Civic Realism

Rowe, professor of architecture and urban design at Harvard uses his concept ""civic realism"" to describe successful public spaces--spaces that occur at the intersection of both state and civil society. They provide places for activities in all parts of society, from civic events to market fairs, and are frequented by both dignitaries and skateboarders. Beginning with a thorough study of Sienna's Campo, perhaps the world's best and most complex example of urban public space, Rowe uses more contemporary urban projects--Barcelona and Paris in the 1980s, post-WWII Rome, New York City--to flesh out his thesis. More impressive than Rowe's studies of urban places is his ability to keep the narrative coherent while tracing the diverse political, literary, cultural and architectural influences that together form the seemingly simple public park, square or street. Rowe's intent is to provide a thesis and analysis that will inform future design, continuing the arguments of his other books Design Thinking and Making a Middle Landscape. With his sense for appropriate detail and well-inserted definitions of terms, Rowe has written a very accessible book. With recent increase in interest in the connection between culture and public spaces, in academia, in public consciousness and in public projects, Civic Realism is a well-timed study which will benefit everyone involved in public life--planners, designers and users. (July)