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Geography of Nowhere: The Rise and Decline of America’s Man-Made Landscape by James Howard Kunstler
Ever wonder why civilization can be so ugly? Why is it that as we have become more and more capable, more and more advanced, we create an increasingly hideous landscapes?
Kunstler tackles this question. He builds an answer that draws on the history of architecture, economics, zoning laws, and incented behavior. As with # 20, this is not a hippy-dippy tree-hugger book. It’s an intelligent look at the destruction of America’s rural heritage and what can be done about it.
While the book is 15 years old (the author complains about how “cheap gas prices” lead to (sub)urban sprawl), much of what he has to say is applicable today.
I have a cousin in the land planning business (he draws up master plans, gets all the necessary permits and impact statements, then sells them to developers who actually buy the land and build the houses). Although he’s never read this particular book, I see many of the principles that he has applied mentioned here. I’ve lived in two different developments that he has planned. Both were delightful suburban spaces with plenty of common space (parks and gardens and fountains and playgrounds). Kunstler isn’t just blowing hot air, he’s pretty much on the money.
Pretty much any 43Ter ought to give this book a shot. It’s well written and causes one to examine the world about them differently.
