Discover the evolution of cities through time and learn how our modern civilization is rooted in the decisions made by our ancestors. In 'The City in History: Its Origins, Its Transformations, and Its Prospects', Lewis Mumford takes readers on a journey through the centuries, exploring the core needs of humanity that led to the formation of cities. From nomadic life to village living to the bustling metropolises of today, Mumford's insights and concepts are essential for modern city planning, design, and management. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in urban planning and the history of civilization. Recommended for urban planning professionals, architects, historians, and anyone interested in the evolution of cities and its impact on modern civilization. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of cities, from their origins to their modern-day transformations. The insights and concepts presented in this book are useful for contemporary city planning, design, and management. Additionally, this book is relevant to those interested in the history of civilization and the core needs of humanity. The book covers a full range of civilizations and their cities, making it a valuable resource for students of history, anthropology, and sociology.

The Disaster Experts by Scott Gabriel Knowles is a thought-provoking book that delves into the paradox of modern American life. Despite having more knowledge about the hazards we face, we are still vulnerable to large-scale disasters. Through historical context, the author explores the role of disaster experts, their influence on public policy, and how they shape modern America. How did these experts become powerful, and why are they only slightly closer today than a decade ago to protecting the public from disasters? This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the intertwined development of disaster expertise, public policy, and urbanization. Recommended for students of history, public policy, urban planning, and emergency management, The Disaster Experts offers a unique perspective on the paradox of modern American life. The book explores the role of disaster experts, their influence on public policy, and how they shape modern America. It is particularly relevant to those interested in understanding the intertwined development of disaster expertise, public policy, and urbanization over the past century. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand how disasters are not simply random acts and how we can prevent large-scale disasters from occurring in the future.

Discover the world's largest palace complex, built by over a million laborers, and how it symbolizes the center of the universe in Chinese imperial tradition. Explore the strict protocols and social hierarchy of the imperial court that emphasized the emperor's power.

Why did the cost of urban housing skyrocket? Is it just NIMBYism or is there something deeper at play? Explore the historical and ideological roots of the housing crisis through the lens of historian Jacob Anbinder's dissertation in progress, 'Cities of Amber: Antigrowth Politics and the Making of Modern Liberalism, 1950-2008.'

Discover the beauty of the Green Mosque in Balkh, Afghanistan through MIT's "Ways of Seeing" project, which uses innovative technology to produce a rich visual record of four historic building sites in Afghanistan. The project includes colorful 3D still images, virtual reality imagery, and exquisite hand-drawn architectural renderings of the buildings, which will be made available for viewing through the MIT Libraries by the end of June with open access for the public. Don't miss this opportunity to explore and appreciate the remarkable heritage sites of Afghanistan.

Discover the marvel of ancient engineering in China's Hengduan Mountains, where the mysterious stone towers of Pengbuxi stand tall, shrouded in questions about their age, purpose, and builders. Trek with a teacher and explore the biodiverse landscape that has been a tribal corridor for ancient migrations dating back to the Stone Age. Unravel the enigma of these dreamlike megaliths that still hold all the power of a kept secret.

In 1631, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan lost his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, during the birth of their 14th child. He was devastated and decided to build a magnificent tomb that would embody their perfect love and project the power of the Mughal Empire for all time. The Taj Mahal was the result of this vision, and it is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture that seamlessly blends Persian, Islamic, Indian, and European styles. The Taj Mahal is not only beautiful, but is also a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the thousands of skilled craftsmen and artisans who worked on its construction. By exploring the story of the Taj Mahal, students can learn about history, art, architecture, and culture. They can also be inspired to think about the power of love and the enduring legacy of human creativity.

Are you a fan of the Mona Lisa? Have you ever wondered about the mysterious woman in the painting and the location behind her? A recent discovery by Italian art historian Silvano Vinceti may have uncovered the truth about the bridge in the painting. In an article by Smithsonian Magazine, Vinceti argues that the bridge in the painting is the Ponte Romito, located in the Tuscan village of Laterina. His findings have caused a stir among art historians and may even attract future visitors to the small town. Read on to find out more about this fascinating discovery!

Are you interested in shaping the built environment of cities and towns to improve the quality of life for their inhabitants? Do you want to create beautiful, functional, and sustainable spaces that promote health, equity, and social interaction? If so, then urban design may be the perfect field of study for you. Urban design is an interdisciplinary field that combines architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, engineering, and social sciences to create well-designed and well-managed urban spaces. Urban designers are involved in every aspect of city design, from street layouts to building facades, public spaces, and transportation systems. They work to make cities more livable, attractive, and sustainable. Some of the most interesting and meaningful aspects of urban design include creating green spaces, promoting public transportation, and fostering community engagement. For example, the High Line in New York City is a prime example of how urban designers can transform an abandoned railway into a vibrant public park that provides both recreational space and a connection between different neighborhoods. Urban design is also a field that is constantly evolving, with new research, innovations, and academic discourse emerging all the time. Recent developments include smart city technology, which uses data and technology to improve city infrastructure and services, as well as innovative urban planning strategies that promote sustainability and resilience. At the undergraduate level, students can expect to take courses in subjects such as urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, and engineering. These courses will provide a solid foundation in the principles and practices of urban design, and may include studio classes where students can work on real-world projects. There are many potential areas of further specialization in urban design, including transportation planning, housing, public space design, and community development. For example, you might specialize in designing public transportation systems like the BRT system in Bogota, Colombia, or in creating mixed-use developments like Battery Park City in New York City. Urban design is a field with a wide range of potential career paths, including urban planner, landscape architect, city designer, transportation planner, and housing developer. Some of the key industries for prospective future employment include government agencies, non-profit organizations, real estate development companies, and architecture and engineering firms. Notable employers in this field include firms like Gensler, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), and the City of Copenhagen. To succeed in urban design, it is helpful to have strong design skills, an interest in public policy and urban issues, and the ability to think creatively and collaboratively. You should also have strong communication skills, as urban design often involves working with a variety of stakeholders and communicating complex design ideas to the public.

Natural disasters like the Kobe earthquake of 1995 can devastate even highly engineered cities, making disaster resilience a crucial field of study. MIT's Miho Mazereeuw, an expert in disaster resilience and founder of the Urban Risk Lab, focuses on community-level efforts and designs to prepare for the future and reduce the impact of disasters.

Accessibility is a critical component of urban planning and architecture. It is about designing cities and buildings in a way that enables everyone, regardless of their physical or mental ability, to fully participate in society. In recent years, accessibility has become increasingly important, with a growing recognition of the need to build inclusive communities. According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people, or 15% of the world's population, experience some form of disability. In the United States, 1 in 4 adults have a disability. This underscores the importance of designing cities that are accessible to all. Urban planners and architects are leading the way in this effort. By incorporating accessibility into their designs, they are transforming cities into spaces that are more inclusive and equitable. For example, the High Line in New York City, a park built on a former elevated railway, is fully accessible, providing an accessible route through the city that was previously lacking. Some specific concepts that are important to consider in accessibility include universal design, wayfinding, and the built environment. Universal design is the practice of designing products and spaces that can be used by everyone, regardless of their abilities. Wayfinding is the practice of creating visual cues that help people navigate through a space. The built environment refers to the physical elements that make up a space, including buildings, streets, and sidewalks. Academics are also contributing to the field of accessibility. One such academic is Edward Steinfeld, who is the founder and director of the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA) at the University at Buffalo. Steinfeld has been a pioneer in the field of universal design, and has contributed to the development of guidelines for accessible design. Accessibility is an important topic that affects everyone, and there is no shortage of ways to explore it further. By delving deeper into this field, you can gain a better understanding of the challenges that people with disabilities face, and contribute to creating a more inclusive society.

Most people think of cities as environmental disasters, but David Owen's "Green Metropolis" challenges this notion. Owen argues that densely populated urban centers, like Manhattan, are actually more environmentally sustainable than sprawling suburbs. Residents of these cities consume less oil, electricity, and water, and discard less trash. They also rely heavily on public transit and walking. Owen's book presents a compelling case for rethinking our ideas about the relationship between cities and the environment. Recommended for environmentalists, urban planners, and anyone interested in sustainability, "Green Metropolis" offers a fresh perspective on the role of cities in combating climate change. The book challenges the conventional wisdom that suburbs are greener than cities, and argues that compact urban centers are actually more environmentally sustainable. The topics discussed in the book have relevance to a wide range of fields, including architecture, engineering, public policy, and transportation planning. Anyone interested in the future of our planet and the role of cities in shaping that future will find "Green Metropolis" to be a thought-provoking and informative read.

Architecture is a fundamental part of our everyday lives, from the buildings we live in, to the parks we play in, and the streets we walk on. The way we design and construct our communities has a significant impact on our social, economic, and environmental well-being. Let's explore the fascinating topic of how architecture shapes our lives. One of the key concepts in this field is the idea of placemaking. Placemaking is the process of designing public spaces that promote community interaction, creativity, and social cohesion. One of the pioneers of this approach is Jan Gehl, a Danish architect and urban designer, who has developed a human-centered approach to city planning that prioritizes the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users. Another key concept is the notion of sustainable design. Sustainable design is an approach to architecture that considers the environmental impact of buildings and their materials. One example of this is the Bullitt Center, a commercial building in Seattle that is designed to be net-zero energy and carbon-neutral. Architecture also plays a critical role in shaping social and economic inequality. The design of public spaces can either promote or discourage social interaction, and can either facilitate or impede access to economic opportunities. For example, the High Line in New York City is a public park built on an elevated rail line that was converted into a green space. The park has helped to revitalize the surrounding neighborhood and has become a hub of community activity. Designing communities is an essential and exciting field of study that can inspire us to think critically about the places we live and work, and to envision a more equitable and sustainable future.

What if architects developed deep-time literacy to become true planetary stewards? Cristina Parreño Alonso's Transtectonics explores the cultural and environmental implications of expanded temporal sensibilities in architectural material practice. Her new class, 4.181 (The Deep Time Project), culminated in multimedia projects that bring deep time into contemporary consciousness. From imagining a future where plastic is integral to the geological structure of the Earth to exploring the adaptive relationship between the human body and its prosthetic additions of language and architecture, these material essays offer provocative perspectives on the impact of our actions today.

Are you interested in exploring the ancient Japanese tradition of thatching and experiencing it firsthand? Discover a rare opportunity to stay in a 160-year-old thatched-roof house in the Miyama region, preserved by a community of thatchers who are masters of this 5,000-year-old craft. Read this fascinating article by BBC Travel to learn about the history and significance of thatching in Japan, the connection between thatching and Shinto religion, and the unique lifestyle of rural communities in Miyama.

Are you curious about how technology is shaping the future of our cities? This book by an internationally renowned architect and urban planner explores the major technological forces driving urban change. Discover how digital systems are transforming urban life and explore new visions for tomorrow's city. With a front-row seat to experimentation and implementation of urban initiatives, the authors call for a new approach to envisioning cities: futurecraft, a symbiotic development of urban ideas by designers and the public. Join the conversation and shape the most desirable future for our cities. Recommended for urban planners, architects, designers, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and urban life. This book explores the major technological forces driving the future of cities, providing new visions for tomorrow's city. With a front-row seat to experimentation and implementation of urban initiatives, the authors call for a new approach to envisioning cities: futurecraft, a symbiotic development of urban ideas by designers and the public. This book may also be relevant to those studying fields such as urban studies, engineering, and computer science, as well as anyone interested in shaping the future of our cities.

Urban rejuvenation refers to the process of revitalizing declining or run-down urban areas, often through physical, economic, and social improvements. In recent years, cities around the world have been facing a range of challenges, such as population growth, urbanization, and environmental degradation, making urban rejuvenation an increasingly important topic of study. Leading academics in the field of urban rejuvenation, such as Richard Florida and Jane Jacobs, have made significant contributions to our understanding of the factors that contribute to the success of urban rejuvenation projects. For example, Florida's theory of the "creative class" highlights the role of talented and creative individuals in driving economic growth and revitalization in cities, while Jacobs' ideas about the importance of vibrant and diverse street life and mixed-use developments have influenced urban design and planning practices. Did you know that according to the World Health Organization, over half of the world's population now lives in cities? This means that the success of urban rejuvenation projects is becoming increasingly important for the well-being of millions of people. In addition, a recent study by the Urban Land Institute found that in the United States alone, over $150 billion has been invested in urban revitalization projects in the past decade. There are many exciting and innovative approaches to urban rejuvenation, ranging from community-led initiatives to large-scale government projects. For example, the High Line in New York City, a former elevated railway that was transformed into a public park, has become a popular destination and a symbol of urban renewal. In Detroit, the Greening of Detroit organization is working to create green spaces and promote sustainable agriculture in the city, with the goal of improving the health and well-being of residents.

Are you interested in creating the cities and communities of tomorrow? Do you have a passion for designing sustainable environments that promote social equity and economic growth? If so, then the field of Urban and Regional Planning might be the perfect fit for you! Urban and Regional Planning is a dynamic and exciting field that combines elements of architecture, engineering, geography, and social science to create thriving communities. By studying Urban and Regional Planning, you will learn how to design and manage cities, towns, and rural areas to ensure they are functional, equitable, and sustainable. One of the most appealing aspects of Urban and Regional Planning is the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. For example, you might work on projects that improve public transportation, create affordable housing, or promote green spaces and parks. By designing communities that are more walkable, bike-friendly, and accessible, you can help reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions. In recent years, Urban and Regional Planning has also become a hotbed of innovation and research. From smart cities and urban data analytics to participatory planning and community engagement, there are countless exciting areas of study within the field. You might find yourself working with cutting-edge technology, such as 3D modeling and virtual reality, to create more realistic and immersive urban environments. At the undergraduate level, typical majors and modules in Urban and Regional Planning include courses in urban design, land use planning, environmental planning, transportation planning, and community development. You may also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as historic preservation, urban economics, or GIS mapping. After graduation, there are many potential career paths available to Urban and Regional Planning graduates. You might work for a government agency, such as a city planning department or a regional transportation authority. Alternatively, you could work for a private consulting firm, helping clients navigate complex zoning regulations and land use policies. Notable employers in the field include firms like AECOM, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and Gensler. To succeed in Urban and Regional Planning, it's helpful to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as an interest in social justice and community development. A background in architecture, engineering, geography, or sociology can also be beneficial. With the right combination of skills and passion, you can make a real difference in shaping the cities and communities of tomorrow.

Utopianism is the belief in a perfect world, or at least a world designed to be perfect. It may seem like an impossible concept, but it has been around for centuries. Many cultures and religions have myths of a perfect society in the past, and there have been all sorts of ideas about a perfect society. Being a utopianist essentially means being a dreamer, and striving for a better world. While utopianism's main flaw is its obsession with perfection, it is important to at least strive for a better world. Learning about utopianism can help you to understand how people have tried to create perfect societies in the past, and the potential pitfalls of such thinking. It can also inspire you to dream big and work towards a better future. So, don't be afraid to be a dreamer and imagine a better world. Who knows, you might just be the one to make it a reality.

Board games can be a fun pastime, but what happens when they reinforce prejudices and glorify colonial domination? Researchers at MIT and Dartmouth delve into the history of board games in their new book, "Playing Oppression," and analyze the assumptions baked into many of them. From the problematic elements of "Puerto Rico" to the glorification of empire-building in games like "Empires: Age of Discovery," this book sheds light on the legacy of conquest and empire in colonialist board games.