Reviews

A New Theory of Urban Design by Christopher Alexander

paul_cloutier's review

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4.0

As always with Christopher Alexander, I generally love this book. Though at a few points it drags a little with too much theory, the general thrust of this book is so great and so true about how to think about urban planning and town design. It is short and a very quick read.

rocknroulette's review

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4.0

the book starts with introducing the rules to follow in order to achieve a “whole” city. the new theory of urban design is after that wholeness, the feel you get when you’re in an old city. reading the rules was not the best part of the book at all. it even put me off a bit with its technicality. however, i felt that the book, and the title, served its purpose when i saw the rules being realised in the experiment in the next chapter. the experiment made me once again feel amazed by the philosophy behind building- and city-making.

davidemerson's review

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informative fast-paced

3.5

This one is the lightweight of the series. Probably most interesting to an urban planner, less interesting to the individual contributor. Also contains less valuable management insight, which, strangely, the rest of the series features. Unlike The Linz Cafe, though that book is far shorter, this doesn't manage to translate it's lessons to something more universal. 

jujupassulbeat's review

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fast-paced

5.0

I love these books!!
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