By Alex Raines
Urban and land use planning are critical for creating sustainable, livable cities. With urbanization on the rise, understanding the intricacies of planning is essential for both professionals and enthusiasts. This list ranks the top 10 books on the subject, providing insights into the most impactful works available. Each book has been selected based on its relevance, depth of information, and overall contribution to the field. Dive in to discover the essential reads that will deepen your understanding of urban and land use planning.
Table of Contents
10. Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life by Eric Klinenberg
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars (375 ratings)
Category: Urban & Land Use Planning
Eric Klinenberg’s book explores the concept of social infrastructure and its importance in urban planning. He argues that well-designed public spaces can combat social issues like inequality and polarization. This insightful read is perfect for anyone interested in the social aspects of urban planning.
9. Arbitrary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and How to Fix It by M. Nolan Gray
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 out of 5 stars (140 ratings)
M. Nolan Gray presents a critical analysis of zoning laws and their impact on American cities. He provides a comprehensive history and suggests innovative solutions for reform. This book is a must-read for understanding the complexities and consequences of zoning.
8. The Great American House: Tradition for the Way We Live Now by Gil Schafer III
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (268 ratings)
Gil Schafer III combines architectural history with contemporary design principles in this beautifully illustrated book. It’s an excellent resource for those interested in the evolution of American residential architecture and its relevance today.
7. A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction by Christopher Alexander
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (908 ratings)
Christopher Alexander’s seminal work offers a comprehensive set of design principles that can be applied to urban and architectural planning. Its enduring influence makes it a cornerstone text in the field, perfect for both students and practitioners.
6. Walkable City Rules: 101 Steps to Making Better Places by Jeff Speck
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 out of 5 stars (159 ratings)
Jeff Speck provides practical guidelines for creating walkable cities. His step-by-step approach makes this book an invaluable tool for urban planners and advocates for sustainable urban development.
5. A Natural History of North American Trees by Donald Culross Peattie
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 out of 5 stars (95 ratings)
This book offers a detailed exploration of North American trees and their role in urban landscapes. Donald Culross Peattie’s engaging writing makes it a fascinating read for anyone interested in the natural elements of urban planning.
4. Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time by Jeff Speck
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (960 ratings)
Jeff Speck’s influential book argues for the benefits of walkable cities. His compelling case studies and practical advice make it a crucial read for anyone looking to improve urban living conditions.
3. The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,513 ratings)
Jane Jacobs’ classic work challenges conventional urban planning wisdom. Her observations and critiques remain highly relevant, making this book a timeless addition to any urban planner’s library.
2. Walkable City (Tenth Anniversary Edition) by Jeff Speck
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (960 ratings)
The tenth anniversary edition of Jeff Speck’s seminal book includes updated insights and additional content, reaffirming its status as an essential guide for creating walkable, vibrant cities.
1. The Death and Life of Great American Cities: 50th Anniversary Edition by Jane Jacobs
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,513 ratings)
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, this edition of Jane Jacobs’ masterpiece includes new forewords and insights. It remains a critical text for understanding urban dynamics and advocating for community-centric planning.
Conclusion
These books provide invaluable insights into urban and land use planning, offering both theoretical perspectives and practical guidelines. Whether you’re a professional, a student, or an urban enthusiast, these works will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the field. Invest in these essential reads to stay informed and inspired in the ever-evolving landscape of urban planning.
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What Is Land Use?
Land use might seem like a self-explanatory term, but it has a very specific definition with immense consequences for the way we live, work, and go about our daily lives. Everywhere we look, the use of land is highly regulated. In the United States, land use is regulated at every level of government, but it is most conspicuous and consequential at the local level.
Land use is the central concept for planning as it has been practiced for over a century in the United States. Every kind of plan created by planning departments at the city and county levels around the United States decides the future of land, whether that means comprehensive plans, general plans, community plans, etc. Zoning codes are then used as the legal tool to enforce and implement those land use plans.
To really understand the term, we have to talk about some specific types of land uses. One of the most obvious kinds of land use is residential, which includes houses, apartments, and condominiums that we think of as home. Most cities in the United States are designed to be dominated by residential land uses. Moreover, most of the residential housing allowed in the United States consists entirely of single-family detached homes, the homes with yards and two-car garages that are most commonly associated with suburbia.
An article published by the New York Times in June 2019 quantified the amount of land devoted entirely to residential uses. In Los Angeles, for example, 75 percent of the city is zoned exclusively for single-family residential uses. In Portland, Oregon, it’s 77 percent; in Charlotte, North Carolina, it’s 84 percent; and in Arlington, Texas, it’s 89 percent.
Other common and easily recognizable land use types include commercial and industrial. When some combination of uses is allowed in neighborhoods or on individual parcels, it’s called mixed use.
Land use planning has its origins in the desire to separate residential neighborhoods from the pollution created by industrial businesses. The separation of uses became so common that it has its own term, or what planners call Euclidean zoning. While the separation of land uses might have started with good intentions for health and prosperity, this kind of land use regulation has also created numerous negative consequences like congestion, the pollution of air and water, and the emissions that cause climate change. Additionally, the separation of land uses has historically been used as a tool of discrimination and segregation.
Because of the negative consequences and racist history of the separation of land uses, many cities and even entire states have begun to discard some of their most restrictive land use regulations. Minneapolis was the first large city in the country to ban single-family zoning city-wide, allowing residential developments of up to three units on lots previously reserved solely for single-family detached homes.
Land use is a term used very specifically by planners, but it has tremendous consequences for the economy, the earth, and society. Even if you’re not an urban planner, understanding what people mean when they say land use can influence the way you see your community and the broader world. Most importantly, changing the world often starts with the ground right beneath our feet.
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