Planet of Cities

Planet of Cities examines global urban expansion and land use patterns through extensive data analysis and historical research. The book presents findings from a five-year study covering 120 cities worldwide, tracking their spatial development from 1990 to 2000. Angel challenges conventional urban planning approaches and advocates for making room for urban growth rather than containing it. Through maps, satellite imagery, and population data, he demonstrates how cities have expanded throughout history and projects future growth patterns. The study focuses on critical metrics including density, fragmentation, and built-up area per person in cities across different income levels and regions. The research establishes quantitative measures for examining urban expansion and proposes policy frameworks for managing future growth. The book stands as a data-driven examination of urbanization that questions established planning paradigms while proposing alternative approaches to accommodating urban population growth. Its findings suggest new ways of thinking about sustainable urban development and spatial planning.

Readers describe this as a data-driven examination of global urban expansion that challenges common assumptions about compact cities and density requirements. Readers appreciate: - The extensive historical data and satellite imagery analysis - Clear explanations of urban planning concepts - Evidence-based arguments against containment policies - Detailed case studies from cities worldwide - Mathematical models that support the conclusions Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style can be hard to follow - Limited discussion of environmental impacts - Some readers found the statistical analysis repetitive - Cost may be prohibitive ($60-75 range) Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (21 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 reviews) Notable reader comment from Amazon: "The mathematical rigor and extensive data make this book's arguments difficult to dismiss, even if you disagree with the conclusions about urban sprawl."

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🌎 The book draws on a unique analysis of 3,646 metropolitan areas across the globe, making it one of the most comprehensive studies of global urban expansion ever conducted. 🏙️ Author Shlomo Angel coined the term "making room paradigm," which advocates for planned city expansion rather than containment, challenging conventional urban planning wisdom. 📊 The research reveals that between 1800 and 2000, while the world's population increased 6-fold, its urban population multiplied 100-fold. 🗺️ The project used historical maps and satellite imagery spanning a century (1900-2000) to track urban growth patterns in 30 representative global cities. 🏘️ Angel's findings show that average urban population density has been consistently declining worldwide for a century, with cities typically becoming about 1.5% less dense each year.