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Happy City
Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design
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Check link for latest rating. ( 9,084 ratings, 1,107 reviews)
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
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See moreTells the story of how the solutions to this century's problems lie in unlocking the secrets to great city living. Drawing on the lessons from their stories, from brain science, and from the realm of urban experimentation, this book offers solutions we can all use to improve our lives and shows that simple changes can make all the difference.
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Description
Happy City by Charles Montgomery is a captivating exploration of what truly makes a place worth living in. Journeying from the bustling streets of Copenhagen to the revitalised corners of Bogotá, Montgomery unveils how densely-populated urban areas can enhance our health, sanity, and overall happiness. This insightful book will transform your perspective on city living, providing new hope for the future of urban environments.
Montgomery delves into how the 21st century presents an opportunity to rethink urban life. Amidst concerns of sprawling cities and disconnected communities, Happy City reveals that the secrets to happier urban living may already be within our grasp. But what exactly makes a city a joy to live in? Through vivid storytelling and thorough research, Montgomery shows it's not the wealth of your neighbours or the pleasantness of the weather that matters most.
Travelling to cities like Atlanta, Vancouver, and Bogotá, he meets the innovative minds at the forefront of urban transformation. Discover how a visionary Colombian mayor converted perilous streets into an urban cycling paradise. Learn from a Danish architect who integrated the charm of medieval Tuscan towns into modern-day Copenhagen. See how New York City's transport commissioner reimagined Times Square, turning it from a gridlocked chaos into a pedestrian-friendly oasis.
Happy City combines lessons from these remarkable stories with insights from brain science and urban experimentation. The book offers practical solutions that anyone can implement to enhance their quality of life. It proves that small, thoughtful changes in urban planning and design can significantly impact our daily happiness.
'Do we live in neighbourhoods that make us happy? Montgomery encourages us to ask without embarrassment, and to think intelligently about the answer' - The New York Times Book Review
'Excellent . . . Montgomery believes in the importance of smart town planning and Happy City is a compendium of its major ideas' - Will Dean, Independent
Charles Montgomery is a journalist and urban experimentalist from Vancouver, Canada. His writings on urban planning, psychology, culture, and history have graced the pages of magazines and journals across three continents. He is also the author of another acclaimed book and was a founding member of the BMW Guggenheim Lab. Happy City is not just a book; it's a blueprint for smarter, happier city living. Dive into its pages and be inspired to make your city a better place for everyone.Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Happy City by Charles Montgomery is praised for advocating smart town planning, focusing on creating urban spaces that prioritise human well-being. Reviews highlight its compelling economic, social, moral, and environmental arguments, with emphasis on reducing car usage and fostering community encounters. It is noted for its readability and stimulating content, urging readers to consider long-avoided urban issues.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780141047546
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 05 February 2015
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 23.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 292g
Pages: 400
About the Author
Charles Montgomery is a journalist and urban experimentalist from Vancouver, Canada. His writings on urban planning, psychology, culture, and history have appeared in magazines and journals on three continents. He is the author of one previous book, and was an original member of the BMW Guggenheim Lab.
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