A manifesto by America's most controversial and celebrated town planners, proposing an alternative model for community design.
There is a gr... read full description
There is a gr... read full description
reviews
Dec 24, 2008
dusty.rhodes
rated it: 
Clear with good examples (And a very visually pleasing format) BUT the book can be condensed to:
1. Learn lessons from the past.
2. Think beyond self-interest.
3. Believe it can be better.
4. Make it better.
Then again, the American Dream destroys Americans' dreams.
1. Learn lessons from the past.
2. Think beyond self-interest.
3. Believe it can be better.
4. Make it better.
Then again, the American Dream destroys Americans' dreams.
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Aug 12, 2011
Matthieutc
rated it:
This was a great read for me. I learned a lot about why I prefer old-style neighboroods to the suburban sprawl. The authors put words on the unconscious thoughts that I usually have as a I walk around the city.
The book is easy to read and funny at times. Emphasizing how sprawl kills our sense of community and how good town planning can create that sense of community and give its citizens a place to care about.
Here is a random list of things that will improve the sense of More...
The book is easy to read and funny at times. Emphasizing how sprawl kills our sense of community and how good town planning can create that sense of community and give its citizens a place to care about.
Here is a random list of things that will improve the sense of More...
May 01, 2011
Jessica
rated it:
I read Suburban Nation because of an endorsement from a friend. It's a book about the virtues of traditional, community-oriented town planning as contrasted with the current American tendency toward sprawl and single-use developments (i.e., big houses in one place, big office parks in another place, big shopping centers somewhere else).
I'm not quite sure how to assess the book, because in some ways I loved it, yet in other ways I felt like it kept repeating the same point ad nauseam an More...
I'm not quite sure how to assess the book, because in some ways I loved it, yet in other ways I felt like it kept repeating the same point ad nauseam an More...
Mar 12, 2011
Rebecca
rated it: 
This is an absolute must-read for every American. There is a connection between the built environment and quality of living, public health, economic prosperity and entrepreneurialship. The changes in our building patterns since WW2 have been destructive, unhealthy, and nonfunctional. We can't afford low-density growth in the long run because it costs too much in public infrastructure and makes it nearly impossible for the local economy to survive (i.e.:small-business owners and shops). The bo
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Dec 30, 2008
Chris
rated it:
A great introduction to smart growth and sustainable urban design, the first book I've read on the subject. The text is surprisingly ironic and humorous and very well thought-through. Duany et al have a really high aspiration to have America return to a more traditional layout in its development, a development I think we are finally ready for and are excited to have delivered to us. The final chapter still sticks with me: once you've read and understood these principles, he says, you have an
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May 07, 2010
Leah
rated it: 
This is a good introduction to the concept of sustainable community design. It's not in-depth or detailed, so wouldn't be a good choice for trained designers or architects who are already familiar with the community design literature.
My favorite parts of this book were the ones that explained how Americans stopped building towns and started building "developments" in the 1970s and 1980s. These authors demonstrate, with historical examples, that this method of growth and ex More...
My favorite parts of this book were the ones that explained how Americans stopped building towns and started building "developments" in the 1970s and 1980s. These authors demonstrate, with historical examples, that this method of growth and ex More...
Aug 25, 2010
The book can be cleaved into two parts. The first is the analysis of postwar suburban development, which is combines inarguable realities with searing criticism, and is one of the most cogent arguments against modern suburbia I've ever encountered.
The second, and vastly weaker section, is made up of suggestions on how to rebuild our cities, which is the sort of capitalist-happy approach to social problems engendered during the Clinton years.
THEY HOLD UP THE FUCKING DISNE More...
The second, and vastly weaker section, is made up of suggestions on how to rebuild our cities, which is the sort of capitalist-happy approach to social problems engendered during the Clinton years.
THEY HOLD UP THE FUCKING DISNE More...
Jul 12, 2010
Erin
rated it:
This book clearly describes why urban sprawl is so detrimental to society; the many causes of urban sprawl; and how to avoid it in the future. The only weakness was that it was a bit lengthy, and even I lost my gusto for anti-sprawl rhetoric by Chapter 11. I do recommend it to anyone who finds himself trying to explain why subdivisions are so detrimental but can only respond with "Because they suck!!!"
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Jun 05, 2010
Mary
rated it:
Much like Kunstler's The Geography of Nowhere, except more hopeful.
Suburban Nation is very readable, while remaining technical enough that the reader is conscious of learning something. It suggests workable (proven to be so) solutions that the authors and their colleagues have personally implemented. However, the reader never gets the sense that the authors are tooting their own horn.
They take you through all sorts of things - facts, methods, skills, ordinances, quirks, zoning stup More...
Suburban Nation is very readable, while remaining technical enough that the reader is conscious of learning something. It suggests workable (proven to be so) solutions that the authors and their colleagues have personally implemented. However, the reader never gets the sense that the authors are tooting their own horn.
They take you through all sorts of things - facts, methods, skills, ordinances, quirks, zoning stup More...
Jun 11, 2009
Wm
rated it:
You should most definitely not read this book*. It will only make you angry, and I'm not casting that in liberal vs. conservative terms because if you really, really are committed to the creation and/or preservation of community and core democratic values then it should be obvious to most that sprawl is not the ideal situation, and the beauty of this book is that it doesn't vilify developers and it recognizes the need to make money and create value and it respects, even encourages, private owner
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Jun 15, 2010
Tyler
rated it:
This book is an eyeopener to the specific problems with American growth planning since WWII. The authors have a clear agenda in this book and are up front about it. The clear and very through analysis of what is wrong with American suburban development is dead on and convincing. The book is meant as much to convince as it is to inform, so unlike some books where they outline a social problem the authors here present proven ways of fixing said problem. That said it is a border line technical
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Jul 02, 2011
Dona
rated it:
This is a great book, especially if you agree with its primary thesis about the evils of sprawl (which I do). It must be noted, however, that its snarky tone, (no doubt amusing to the converted) could alienate those who come from a different perspective. Since I am already persuaded, I particularly liked chapter 7, the Victims of Sprawl, which outlined how suburbia causes a lack of autonomoy in teenagers--along with boredom and depression. "Children [in the suburbs] are frozen in a form of
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Jan 04, 2012
R.John
rated it:
Automobiles, McMansions, Cul-de-Sacs, wide lanes, bad developers, worse zoning laws, and economic injustice have all sunk American cities by creating unlivable Suburbs. But wait there is hope. Or something like it though PLANNING!
This is an enlightening and insightful overview and one that demands to be kept relevant. The thing is that after this housing market collapse, the whole book is tainted. I could not help but feel, at points, during the expose of what went wrong with urban liv More...
This is an enlightening and insightful overview and one that demands to be kept relevant. The thing is that after this housing market collapse, the whole book is tainted. I could not help but feel, at points, during the expose of what went wrong with urban liv More...
Jan 25, 2008
Scott
rated it:
Suburban Nation explains the concepts that have come to be known as Smart Growth or New Urbanism in the clearest possible terms. The authors have had decades of experience working against the sprawl-inducing design regulations of municipalties nationwide, so they make their points in language that translates easily to the concerns of the people who will actually live in these neighborhoods.
The book contains neither politically charged rhetoric, nor an abundance of design-professiona More...
The book contains neither politically charged rhetoric, nor an abundance of design-professiona More...
Jan 22, 2008
Michelle
rated it:
This book outlines one of the most important messages for Americans to hear: if we keep building in the way that we have for the past half-century (subdivisions with no sidewalks because there's nothing to walk to, stores plunked down in the middle of highways and vast parking lots, offices set nowhere in particular and devoid of all human activity after 5pm), we shouldn't be surprised by things like increased rates of depression and anxiety, teen suicides and school shootings, voter apathy. T
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Mar 04, 2009
Audrey
rated it:
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I'd been expecting (and dreading) a subjective rant on suburbia in the sensationalist style of, say, Eric Schlosser. Instead, what I got was a mostly-straightforward, textbooky-but-conversational account of the anatomy of sprawl, the policies that helped create it, and the negative externalities associated with suburban lifestyles. The second half describes how to rekindle the construction of more sensible urban forms and gives clear descriptions of just
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Feb 01, 2011
Ivis
rated it: 
Awful. Reads like a children's book. Analysis is constrained to discussions on circles and squares. If we build, Duany may as well be saying, with more squares everything will get better. If they're colored yellow instead of brown; better still. Duany is of the opinion that function follows form. Though, he's an architect, so what can you expect really?
If you want to truly understand Duany's work, perhaps the best place to begin is with Alex Marshall's "How Cities Work".
If you want to truly understand Duany's work, perhaps the best place to begin is with Alex Marshall's "How Cities Work".
Jul 29, 2010
Adrian
rated it:
I read this book because I am doing research on suburban life for something I am trying to write. 1st half of the book is about how the suburbs have basically destroyed the environment, cities, bankrupted municipalities and damaged little children, moms, and teenagers and turned us into zombies who spend most of our time in cars. In the 2nd half of the book, the authors offer their advice on how to fix the situation.
Sep 07, 2010
Kurt
rated it:
This is a book that has the potential to be life-changing. People who read it often say things like "I'm going to get involved with this".
If there's any one book that can tell you why America is the way it is, socially and politically, it's this one. I know it's already revered as a classic, but some people may not have heard about it. Most people fail to see how suburbanism is cause of all these social and psychological problems. They fail to see how suburbanism makes us More...
If there's any one book that can tell you why America is the way it is, socially and politically, it's this one. I know it's already revered as a classic, but some people may not have heard about it. Most people fail to see how suburbanism is cause of all these social and psychological problems. They fail to see how suburbanism makes us More...
Nov 09, 2008
Jason
rated it:
The authors do an excellent job of both outlining ways to develop that do not induce sprawl, promote neighborhoods, and encourage people to both create and live in places that are the antithesis of sprawl. I appreciated their anecdotes and stories about things that have worked, good ideas that failed, and bad ideas that failed in an epic manner.
They are clear to show examples of how unintended consequences have derailed previous idealistic methods of combating sprawl, as well a More...
Dec 27, 2009
Andrew
rated it:
A book that really got me more interested in urban planning, however it gets a little too preachy and political at times. Also, some of their solutions to suburban sprawl seem a little far-fetched and don't often work. The book does a great job of explaining the problems of sprawl though, and how urban development over the latter half of the 20th Century has changed the face of America greatly.
Dec 31, 2009
Animo1994
rated it:
Good reading for anyone trying to understand why suburbia is built the way it is, how to change it to make it more pedestrian friendly and the consequences and actions of continuing our current growth strategy. The authors are repetitive at times, so feel free to skim when they do, you'll get the premise of the book within the first four chapters of the book.
Nov 21, 2011
Sara
rated it:
Give me real, walkable neighborhoods, give me mixed zoning, give me my small house on my small parcel of land and I'm happy. My midsize city has a ways to go before it's truly the anti-sprawl utopia I dream of, but this book left me full of hope of what could be, and made me really understand just why I'd always been so. damn. miserable. in the 'burbs.
Nov 27, 2009
Jeff
rated it:
One of my favorite books of all time. This book really hits the nail right on the head, so to speak, about how we are destroying society by making a world for cars to live in, not people. The author includes many photos and some theoretical ideas about urban planning. Very convincing book. I use it all the time for reference. Great book!
Jan 03, 2010
Tara
rated it:
Even though this book is based on these architect's general view of city development, I found it very interesting and thought that this book described why there are several areas of COS that I very much dislike. Plus I think that it is disgusting what we have done to natural places and our overall sense of community in the sake of a gated housing community.
May 27, 2008
Chris
rated it:
Suburban Nation focuses on sprawl and how to combat it. It's a good companion piece to The Geography of Nowhere by James Kunstler. The authors are founders of an independent urban planning group, but the text never gets too dry or technical. It focuses on problems, and offers solutions.
I'd recommend this to anyone who cares about their neighborhood and where they choose to live.
I don't believe this has been edited since the initial publication in 2001, and it's starting More...
I'd recommend this to anyone who cares about their neighborhood and where they choose to live.
I don't believe this has been edited since the initial publication in 2001, and it's starting More...
Jun 22, 2009
Taylor
rated it:
This is a great book for a non-community developer like myself. It helps to best understand how American's have created physical barriers to community in the form of the Suburbs, and it offers solutions of how to get back to the traditional neighborhood. I highly recommend.
Jan 24, 2010
Matt
rated it:
A fantastic book highlighting the many shortcomings of suburbia. What is also inviting about this book is the proposed solutions good development. For it is easy to critique suburbia, it is another thing to provide solutions which may help to fix it.
Dec 11, 2009
Bunxena
rated it:
A really fascinating book even if you're not an urban planner. It discusses how cities were planned and laid out before the 1950s and how the suburban sprawl we know today came about. Also interesting ideas on how cities could be designed more efficiently.
Jun 23, 2009
rachel
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Awesome book about why suburban sprawl happened (and is happening), how urban and suburban planning has been shaped by our excessive car use, how we've totally messed up parts of our cities by thoughtless planning, and why this all really, really sucks. The authors also offer ways we can begin to fix our problems.
I read this as a follow-up to "The Death and Life of Great American Cities" by Jane Jacobs.
If you're not already an advocate for traditional neighborho More...
I read this as a follow-up to "The Death and Life of Great American Cities" by Jane Jacobs.
If you're not already an advocate for traditional neighborho More...
