The Evolution Of American Urban Design

This is the first time an overview of the theories and practice of urban design has
been offered. Covering a 50-year span, the book seeks to identify built urban
design projects and traces the evolution and separation of American urban design
theories up to the end of the twentieth century. It includes contemporary designs,
projects, and writings in an attempt to identify future directions of the next century.

DAVID GOSLING studied architecture, urban design and city planning at Manchester University (BA Arch), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M Arch), Yale University (MCP) and Sheffield University (PhD). He was Dean of Architectural Studies at the University of Sheffield and Chief Architect of Irvine New Town, Scotland, and later the State of Ohio First Eminent Scholar in Urban Design at the University of Cincinnati, USA. He acted as an assessor, visiting professor, adviser and external examiner at educational establishments throughout the world. David Gosling Associates (UK) undertook consultancies in the West Indies, the Middle East, Brazil, Sicily, Zambia and Sri Lanka as well as the USA and Great Britain. Gosling contributed to a number of leading architectural magazines and publications, and was the author of Gordon Cullen: Visions of Urban Design (Wiley-Academy, 1996) and co-author with Barry Maitland of Concepts of Urban Design (Academy Editions, 1985). Gosling sadly passed away prior to publication of this, his last book. The Evolution of American Urban Design is a major accomplishment which bears witness to his enormous knowledge and represents his enduring legacy to the study of urban design.

Definitions of Urban Design

1950 -
1960

1960 -
1970

1970 -
1980

1980 -
1990

1990 -
2000

Urban Futures

Conclusions