Paul L. Knox – författare

First published in 1988, this book argues that discussions of urban development often neglect to consider that much of the urban environment is designed by architects and planners, and that the particular world-view of architects and planners is crucial for the way proposals are taken up, modified and carried out. The author explores the world-view of architects and planners, considering their approach to design and the factors which influence this — work patterns, career paths and the firms in which they operate. The author also studies their place in the political decision-making process as it affects urban questions and then explores how architects and planners roles are changing.

Cities, initially a product of the manufacturing era, have been thoroughly remade in the image of consumer society. Competitive spending among affluent households has intensified the importance of style and design at every scale and design professions have grown in size and importance, reflecting distinctive geographies and locating disproportionately in cities most intimately connected with global systems of key business services. Meanwhile, many observers still believe good design can make positive contributions to people’s lives.

Cities and Design explores the complex relationships between design and urban environments. It traces the intellectual roots of urban design, presents a critical appraisal of the imprint and effectiveness of design professions in shaping urban environments, examines the role of design in the material culture of contemporary cities, and explores the complex linkages among designers, producers and distributors in contemporary cities, for example: fashion and graphic design in New York; architecture, fashion and publishing in London; furniture, industrial design, interior design and fashion in Milan; haute couture in Paris and so on.

This book offers a distinctive social science perspective on the economic and cultural context of design in contemporary cities, presenting cities themselves as settings for design, design services and the ‘affect’ associated with design.

Cities, initially a product of the manufacturing era, have been thoroughly remade in the image of consumer society. Competitive spending among affluent households has intensified the importance of style and design at every scale and design professions have grown in size and importance, reflecting distinctive geographies and locating disproportionately in cities most intimately connected with global systems of key business services. Meanwhile, many observers still believe good design can make positive contributions to people’s lives.

Cities and Design explores the complex relationships between design and urban environments. It traces the intellectual roots of urban design, presents a critical appraisal of the imprint and effectiveness of design professions in shaping urban environments, examines the role of design in the material culture of contemporary cities, and explores the complex linkages among designers, producers and distributors in contemporary cities, for example: fashion and graphic design in New York; architecture, fashion and publishing in London; furniture, industrial design, interior design and fashion in Milan; haute couture in Paris and so on.

This book offers a distinctive social science perspective on the economic and cultural context of design in contemporary cities, presenting cities themselves as settings for design, design services and the ‘affect’ associated with design.

First published in 1988, this book argues that discussions of urban development often neglect to consider that much of the urban environment is designed by architects and planners, and that the particular world-view of architects and planners is crucial for the way proposals are taken up, modified and carried out. The author explores the world-view of architects and planners, considering their approach to design and the factors which influence this — work patterns, career paths and the firms in which they operate. The author also studies their place in the political decision-making process as it affects urban questions and then explores how architects and planners roles are changing.

This book provides a comprehensive survey of the social geography of Western Europe. It begins by outlining the character of the region nad proceeds with an exploration of demographic and cultural features, including migration and ethnic groups. The political organisation of nations and regions are analysed along with regional change and development. The study concludes with a consideration of key issues central to the geography of social well-being such as regional convergence/divergence and the impact of public expenditure patterns.

This book provides a comprehensive survey of the social geography of Western Europe. It begins by outlining the character of the region nad proceeds with an exploration of demographic and cultural features, including migration and ethnic groups. The political organisation of nations and regions are analysed along with regional change and development. The study concludes with a consideration of key issues central to the geography of social well-being such as regional convergence/divergence and the impact of public expenditure patterns.