Who Says Elephants Can’t Dance [2002] by Louis V. Gerstner Jr. explains the re-direction of IBM and the evolution of computers from systems that store and retrieve known information to systems that “think” by reviewing the data and reaching conclusions that answer questions with unknown […]
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The 10 High-Tech Cities You’ll Want to Call Home
10 high-tech cities you’ll want to call home presents the list of cities and the criteria used for selection. The criteria is useful when planning a character town. FacebookTweetLinkedInEmail
High Performance Development Corridors
High Performance Development Corridors are the result of transforming the all too common blighted commercial strips into productive multi-use economic zones. May of these blighted commercial strips are the entry into town and create the first impression on visitors and a lasting impression on shoppers and commuters using these corridors. A commercial strip can become […]