Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
28(28%)
4 stars
37(37%)
3 stars
35(35%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More
I read this years ago.

So it was really interesting - and a little depressing - to check out what has changed or only gotten worse since the original publication.

Over the years, the world has witnessed numerous developments and transformations. Some changes have been positive, bringing progress and innovation. However, there are also aspects that have deteriorated or remained unresolved.

It is disheartening to see that certain social, environmental, and economic issues have persisted or even worsened. The original publication may have raised awareness about these problems, but it seems that more efforts are needed to address them effectively.

Nevertheless, it is important to remain hopeful and continue to work towards positive change. By reflecting on the past and understanding the current situation, we can strive to create a better future for ourselves and generations to come.

July 15,2025
... Show More
Oh my lord!

It seems that someone is being really dense.

Maybe they just don't understand the situation clearly or are having a hard time grasping the concept.

But it can be quite frustrating when you're trying to communicate something important and they just don't seem to get it.

You might find yourself repeating the same thing over and over again, hoping that eventually it will sink in.

Or perhaps you need to find a different way to explain it, using simpler language or more examples.

Either way, dealing with dense people can be a challenge, but it's important to remain patient and keep trying to get through to them.

After all, everyone has their moments of confusion and it's our job to help them understand.
July 15,2025
... Show More
A fine, albeit somewhat dated, survey of the principles of New Urbanism is presented in this work. It delves particularly into how these principles apply to town planning at the municipal or even regional level.

Due to its by-planners-for-planners focus, the book can at times seem a little dry. It also appears less "tactical" when compared to some of the more recent contributions to the body of New Urbanism literature.

Similar to other reviewers, I am less convinced than the authors that New Urban neighborhoods, which are often inserted in the middle of (or outside of) sprawl, will achieve long-term success. There are many factors to consider, such as the existing infrastructure, the economic viability of the area, and the social acceptance of the new urban design.

While the principles of New Urbanism have much to offer, it remains to be seen whether they can be effectively implemented in real-world situations to create sustainable and thriving communities.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Fantastic!

I embarked on this book without the slightest inkling that I had actually grown up in one of the communities meticulously planned by the authors. What's more, I lived just a stone's throw away from another such community.

It was an absolute delight to unearth that the elements which I held in such high regard in both of these neighborhoods were not mere coincidences but were part of a deliberate and thoughtful design. In fact, they were manifestations of an entire philosophy surrounding urban planning.

This realization has opened my eyes to the intricate and intentional nature of the spaces in which we live. It has made me appreciate the efforts and considerations that go into creating communities that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and conducive to a good quality of life.

It has truly been a fascinating journey of discovery, and I look forward to delving deeper into the ideas and concepts presented in this book.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This article is required reading for your local town authorities. It is also beneficial for anyone who desires assistance in understanding why traditional neighborhoods function better than post-war sprawl.

I have been pondering the idea of sending one or more copies to the planning department in my home town. Traditional neighborhoods have a unique charm and functionality that post-war sprawl often lacks. They are designed in a way that promotes community interaction, walkability, and a sense of belonging.

In contrast, post-war sprawl is characterized by large, single-family homes spread out over vast areas, with little regard for the needs of the community. This type of development leads to increased car dependence, longer commutes, and a lack of social cohesion.

By reading this article, town authorities and others can gain a better understanding of the benefits of traditional neighborhoods and make more informed decisions about future development. Sending copies to the planning department in my home town could potentially have a positive impact on the future of our community.
July 15,2025
... Show More

The reading experience was a bit of a grind, which is why it took me nearly 6 months to complete. However, there were lots of really nice bits within it. I truly long for neighborhoods that are absent from subdivisions, shopping centers, highways, and all the other harbingers of sprawl. I find myself disagreeing with some or perhaps most of the pro-growth and pro-profit sentiments. I firmly believe that these attitudes are deeply embedded in the issues of sprawl. Moreover, they make the argument of the centralizing role of the generalist/citizen less convincing. It seems that the focus on growth and profit often overshadows the importance of creating more sustainable and livable communities. We need to reevaluate our priorities and consider the long-term consequences of our actions. Only then can we hope to build neighborhoods that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and inclusive.

July 15,2025
... Show More
The original article is not provided, so I can't rewrite and expand it specifically. However, I can give you a general example of how to expand an article to 300 words while using the word "fascinating" and adding line breaks.

Let's assume the original article is: "The new movie is really good. It has great special effects and an interesting story."

Here is the expanded version:

The new movie is truly fascinating.

From the moment the lights dim and the first scene unfolds, you are immediately drawn into a world filled with amazing special effects.

The attention to detail is simply remarkable, making every scene come alive on the big screen.

But it's not just the special effects that make this movie so captivating. The story is also extremely interesting, filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

You become invested in the characters and their journey, and before you know it, the movie is over and you're left wanting more.

Overall, this is a movie that is definitely worth seeing and will leave you with a sense of wonder and excitement.
July 15,2025
... Show More
A fascinating and informative broadside attack against suburban sprawl is presented here by some of the designers of planned communities. These communities are built around the "traditional neighborhood" concepts that they firmly espouse.

Some elements within this work are definitely a sign of the era in which the book was written, which was at the tail end of the 20th century. There are also some definite blindspots that the headstrong approach taken by the authors seems to ignore. However, it is important to note that this is an ethos.

The book is written clearly and the arguments are presented strongly. It is truly a must-read for anyone who has an interest in planning and urban/community design. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can enhance one's understanding of these important fields.

Whether you are a professional in the field or simply someone who is curious about the development and design of our communities, this book has something to offer. It challenges the status quo and encourages readers to think differently about the way we plan and build our cities and suburbs.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking and engaging work that is well worth the read.
July 15,2025
... Show More

An honest evaluation of our current "best practices guide" for development in this country is of utmost importance. The guide is supposed to serve as a valuable resource, providing clear directions and strategies for progress. However, upon closer inspection, several areas of improvement can be identified.


Firstly, the guide may lack comprehensiveness. It might not cover all aspects of development, such as social, environmental, and economic dimensions, in a holistic manner. This narrow focus could limit its effectiveness in promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.


Secondly, the language used in the guide could be more accessible. It may be too technical or jargon-laden, making it difficult for non-experts to understand and implement the recommended practices. Simplifying the language and using more practical examples would enhance its usability.


Finally, the guide should be regularly updated to reflect the latest trends, technologies, and experiences in development. What was considered "best practice" yesterday may not be relevant today. By keeping the guide current, it can better serve as a reliable tool for decision-making and action.

July 15,2025
... Show More
Arguing that the suburban dream has not materialized as promised, these three architects contend that American housing, neighborhoods, and even cities are being constructed for the convenience of cars rather than the well-being of people. They proceed to list the measures that can and should be taken to rectify Americans' daily lives.


The reason I embarked on this book was twofold. Firstly, the subject matter was truly fascinating, delving into the complex interplay between urban planning and human experience. Secondly, it was recommended by the Pantsuit Politics podcast's book club, which piqued my interest.


However, my enthusiasm waned as I progressed through the book. The execution left much to be desired, with a great deal of repetition that made the reading experience rather tiresome. Additionally, the fact that this book was over 20 years old didn't do it any favors, as some of the ideas and perspectives may have become outdated. Nevertheless, I still awarded it three stars for the excellent ideas it presented. I firmly believe that there is great potential for improvement in American urban planning, and I will continue my search for better books that can offer more comprehensive and contemporary insights into this crucial topic.

July 15,2025
... Show More

While the first half of this book was truly an engaging and fast-paced read that had me periodically nodding passionately in agreement, the second half turned out to be such a slog that it felt as if I was reading an entirely different book. In some respects, reading a book about urbanism from the year 2000 can seem a bit dated. This is especially true since I am not quite learned enough in this discipline to clearly parse out what is outdated from what is still relevant. In the end, the book adopts a Florida-heavy, moderate approach. It focuses a great deal more on larger scale development rather than on the kind of infill that is typically seen in Silicon Valley. Overall, it wasn't a complete waste of time, but I am indeed glad that I finally managed to finish it so that I can move on with my life.

July 15,2025
... Show More
This is an outstanding introduction to the concepts of smart growth and the manner in which suburban sprawl is causing disruptions to life in American cities.

It presents a comprehensive overview that effectively highlights the significance of these issues. Although the text may seem a bit overly moralizing in certain parts, one can understand and forgive the authors for their intense passion regarding this subject.

Their enthusiasm drives home the importance of addressing suburban sprawl and implementing smart growth strategies.

By doing so, it is possible to create more sustainable and livable urban environments that benefit both current and future generations.

Overall, this introduction serves as a valuable starting point for further exploration and discussion on these crucial topics.
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.