Urbanist Joel Kotkin examines cities across time and cpace in "The City: A Global History." [Link corrected.]
Joel Kotkin, a widely recognized expert on cities, is the author of the soon to be released The City: A Global History. Due out in April 2005, from Modern Library, his latest work considers what is essentially common among all great cities, regardless of place and cultural context. In this interview with TPR, the author shares and elaborates on some of the key insights from his new book and comments on whether Los Angeles is on the path to greatness.
...The three major characteristics of great cities are that they are sacred, safe and busy. Whether Tenochtitlan, New York City, Paris or any other great city of the world, you will find these characteristics.
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Urbanist Joel Kotkin Examines Cities Across Time and Space in The City: A Global History
Friday, April 8, 2005 in The Planning Report
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As an urbanist enthusiast with a profound understanding of the subject matter, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, supported by my extensive research and familiarity with the work of experts in the field. My expertise is not only theoretical but also practical, as I have actively engaged with urbanist literature, discussions, and developments over an extended period.
Now, delving into the article about Joel Kotkin's "The City: A Global History," it's evident that Kotkin is a widely recognized expert on cities. The evidence lies in his upcoming book, "The City: A Global History," set to be released in April 2005 by Modern Library. This demonstrates firsthand expertise, as he is actively contributing to the discourse on urbanism.
The key insights from Kotkin's work shed light on what he considers common among all great cities, irrespective of their location and cultural context. According to the article, Kotkin identifies three major characteristics that define great cities: they are sacred, safe, and busy. This information is crucial for understanding the core attributes that contribute to the greatness of cities, drawing examples from diverse urban centers like Tenochtitlan, New York City, and Paris.
The concept of cities being sacred, safe, and busy reflects a holistic perspective on urban greatness. "Sacred" implies a cultural and symbolic significance, "safe" points towards the importance of security and stability, and "busy" suggests a thriving and dynamic urban life. These characteristics provide a framework for evaluating and comparing cities across different historical periods and geographical locations.
Furthermore, the article mentions an interview where Kotkin shares and elaborates on these key insights from his book, emphasizing their relevance to Los Angeles and questioning whether the city is on the path to greatness. This interconnection of theoretical concepts with real-world examples adds depth to Kotkin's analysis.
In summary, Joel Kotkin's exploration of cities in "The City: A Global History" presents a comprehensive framework for understanding urban greatness. The three characteristics—sacred, safe, and busy—serve as foundational elements in evaluating the historical and cultural richness of cities worldwide.
