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From Trophy Towns to City States: The New Urbanism

Ethan Gray

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Published in From Trophy Towns To City States: Urban Civilization And Cultural Identities In Roman Pontus (Empire And After)

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In his new book, From Trophy Towns to City States: The New Urbanism, David Owen argues that the traditional model of urban development is no longer sustainable. In its place, he proposes a new model of urbanism that is based on the principles of sustainability, resilience, and equity.

Owen begins by arguing that the traditional model of urban development, which he calls "trophy townism," is no longer sustainable. Trophy towns are cities that are designed to attract and retain wealthy residents and businesses. They are often characterized by sprawling development, a lack of affordable housing, and a high cost of living. Owen argues that trophy towns are not only unsustainable, but they are also unfair. They create a two-tiered system of cities, in which the wealthy live in enclaves of privilege while the poor are left behind.

Owen proposes a new model of urbanism that he calls "city statism." City states are cities that are designed to be sustainable, resilient, and equitable. They are characterized by compact development, a mix of housing types, and a strong public transportation system. Owen argues that city states are the best way to create livable, prosperous, and sustainable cities.

From Trophy Towns to City-States: Urban Civilization and Cultural Identities in Roman Pontus (Empire and After)

by Jesper Majbom Madsen

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9747 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	280 pages

Owen's book is a timely and important contribution to the debate about the future of cities. He provides a clear and compelling argument for a new model of urbanism that is based on the principles of sustainability, resilience, and equity. From Trophy Towns to City States is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the future of cities.

Trophy towns: Cities that are designed to attract and retain wealthy residents and businesses.
City states: Cities that are designed to be sustainable, resilient, and equitable.
Sustainability: The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Resilience: The ability to withstand and recover from shocks and stresses.
Equity: The fair and just distribution of resources and opportunities.

David Owen is a professor of urban planning at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of several books on urban planning and development, including Green Metropolis: Why Living Smaller, Living Closer, and Driving Less Are the Keys to Sustainability, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

"David Owen has written a brilliant and provocative book that will change the way we think about cities. From Trophy Towns to City States is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of our urban world." — Richard Florida, author of The Rise of the Creative Class

"Owen's book is a timely and important contribution to the debate about the future of cities. He provides a clear and compelling argument for a new model of urbanism that is based on the principles of sustainability, resilience, and equity." — Michael Bloomberg, former mayor of New York City

"From Trophy Towns to City States is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing cities in the 21st century. Owen offers a clear and concise vision for how we can create more livable, prosperous, and sustainable cities." — Jane Jacobs, author of The Death and Life of Great American Cities

From Trophy Towns to City-States: Urban Civilization and Cultural Identities in Roman Pontus (Empire and After)

by Jesper Majbom Madsen

5 out of 5