Design of Cities

"The major contemporary work on urban design . . . Splendidly presented, filled with thoughtful and brilliant intuitive insights." —The New Republic

In a brilliant synthesis of words and pictures, Edmund N. Bacon relates historical examples to modern principles of urban planning. He vividly demonstrates how the work of great architects and planners of the past can influence subsequent development and be continued by later generations. By illuminating the historical background of urban design, Bacon also shows us the fundamental forces and considerations that determine the form of a great city. Perhaps the most significant of these are simultaneous movement systems—the paths of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, public and private transportation—that serve as the dominant organizing force, and Bacon looks at movement systems in cities such as London, Rome, and New York. He also stresses the importance of designing open space as well as architectural mass and discusses the impact of space, color, and perspective on the city-dweller. That the centers of cities should and can be pleasant places in which to live, work, and relax is illustrated by such examples as Rotterdam and Stockholm.

In a brilliant synthesis of words and pictures, Edmund N. Bacon relates historical examples to modern principles of urban planning. He vividly demonstrates how the work of great architects and planners of the past can influence subsequent development and be continued by later generations. By illuminating the historical background of urban design, Bacon also shows us the fundamental forces and considerations that determine the form of a great city.

Edmund N. Bacon was born in Philadelphia and studied architecture at Cornell University and at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, under Eliel Saarinen. In 1938, after two years as a city planner in Flint, Michigan, Mr. Bacon became managing director of the Philadelphia Planning Commission from 1949 until his retirement in 1970. Under his leadership Philadeplphia became engaged in a continuous program of restoration and rebuilding that has become famous around the world. In 1971 Mr. Bacon was awarded the American Institute of Planners Distinguished Service Award for his innovations and achievements as Director of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission.