Budapest

In this lively and authoritative study, Enyedi and Szirmai begin by tracing the historical development of Budapest over a 2000 year period, covering its emergence as a key central European capital during the Middle Ages and subsequently as part of the powerful Austro-Hungarian empire in the late 19th/early 20th century, and more recently its changing geopolitical role following World War II. Following the familiar "World Cities" series format, the book then goes on to focus on key themes such as the role of geographical location in different stages of urban development (including geopolitical factors, the Danube, tourism etc), environmental problems, influences on architecture and urban planning, demographic patterns and the impact of industrialization. The book concludes by examining Budapest's long term master plan - adapted in 1985 - from the perspective of the various alternatives for its future social and political development.