In recent years there has been a growing focus on urban and environmental studies; and the skills and techniques needed to address the wider challenges of how to create sustainable communities. Central to that demand is the increasing urgency of addressing the issue of urban decline; and the response has almost always been to pursue growth policies to attempt to reverse that decline. The track record of growth policies has been mixed at best. Until the first decade of the twenty-first century decline was assumed to be an issue only for former industrial cities ndash; the so-called Rust Belt. But the sudden reversal in growth in the major cities of the American Sunbelt has shown that urban decline can be a much wider issue. Justin Hollanderrsquo;s research into urban decline in both the Sun and Rust Belts draws lessons planners and policy makers that can be applied universally. Hollander addresses the reasons and statistics behind these "shrinking cities" with a positive outlook; arguing that growth for growthrsquo;s sake is not beneficial for communities; suggesting instead that urban development could be achieved through shrinkage. Case studies on Phoenix; Flint; Orlando and Fresno support the argument; and Hollander delves into the numbers; literature and individual lives affected and how they have changed in response to the declining regions. Written for urban scholars and to suit a wide range of courses focused on contemporary urban studies; this text forms a base for all study on shrinking cities for professionals; academics and students in urban design; planning; public administration and sociology.
#1582962 in eBooks 2009-07-15 2009-07-15File Name: B004PLNRJ6
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Great book. more of an overview of areas than a detailed lookBy mabbtsI purchased this book to help explore the California coast. There is a section on the Palos Verdes Peninsula--I travel that route on my daily commute so I was hoping to find out about details about the area. But there are only a few things highlighted from each area. So it wasnt much for someone who is local.On the other hand. I know many people who have been to Los Angeles. even some who have lived here. that had no idea about the beautiful coastline between the beach cities and the Port. So. the book would definitely highlight a little known backroad right in Los Angeles. (I use it for my commute because there is no traffic which makes it faster than the freeways!)The photos are beautiful and I am glad I purchased this book.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Wet your Appetite for the California CoastBy Richard WongGary Crabbe is a fantastic photographer who has a great eye for lighting and capturing the essence of a place. I usually just skim through text in photo books as sort of like how commercials are to TV shows but the text here by the author makes good use of the space by telling us enough to be interested in the places. a road trip if you will. but doesnt bog down the flow with superfluous details. The size of the book is perfect as well as it could easily fit in your travel bag or in your car.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Nice reference material.By LauraVery nice book to have in the car during recent road trip through California. I left my copy at a hotel on my final night in CA. so someone else would benefit from it. Very nice reference material. and pin points some places of interest.
