The Living City

This book is an invaluable resource for those wishing to know more about the multitude of small projects that have taken place across the United States in recent years which have had a positive impact in their respective city's regeneration process. Lots of details for those wishing to undertake such a project in their own city. Information about how to save our built heritage and NOT uproot those who currently reside in these places. Stories of community design at its best, as well as stories of courage and perserverence. Reading them restores one's faith in the possibilities of doing good in our inner cities.

After working on a project with Roberta in New Orleans, it was a delight to read her book. The subject matter was never something that interested me, but she writes it in such a way that it is relateable for everyone, just not architects or city planners. Her style is interesting and her ideas are well thought out.

I have read a lot of books about the issue and they use to be boring and very dificcult to read. This one is the great exception! I really have enjoyed the way the stories are narrated, and the complete information they provide. As an architect specialized in Urban Economics at Buenos Aires , I have found this book very useful for my own research on the issue.

Gratz explores how and why cities survive, thrive and die and explores why small, incremental change is often a more successful revitalization strategy than super "downtown malls" or sportsplexes. It turns out the key to a lively and lovely city is people of all socioeconomic brackets who actually LIVE downtown, which attracts business, arts and culture!