Urban Futures: Planning for City Foresight and City Visions

This book explores the history and evolution of city visions, highlighting their importance in planning for a sustainable future. It provides examples of city visions from around the world and critically reviews their development, outlining benefits and challenges.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 300 pages
\n Publication date: 19 May 2021
\n Publisher: Bristol University Press
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City visions are collective and often aspirational representations of our urban future. This comprehensive book delves into the historical roots and transformative journey of city visions, situating them within the broader realms of art, culture, science, foresight, and urban theory. It showcases and evaluates exemplary city visions from across the globe, contrasting their development processes and outlining the significant advantages and complexities involved in planning such visions. The authors emphasize the critical importance of approaching the future of cities with an objective and strategic mindset, actively engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders—a necessity that becomes increasingly vital as we navigate towards sustainable futures beyond the COVID-19 crisis.

City visions are powerful tools for shaping the future of our cities. They provide a shared understanding of what we want our cities to be and can inspire action and change. This book explores the history and evolution of city visions, from ancient times to the present day. It examines how different cultures, societies, and individuals have envisioned their cities and how these visions have shaped the physical and social landscape.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of visionaries in creating city visions. Visionaries are individuals who have a clear idea of what they want their city to be and are willing to take action to make it happen. They can be politicians, artists, entrepreneurs, or community members, but they all share a passion for their city and a desire to make it a better place.

The book also explores the challenges and limitations of creating city visions. One of the biggest challenges is the need to balance different interests and priorities. Different stakeholders have different needs and goals, and it can be difficult to find a solution that meets everyone's needs. Another challenge is the need to be realistic and practical. City visions can be ambitious and idealistic, but they must also be grounded in reality and be able to be implemented.

Despite these challenges, city visions can be a powerful force for positive change. They can inspire new ideas and initiatives, promote community engagement, and help to shape public policy. They can also help to create a sense of shared identity and purpose, which can strengthen social cohesion and promote a sense of belonging.

In conclusion, city visions are a critical component of urban planning and development. They provide a shared understanding of what we want our cities to be and can inspire action and change. This book explores the history and evolution of city visions, the role of visionaries in creating them, and the challenges and limitations of creating them. It provides valuable insights into the power of vision and the importance of working together to create a better future for our cities.

\n Weight: 576g\n
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781447330936\n \n