Designing the Modern City

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This comprehensive survey traces the global history of urbanism and urban design from the industrial revolution to the present, offering an international perspective that encourages cross-cultural comparisons. Leading architectural and urban historian Eric Mumford explores urbanism and urban design since the late 19th century, highlighting how technical, social, and economic developments led to massive urban expansion. He recounts how key figures in design responded to these changes with practical proposals and theoretical frameworks, shaping mainstream ideas about urban environments and establishing the field of “urbanism.” The book examines the complex outcomes of various approaches in European, American, and Asian cities, addressing the modernization of traditional urban settings, including advancements in mass transit, sanitary systems, building legislation, and regional planning. It also delves into the urban design concepts of influential groups like CIAM (International Congresses of Modern Architecture) and Team 10, along with their supporters and critics, including the Congress for the New Urbanism and advocates for ecological urbanism. By highlighting both built and unbuilt projects, this insightful work serves as a sweeping guide to the history of designers’ efforts to shape urban environments.