Sprawl and Suburbia: The Harvard Design Magazine Reader

Sprawl and Suburbia: A Harvard Design Magazine Reader

by Richard Ingersoll

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2127 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	152 pages

FREE

Edited by Alex Krieger and William S. Saunders

Published by University of Minnesota Press, 2023

: 9781517912718

Table of Contents

• Historical Perspectives
• The Rise of Suburbia
• The Environmental Impact
• The Social Impact
• The Economic Impact
• Critical Perspectives
• The Case Against Sprawl
• The Case for Suburbia
• Alternative Visions
• The Future of Sprawl and Suburbia
• Personal Perspectives
• Growing Up in Suburbia
• Living in Suburbia
• Leaving Suburbia
• The Suburban Dream

In Sprawl and Suburbia, editors Alex Krieger and William S. Saunders have assembled a comprehensive collection of essays that explore the history, impact, and future of sprawl and suburbia.

The book is divided into five parts:

1. Historical Perspectives
2. Critical Perspectives
3. Personal Perspectives
4. Alternative Visions
5. The Future of Sprawl and Suburbia

The essays in this volume offer a wide range of perspectives on sprawl and suburbia, from the historical to the critical to the personal. They provide a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex issues surrounding sprawl and suburbia.

Historical Perspectives

The first part of the book provides a historical overview of sprawl and suburbia. The essays in this section explore the origins of sprawl in the United States, the rise of suburbia in the postwar era, and the environmental, social, and economic impacts of sprawl.

The Origins of Sprawl

In his essay, "The Origins of Sprawl," historian Kenneth Jackson traces the roots of sprawl back to the early days of the American republic. Jackson argues that the American tradition of individualism and self-reliance has led to a desire for detached single-family homes on large lots.

The Rise of Suburbia

In her essay, "The Rise of Suburbia," historian Dolores Hayden examines the rise of suburbia in the postwar era. Hayden argues that the growth of suburbia was fueled by a number of factors, including the GI Bill, the Federal Housing Administration, and the construction of the interstate highway system.

The Environmental Impact

In his essay, "The Environmental Impact of Sprawl," environmental scientist Reid Ewing examines the environmental impacts of sprawl. Ewing argues that sprawl contributes to air and water pollution, climate change, and the loss of biodiversity.

The Social Impact

In her essay, "The Social Impact of Sprawl," sociologist Roberta Feldman examines the social impacts of sprawl. Feldman argues that sprawl leads to social isolation, a decline in civic engagement, and an increase in crime.

The Economic Impact

In his essay, "The Economic Impact of Sprawl," economist Edward Glaeser examines the economic impacts of sprawl. Glaeser argues that sprawl can lead to higher costs of living, lower wages, and a decline in economic productivity.

Critical Perspectives

The second part of the book provides a critical look at sprawl and suburbia. The essays in this section challenge the conventional wisdom about sprawl and suburbia and offer alternative visions for the future of urban development.

The Case Against Sprawl

In his essay, "The Case Against Sprawl," urban planner James Kunstler argues that sprawl is a destructive force that is eroding the quality of life in America. Kunstler calls for a return to compact, walkable urban development.

The Case for Suburbia

In her essay, "The Case for Suburbia," urban planner Roberta Gratz argues that suburbia is a viable and sustainable form of urban development. Gratz argues that suburbs offer a number of benefits, including affordable housing, good schools, and a sense of community.

Alternative Visions

The third part of the book presents alternative visions for the future of sprawl and suburbia. The essays in this section offer innovative ideas for how to create more sustainable and livable communities.

The Future of Sprawl and Suburbia

The fourth part of the book looks at the future of sprawl and suburbia. The essays in this section explore the challenges and opportunities facing sprawl and suburbia in the 21st century.

Personal Perspectives

The fifth part of the book collects personal perspectives on sprawl and suburbia. The essays in this section offer firsthand accounts of the joys and challenges of living in sprawl and suburbia.

Growing Up in Suburbia

In his essay, "Growing Up in Suburbia," writer David Sedaris reflects

Sprawl and Suburbia: A Harvard Design Magazine Reader

by Richard Ingersoll

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2127 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	152 pages

FREE