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Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream

andrés duany elizabeth plater-zyberk jeff speck

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A manifesto by America's most controversial and celebrated town planners, proposing an alternative model for community design.

There is a growing movement in North America to put an end to suburban sprawl and to replace the automobile-based settlement patterns of the past fifty years with a return to more traditional planning principles. This movement stems not only from the realization that sprawl is ecologically and economically unsustainable but also from a growing awareness of sprawl's many victims: children, utterly dependent on parental transportation if they wish to escape the cul-de-sac; the elderly, warehoused in institutions once they lose their driver's licenses; the middle class, stuck in traffic for two or more hours each day.

Founders of the Congress for the New Urbanism, Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk are at the forefront of this movement, and in Suburban Nation they assess sprawl's costs to society, be they ecological, economic, aesthetic, or social. It is a lively, thorough, critical lament, and an entertaining lesson on the distinctions between postwar suburbia-characterized by housing clusters, strip shopping centers, office parks, and parking lots-and the traditional neighborhoods that were built as a matter of course until mid-century. It is an indictment of the entire development community, including governments, for the fact that America no longer builds towns. Most important, though, it is that rare book that also offers solutions.

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,2000

This edition

Format
320 pages, Paperback
Published
April 16, 2001 by North Point Press
ISBN
9780865476066
ASIN
0865476063
Language
English

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About the author

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andrés duany

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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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gaga-dragon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This text is a powerful statement that emphasizes the importance of a traditional neighborhood for the flourishing of a community. It is an absolutely essential read for all government officials as they play a crucial role in shaping the policies and infrastructure that impact the neighborhoods. By understanding the value of a traditional neighborhood, they can make informed decisions that promote community well-being.

Moreover, it is equally important for every citizen of the city to read this. Citizens are the heart and soul of a community, and their actions and choices can have a significant impact on the neighborhood's vitality. By being aware of the benefits of a traditional neighborhood, they can actively participate in community activities, support local businesses, and build strong relationships with their neighbors.

In conclusion, a traditional neighborhood is the foundation of a thriving community. It provides a sense of belonging, safety, and social interaction that is essential for the well-being of its residents. Therefore, it is imperative that both government officials and citizens alike recognize the importance of a traditional neighborhood and work together to preserve and enhance it for future generations.

This will not only lead to a more prosperous and harmonious community but also contribute to the overall quality of life in the city.
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MorningStorm64
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The things you read for research play a crucial role in the entire research process.

They provide the necessary background information, theories, and previous studies that help you to understand the topic better.

By reading a wide range of materials, such as academic papers, books, and reports, you can gain different perspectives and insights, which can inspire your own ideas and research questions.

Moreover, the things you read can also serve as a reference for your own work, allowing you to compare and contrast your findings with those of others.

This helps to strengthen the credibility and validity of your research.

However, it is important to note that not all the things you read are equally reliable and useful.

You need to carefully evaluate the quality and authenticity of the sources, and select only those that are relevant and trustworthy.

In conclusion, the things you read for research are an essential part of the research process, and you should invest sufficient time and effort in finding and reading the right materials.
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Rorieto
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Fascinating,

yet it was a bit of a slog to get through.

Nonetheless, I'm truly glad to have read it.

The content was engaging enough to keep my interest piqued throughout,

even though there were moments when it felt like a bit of a struggle.

Perhaps it was the complexity of the ideas presented or the density of the writing.

But in the end, it was well worth the effort.

I gained new insights and perspectives that I otherwise wouldn't have had.

It made me think deeply about certain topics and challenged my preconceived notions.

Overall, it was a rewarding reading experience,

despite the initial difficulties.

I would recommend it to others who are willing to put in the time and effort to explore its depths.

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Neolavender123
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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**Expanded Article**

A study discovered that a staggering 90% of pedestrian deaths were the fault of the drivers. Moreover, 75% of these fatalities resulted from a traffic violation. So, pedestrians, watch out!

Farmer's markets have proven to be highly effective in energizing downtown areas. They can even serve as incubators for storefront space.

The traditional neighborhood pattern in Alexandria, VA follows specific rules: a central location, a 5-minute walk radius, a street network with short blocks, narrow and versatile walkable streets, mixed use, and special sites for special buildings.

The Homestead Act divided the square mile into quarter sections, which is the size of a 5-minute walk from edge to center. This is an ideal size for a traditional village.

There is an eight-step process for regional planning, which spans 8 pages.

Savannah's alleys contribute to the beauty of the front of the houses.

A study of Seattle suburbs revealed a higher risk of death by auto accidents for those who left due to crime concerns.

Suburban sprawl goes against the traditional neighborhood community.

Industry is now cleaner, and zoning is less necessary than before.

The traditional neighborhood offered more choices. One could live above the store, next to it, 5 minutes away, or nowhere near it. In suburbia, however, the only choice is to own a car.

The live-above-the-business and the granny flat behind are examples of alternative housing. For instance, a woman rented out the main house to cover the mortgage with just the price of a down payment.

The 6:1 rule states that enclosure is felt when the distance between store fronts is less than 6 times the front height. But what about the second story and more?

"Of course there's never enough parking! If you gave everyone free pizza, would there be enough pizza?"

Since 1969, the number of miles cars travel has grown 4 times the population rate.

While 146 men died in the Persian Gulf War in 40 days, a whopping 4,900 died on our highways. Oh, they were there to keep the world safe for petroleum.

Smaller schools within a 15-minute walk, with fewer than 400 students, have better attendance rates, fewer problem children, fewer dropouts, and often higher test scores. Homeschooling has an even better record, but some public schools may always be needed.

Transit must be frequent, predictable, have a direct route, and safe stops.

He has a checklist for developments.

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Gustave101
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Ugh, cars! They are such a nuisance!

They fill the streets with noise and pollution, making it difficult to enjoy the peace and quiet of our neighborhoods.

The constant stream of traffic also poses a danger to pedestrians, especially children.

We need to find a way to reduce the number of cars on the road and bring back the sense of community and safety that our neighborhoods once had.

Maybe we could encourage more people to walk, bike, or take public transportation.

Or perhaps we could implement traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps and roundabouts.

Whatever the solution, we must act now to make our neighborhoods a better place to live.
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Imbadwithnames2
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Most people detest sprawl.

They loathe the need to drive long distances to work, to chauffeur their kids to school, and to drive for simple sundries. However, the majority of people have no idea what to do about it.

The authors of "Suburban Nation" do possess some insights on what can be done. In fact, they have numerous clues that are comprehensively presented for all to observe. There are plenty of facts and references to explore.

I appreciate that the book is not opposed to progress itself - only irresponsible progress. All too often, these discussions deteriorate to the point where woke anti-gentrification activists block everything and essentially make the proponents of responsible growth seem foolish.

While a significant amount of blame is attributed to developers and those who influence the government, I do wish a bit more emphasis were placed on individual responsibility. Oftentimes, there are obvious workarounds, yet most people tend to take the easy way out.

Overall, though, it is a worthy book to have on the shelf.
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gxyrlu
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The American Dream is often seen as a symbol of hope and opportunity, but it can also have a dark side. It encourages people to pursue material success and personal gain at all costs, sometimes at the expense of others and the environment.

For example, many people sacrifice their health and relationships in the pursuit of wealth and status. They work long hours, neglect their families, and engage in unethical behavior to get ahead. This can lead to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction, even if they achieve their goals.

Moreover, the American Dream can create a false sense of entitlement and superiority. People may believe that they deserve more than others simply because they are American or because they have worked hard. This can lead to discrimination and prejudice against those who are different or less fortunate.

To truly achieve the American Dream, we need to learn lessons from the past and think beyond self-interest. We need to believe that things can be better and take action to make them better. We need to work together to create a more just, sustainable, and fulfilling society for all.

Only then can we truly say that the American Dream is alive and well.
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song12301
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book offers a quick and easy read that is at the same time thorough and detailed right down to the most granular level.

It is truly a remarkable piece of work that should serve as a Bible for anyone with an interest in equitable housing, smart growth, and the development of communities through good governance.

The author has done an excellent job of presenting complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner, making it suitable for both experts and those new to the subject.

Whether you are a policymaker, urban planner, community activist, or simply someone who cares about the future of our cities and towns, this book is a must-read.

It provides valuable insights and practical solutions that can help us create more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous communities for all.

So, don't hesitate to pick up a copy and start exploring the fascinating world of equitable housing, smart growth, and good governance.

You won't be disappointed!
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