Urban Ethic: Design in the Contemporary City

This book focuses on the spatial character of the city. A brief survey of the history of urban development leads to the proposal of a methodology for the design of urban space, concentrating on the relationship of four elements: patterns, narratives, monuments and spaces. The book addresses the current debate regarding urban regeneration through the proposal of a flexible framework for the analysis of urban context and the integration of new interventions to create sustainable cities. This work draws on the dual expertise of historical research and design experience. Although contemporary practice in urbanism has many sources of design guidelines it lacks a theory which provides a flexible approach to the complexities of most urban situations. This book aims to provide a theoretical framework which looks beyond the style obsession of urban makeovers to the fundamental elements of city-making. The book will feature historical analysis, theoretical coherence, contemporary case studies, goodillustrations and a physical context for citizenship.

Eamonn Canniffe teaches Design, Architectural History and Urban Design at the University of Sheffield School of Architecture.