Being 'Cool' Won't Save Your City

Joel Kotkin traces a shift in the role of cities.

1 minute read

July 6, 2004, 8:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech

"What we are seeing is more like a subtle shift in the role of cities: from the commanding centers of global civilization to (at least in the advanced countries) a more peripheral function...As long as the leaders indulge their fantasies about being "hip" and neglect a firmer foundation, their cities will become little more than theme parks for the affluent -- and symbols of lost opportunity for everyone else."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

FULL STORY: Pluses, minuses for Providence -- Trying to be hip won't save cities

Tuesday, July 6, 2004 in Joel Kotkin

Architecture United States

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.