Living Streets

The only book of its kind to provide an overview ofsustainable street design Today, society is moving toward a more sustainable way of life,with cities everywhere aspiring to become high-quality places tolive, work, and play. Streets are fundamental to this shift. Theydefine our system of movement, create connections between places,and offer opportunities to reconnect to natural systems. There isan increasing realization that the right-of-way is a critical andunder-recognized resource for transformation, with new models beingtested to create a better public realm, support balancedtransportation options, and provide sustainable solutions forstormwater and landscaping. Living Streets provides practical guidance on thecomplete street approach to sustainable and community-minded streetuse and design. Written by an interdisciplinary team of authors,the book brings insights and experience from urban planning,transportation planning, and civil engineering perspectives. Itincludes examples from many completed street design projects fromaround the world, an overview of the design and policy tools thathave been successful, and guidance to help get past the predictableobstacles to implementation: Who makes decisions in theright-of-way? Who takes responsibility? How can regulations bechanged to allow better use of the right-of-way? Living Streets informs you of the benefits of creatingstreets that are healthier, more pleasant parts of life: * Thoughtful planning of the location, uses, and textures of thespaces in which we live encourages people to use public space moreoften, be more active, and possibly live healthier lives. * A walkable community makes life easier and more pleasant foreveryone, especially for vulnerable populations within the largercommunity whose transportation limitations reduce access to jobs,healthy food, health care, recreation, and social interaction. * Streets present opportunities to improve the naturalenvironment while adding to neighborhood character, offeringbeauty, providing shade, and improving air quality. If you're an urban planner, designer, transportation engineer,or civil engineer, Living Streets is the ultimate guide forthe creation of more humane streetscapes that connect neighborhoodsand inspire people.