RESOURCE REVIEW: Dynamic Urban Design: A Handbook for Creating Sustainable Communities Worldwide

Fall 2013, Vol. 38, No. 2

Abstract: What makes urban design dynamic? The author of this book, Michael A. Von Hausen, believes it is taking urban design to a more comprehensive level, essentially uniting urban design and sustainability “in a practical, measured way,” and doing it on a global basis. His proclaimed mission is “to bring sustainable urban form to people around the world.” Reviewer Joe Parker, CRE, thinks the book is a “must-read” for urban planners, if only to assess whether the author’s points of view are relevant and credible. He also believes it would be a good read for practitioners involved in development projects and processes: architects, landscape architects, planners, engineers, developers and economists. For real estate professionals who are either involved in or curious about sustainability and the urban design process, Parker recommends, at a minimum, a thorough reading of chapters one through nine, and 17, a familiarization with the “Case Studies” that follow in the subsequent chapters, and keeping the book handy for future reference.