How Great Cities Happen

Urban planners in developed countries are pushing hard for closer integration of land use and transport. At the same time, gaps in knowledge and understanding are becoming more apparent, as the traditional focus has been on the shape of the city, rather than how it functions as a place to live and visit. How Great Cities Happen addresses this challenge by developing a wider, all-encompassing agenda for more productive, inclusive and sustainable cities. This book's innovative approach to land use and transport planning covers such issues as: urban planning for productivity growth; social inclusion and wellbeing (including what makes a great city for children); and environmental sustainability. Extensive discussions of affordable housing and analyses of funding opportunities for increased investment in urban public transport are also provided. In addition, the book offers a review of the governance frameworks that can best integrate top-down strategic thinking and bottom-up approaches into a more holistic strategy. The authors adopt a meticulous yet non-technical approach, grounded in a blend of academic and real-world experience of cities. The work will appeal to students in urban planning, policy, economics, transport economics and social and environmental policy. Professional planners and urban policymakers will also benefit from the strong policy orientation.