Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is about the ways Americans may live in the years ahead and the forms our cities, suburbs, towns, and rural areas may take in the light of changing patterns of energy supply and societal affluence. It discusses urban, suburban, and nonmetropolitan spatial forms and considers and the impact of possible energy patterns upon those forms. The book also presents the concept of "coproduction" as a key to the development of personal, community, and even national energy independence. It describes to assist in the projection of personal futures-of images of the way we may live in the years ahead.