The Embrace of Buildings

The Embrace of Buildings provides an overview of the key factors, topics, and issues in Anglo-American urbanism: the origins and development of the suburban ideal, the role of federal policies and spending priorities in shaping the built environment, the rise of the private automobile as the primary mode of transportation, the effects of functional zoning laws, the relation between the public realm and the quality of civic discourse, the influence of modernism on city planning, the impact of low-density development on public health, the connection between development and city budgets, the impact of urbanism on the environment, and the problem of gentrification. In a culture long enamored of the suburban ideal, Hardy invites his readers to reconsider the many advantages of living and working in walkable city neighborhoods—compact neighborhoods characterized by a fine network of pedestrian-friendly streets, mixed land uses, mixed housing types, and a full range of transit options. In addition, he investigates the role religion has played in defining American attitudes towards the city, and the difference church location makes in Christian ministry and mission.

Preface

1. The Invisible Hand of Uncle Sam

2. In Every Garage a Car—No, Make That Two Cars

3. Every Home a Country Villa

4. Where Does the Christian Come Down?

5. What Is a Neighborhood?

6. Complete Streets

7. The Public Realm

8. Functional Zoning

9. Jane and Goliath

10. Form-Based Codes

11. The Many Modes of Transit

12. Here’s to Your Health

13. Balancing Budgets with Smart Growth

14. Green Cities

15. The G Word

16. Where Is the Church?

Resources

Endnotes

Bibliography