Cities and Buildings: Skyscrapers, Skid Rows, and Suburbs (Creating the North American Landscape) - Softcover

Ford, Prof Larry R. R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0801846471 ISBN 13: 9780801846472

Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1994

Synopsis

In this text, Ford offers an account of the relationship between urban architecture - especially vernacular architecture - and the spatial arrangement and development of cities in North America. From office towers in the central business district to commercial strips in the "edge city", Ford shows how changes in the built environment parallel changes in urban economies and human culture. Focusing on ordinary structures rather than famous landmarks, the book aims to provide a guide to understanding the changing character of any urban landscape. Ford describes how the idea - as well as the appearance - of the modern city has changed with the evolution of buildings such as skyscrapers, skid-row hotels, single family bungalows and ranches, large apartment buildings, public-housing towers, motels, mini-malls and festival market-places. Through illustrated case studies of specific building types in particular places, Ford explores the conflicting forces of decline, revitalization and preservation that constantly transform the urban scene.

About this title

About the Author

Larry R. Ford is Professor in the Department of Geography at San Diego State University.

Edition details

• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0801846471
• ISBN 13: 9780801846472
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 332