Building and Dwelling: Ethics for the City

Richard Sennett's book "Building and Dwelling" explores the relationship between the good built environment and the good life, arguing for an open city where people learn to manage complexity. It draws on classic thinkers and Sennett's practical experience as a planner to show how the design of cities can enrich or diminish the everyday experience of those who dwell in them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2019
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Richard Sennett's seminal work, "Building and Dwelling," is an essential read for all students of the city. In this profound exploration, Sennett distills a lifetime of thinking and practical experience to delve into the intricate relationship between the good built environment and the good life. He advocates for an open city, a concept where individuals learn to navigate complexity and thrive. Through vivid descriptions and compelling arguments, Sennett showcases how the design of cities can either enrich or diminish the daily experiences of its inhabitants.

Spanning a wide range of cities, from London to Shanghai, Paris to Barcelona, and beyond, "Building and Dwelling" draws upon the wisdom of classic thinkers such as Tocqueville, Heidegger, Max Weber, and Walter Benjamin. Sennett's own decades of practical planning experience serve as a foundation for his insights, as he tests what works and what doesn't, and unravels the ethical dimensions of urban planning.

What sets "Building and Dwelling" apart is its humane and thrilling approach to urban thinking. Sennett sees the modern city not as a sterile and impersonal landscape but as a living, breathing entity with its own secrets and stories. He walks the streets, observing and interacting with its inhabitants, and reveals the hidden rhythms and patterns that shape urban life. Through his lens, we gain a fresh perspective on how we live in cities, recognizing the importance of human connection, community, and the built environment in shaping our well-being.

This book is a must-read for urban planners, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of urban life. It challenges us to think beyond traditional approaches and encourages us to create cities that are not only functional but also humane, sustainable, and enriching for all their inhabitants. As Simon Jenkins aptly puts it, Sennett is "my kind of urbanist," someone who sees the city not as a problem to be solved but as a source of wonder and possibility. By reading his book, we can learn to read the city's secrets and unlock the potential for a better future.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780141022116