I truly wish that I could have read this remarkable book within a shorter span of time and also taken detailed notes in the margins. Sadly, I only began this practice in the second half of the book.

Nonetheless, it is an extremely comprehensive work on sprawl that vividly describes approximately 90 percent of the United States. It presents a detailed account of the various aspects related to sprawl, leaving no stone unturned.

Interestingly, the book concludes on a hopeful note, giving readers a glimmer of optimism. It serves as a wake-up call for anyone who is interested in urbanism. By reading this book, one can gain a profound understanding of what we are up against and be better equipped to take on the challenges and work towards creating more sustainable and livable urban environments.

It is a must-read for all those who care about the future of our cities and the impact of sprawl on our lives.

Just gonna use my review to say:

The physical format of this book is rather strange. Its pages are extremely wide, which is done to accommodate pictures in the margins. However, these pictures are still basically of thumbnail size. It makes one wonder why they didn't just make the book a narrower size. If they had done that, the pictures could have been larger and more detailed. This would have enhanced the overall visual experience of the book.

Despite this issue with the format, the book is still a good read. The content is engaging and interesting, and it manages to hold the reader's attention from start to finish. It's just a shame that the physical presentation doesn't quite match the quality of the writing.

Perhaps in future editions, the publishers could consider making some changes to the format to make it more user-friendly and visually appealing.

Suburbia has always had an air of mystery and unease about it.

All those things that you knew implicitly, deep down in your gut, about why it makes you feel that way are now being cast out into the light to be examined.

Perhaps it's the uniformity of the houses, the perfectly manicured lawns that seem too perfect to be real.

Or maybe it's the sense of isolation that comes with living in a detached community, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

There's something about the suburbs that just doesn't sit right with you, and now it's time to figure out what that is.

By shining a light on these hidden fears and concerns, we can begin to understand the true nature of Suburbia and perhaps even find a way to make it a more comfortable and inviting place to live.

So let's not shy away from the examination. Let's embrace it and see where it takes us.

Given that the majority of time spent in public is dedicated to driving around in what can be considered isolation chambers, it comes as no shock that social critics are observing a decline in the civic arts.

Conversation, which is a fundamental aspect of human interaction and the exchange of ideas, seems to be suffering. People are often confined to their cars, cut off from meaningful communication with others on the streets or in public spaces.

Politics, too, is affected. Without the opportunity for face-to-face discussions and the sharing of diverse perspectives, the democratic process may become less vibrant and inclusive.

And simply getting along with one another, which requires understanding, empathy, and the ability to communicate effectively, is also becoming more challenging.

In conclusion, the prevalence of driving in isolation chambers is having a significant impact on the civic arts, and it is essential that we find ways to address this issue and promote more meaningful social interaction.

This is a great read that delves into the issues associated with sprawl and presents effective tactics for overcoming it.

Throughout the article, numerous real-world examples are provided, which are further enhanced by accompanying pictures. This not only makes the content more engaging but also helps readers better understand the complex nature of sprawl.

In addition to the examples, the article offers realistic steps that can be taken to address sprawl. These steps are practical and actionable, making it possible for individuals and communities to make a positive impact.

The writing is of a high quality, with clear and concise language that is easy to understand. The topics covered are highly relevant to today's society, as sprawl continues to be a significant issue in many areas.

Overall, this article is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about sprawl and how to combat it. It provides valuable insights and practical solutions that can help create more sustainable and livable communities.

Tremendous call to action to build community. This powerful statement truly resonates with me as a suburbanite. In the often busy and sometimes isolating suburban environment, I find myself longing for the deep and meaningful relationships and the sense of connectedness that are so beautifully presented in this book. The idea of building a community is not just a concept but a vital need. It is about coming together with our neighbors, sharing our joys and sorrows, and working towards a common goal. It is about creating a place where everyone feels welcome and valued. This call to action serves as a reminder that we have the power to make a difference in our own neighborhoods. We can start by reaching out to those around us, organizing community events, and simply taking the time to get to know one another. By doing so, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community that enriches the lives of all who live in it.

I am an urban designer, and initially, I was a staunch opponent of new urbanism. However, after delving into this book, my perspective has completely changed, and I have now become a passionate advocate of new urbanism. Why did this transformation occur? It is because this book presents the origins of New Urbanism design principles and techniques in an extremely persuasive and understandable manner.

The author has done an excellent job of writing this book, which is filled with valuable information about traditional neighborhood designs. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the key elements and characteristics that make up a successful and sustainable neighborhood.

Moreover, the appendix of the book is truly the icing on the cake. It includes a TND (Traditional Neighborhood Development) check list for planners, which serves as a practical and useful tool. This check list helps planners to evaluate and ensure that their neighborhood designs adhere to the principles and guidelines of new urbanism.

In conclusion, this book has been a game-changer for me as an urban designer. It has opened my eyes to the benefits and potential of new urbanism, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in urban design or planning.

Very eye-opening.

Though this dates back from the early 2000s, it is truly fascinating to observe just how extremely reliant on the automobile this nation has become. The consequences of devoting an enormous amount of infrastructure and resources to the automobile are quite evident and have had ill effects. I have been on a tear lately, reading about urban planning due to my interest in Cities: Skylines 1 & 2 and also watching CPP on YT. This particular piece is highly recommended as it provides a great overview of suburbia and offers insights into the path we can take to move away from the current situation of unnecessary sprawl. It makes one think about the future of our cities and how we can create more sustainable and livable environments that are not so dominated by the automobile.

This was an extremely engaging read for me. It delved deep into the reasons why I have a strong preference for old-style neighborhoods over the suburban sprawl. The authors managed to articulate the unconscious thoughts that often cross my mind as I stroll around the city.

The book is not only easy to read but also quite humorous at times. It effectively emphasizes how sprawl has a detrimental impact on our sense of community and showcases how good town planning can foster that sense of community, providing citizens with a place they can truly care about.

Here is a random list of elements that can enhance the sense of place. The book explores each of these in greater detail:

- A neighborhood should ideally be within a 5-minute walk from its edge to the center. This promotes easy access and interaction among residents.

- Hilltops should be commemorated with civic buildings, adding a sense of grandeur and importance to the area.

- The town center should consist of mixed-use buildings, combining residential, commercial, and other functions.

- Lots should be zoned based on building type rather than use. This eliminates the strict separation between office parks, residential areas, and shopping centers.

- Schools and other community centers should always be within walking distance, facilitating convenient access for everyone.

- Shops in the town center should not have any setbacks, creating a more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly environment.

- Residential streets should be narrow to slow down traffic and make it easier for people to walk across.

- Curb radiuses should be minimized, and emergency vehicles should be of an appropriate size to ensure smooth traffic flow.

- Alleys can be utilized to conceal unsightly utilities, improving the overall aesthetics of the neighborhood.

- Parking garages should always be located at the back of buildings and residential houses, reducing visual clutter and enhancing the streetscape.

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, yet very well thought-through. Duany et al have a really high aspiration to have America return to a more traditional layout in its development. This is a development that 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 obligation, a responsibility to speak up and for them in your own neighborhood.

The book is a great balance between being critical of our current built environment and being pragmatic, creative, and constructive (no pun intended) about what the future of our built environment can be. It provides a great introduction to all aspects of smart growth. It has inspired me to learn more about the history of development in the US, how we got to the suburb as the solution to modern living.

Highly recommended. It's not just a book about urban design; it's a call to action for all of us to take responsibility for the future of our communities and make them more sustainable and livable.

Much like Kunstler's The Geography of Nowhere, except more hopeful, Suburban Nation is a remarkable piece of work.

It is not only very readable but also technical enough to make the reader conscious of learning something valuable. The authors suggest workable solutions that they and their colleagues have personally implemented, yet the reader never feels that they are boasting.

They take you through a wide range of things - facts, methods, skills, ordinances, quirks, and zoning stupidities - that you may have never known but perhaps felt. For example, the curb radius: a long, swooping curb with a radius of 20 feet makes it more difficult for pedestrians and easier for drivers when crossing an intersection. On the other hand, a tighter, sharper curb makes for an easier intersection-crossing and safer drivers who have to slow down to turn.

The book also reveals that the two leading causes of teenage deaths are partly due to the ever-increasing construction of suburbs. Car crashes, the first cause, are encouraged by wide streets and the newfound freedom that comes with reaching driving age. Before that, parents have to chauffeur their kids everywhere. Suicide, the second cause, is related to boredom and the lack of independence created by a car culture that requires a chauffeur to get anywhere interesting.

Surprisingly, complicated intersections in older parts of towns often have fewer crashes than one might expect. In contrast, a large, nine-lanes-across, perpendicular intersection can generate a competitive, gun-your-engine mentality among drivers. A complicated seven-way intersection, perhaps joining two-way streets with one-ways or channeling several streets onto a single one, forces drivers to be more cautious.

This and much more are contained within the pages of Suburban Nation. It is a truly edifying book that leaves you with a sense of hope. A beautiful town, a lovely and memorable neighborhood - the time to create them is now!

A natural stairstep from Jane Jacobs' "Life and Death of Great American Cities", this fantastically interesting book offers an overview of how sprawl came to be and what it's doing to us as a people. As others have pointed out, there is a great deal of further reading required to fully flesh out these concepts. Notably, the question that keeps coming back to me is, "How do municipalities make these changes economically feasible for developers on the front end?" There are numerous ideals, and the authors are aware of this, that are abandoned because of the political pressure exerted by developers or landowners. I would really like to read in-depth case studies on property values, rents, and so on that support an economic argument for smarter growth. I would also like to explore the issue of gentrification as it relates to growth, a topic that is only given about one paragraph here.

Overall, this book is a necessary read for anyone interested in cities, but it should only be regarded as a springboard into further readings and explorations. Don't stop here! There is still a wealth of knowledge and understanding to be gained in this fascinating field.