Working Cities

Architecture, Place and Production

Howard Davis

• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Year: 2019
• Print ISBN: 9781138328662
• eBook ISBN: 9780429827938
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Architecture
• Subtopic: Architecture General

Cities have historically supported production, commerce, and consumption, all central to urban life. But in the contemporary Western city, production has been hidden or removed, and commerce and consumption have dominated. This book is about the importance of production in the life of the city, and the relationships between production, architecture, and urban form. It answers the question: What will cities be like when they become, once again, places of production and not only of consumption?

Through theoretical arguments, historical analysis, and descriptions of new initiatives, Working Cities: Architecture, Place and Production argues that contemporary cities can regain their historic role as places of material production—places where food is processed and things are made. The book looks toward a future that builds on this revival, providing architectural and urban examples and current strategies within the framework of a strong set of historically-based arguments.

The book is illustrated in full colour with archival and contemporary photographs, maps, and diagrams especially developed for the book. The diagrams help illustrate the different variables of architectural space, urban location, and production in different historical eras and in different kinds of industries, providing a compelling visual understanding for the reader.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Table of Contents
• Preface
• Introduction: beyond the city as object
• Part 1: The evolution of production space
• Part 2: The vitality of city life
• Part 3: Making space for production
• Conclusion: the city in 2050 and beyond
• Bibliography
• Index