Design of Cities

Design of Cities presents a comprehensive analysis of urban development through history, examining how cities have evolved from ancient civilizations to modern metropolises. The book covers essential elements of city planning including spatial relationships, human interaction with built environments, and the principles of architectural design. Edmund Bacon, Philadelphia's former City Planning Director, draws from his extensive experience to outline eight fundamental elements of urban design involvement. He analyzes these concepts through specific examples ranging from Greek temples to Renaissance town squares, demonstrating how architectural features influence city functionality and human experience. The text includes detailed illustrations and case studies spanning multiple civilizations and time periods, with particular focus on Philadelphia's urban development in the mid-20th century. Graphics and photographs support the technical concepts presented throughout the book. This influential work continues to shape understanding of how cities function as living organisms, arguing that successful urban spaces result from deliberate design choices and careful consideration of human needs. The book remains a cornerstone text in urban planning education and practice.

Readers value this book as a detailed examination of urban design across history, with particular focus on Rome, Greece, Paris, and Philadelphia. The illustrations, drawings and photos receive frequent mentions for helping explain complex design concepts. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of how cities evolved over time - Analysis of successful vs unsuccessful urban spaces - Connection between design theory and real examples - Author's firsthand experience in Philadelphia planning Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Dated examples (mostly pre-1970s) - Focus on Western/European cities - Limited coverage of modern urban challenges Ratings: Goodreads: 4.25/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (31 ratings) Sample review: "The diagrams alone are worth the price - they demonstrate how spaces flow and connect in ways that text alone cannot capture." - Goodreads reviewer "Too much emphasis on classical design principles that don't translate to today's urban needs." - Amazon reviewer

The Image of the City by Kevin Lynch The study of how people perceive and navigate urban environments through mental maps connects with Bacon's focus on spatial relationships and human interaction with cities.

A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander The identification of 253 patterns in architectural and urban design builds upon Bacon's fundamental elements of city planning with practical applications.

The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs The examination of what makes cities function through street-level observation complements Bacon's analysis of urban development and spatial relationships.

Space, Time and Architecture by Sigfried Gidieon The historical analysis of architectural development and its impact on urban form extends Bacon's exploration of how cities evolve through time.

The Architecture of the City by Aldo Rossi The theoretical framework for understanding cities as collections of artifacts and memories parallels Bacon's approach to analyzing urban development across different time periods.

📌 Edmund Bacon served as Philadelphia's Executive Director of City Planning from 1949 to 1970, earning the nickname "Father of Modern Philadelphia" for his transformative urban renewal projects. 🏛️ The book's analysis of architectural principles was influenced by Bacon's studies at Cranbrook Academy of Art under Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen. 🎨 Francesco Guardi's "Architectural Capriccio," which Bacon uses as a central reference, is a masterpiece of 18th-century Venetian vedute painting that combines real and imaginary architectural elements. 🌆 The first edition of "Design of Cities" (1967) featured over 300 photographs, maps, and drawings, making it one of the most visually comprehensive urban design books of its time. 🏆 The book received the City of Philadelphia Art Alliance Award and has been translated into multiple languages, becoming a standard text in architecture and urban planning programs worldwide.