Review by Choice Review
The product of the First Los Angeles Ecological Cities Conference held in 1991, this volume contains approximately 50 entries ranging from concept papers and statements of principle to how-to articles and case studies, all of which focus on the environmental sustainability of cities and its relationship to sound economic development. The many authors, most of whom reside in California, reject the mass-built postwar suburb with its excessive demands on energy and insensitivity to the natural environment and are equally appalled by the hard-edged industrial city with its environmental problems and environmentally intrusive design. They emphasize ecological responsibility of both private and public spaces. The entries appear under nine major headings: context, overall design parameters, sustainability, ecological design, economic strategies, the human component, changing the rules of the game, works in progress, and the long view. In addition, there is a resource guide and a list of conference participants. Overall, this publication is useful and important, amply illustrated, and a lively and appealing introduction to the need to bring ecological sensitivity to the city. All collections. R. A. Beauregard; University of Pittsburgh
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
