ABSTRACT

There is growing evidence that an environmental crisis of global proportions is inevitable. The extent of that crisis is not clear, nor is its effects on any particular region of the world apparent. What can be expected is major climatic change, including an increasing frequency of extreme weather events, a rising sea level with flooding in some areas, growing pressures on fresh water supplies, food shortages, famine and drought in some regions, growing levels of air, land and sea pollution with fierce competition for a dwindling supply of oil. This litany of hazards we may face on this small planet poses a great political challenge for human society. The professions engaged in city building and restructuring are deeply involved in the efforts to prevent and mitigate the effects of environmental damage caused by a seemingly, irreversible engine of growth. The role that can be played by urban design, in the efforts to achieve development, without causing lasting environmental damage is the theme of this book.