Graeme Evans

Using an historic and contemporary analysis, Cultural Planning examines how and why the cultures have been planned and the extent to which cultural amenities have been considered in town planning. From its ancient roots in the cities of classical Athenian, Roman and Byzantium empires, to the European Renaissance, public culture shows both an historic continuity and contemporary response to economic and social change. Whilst the arts are considered an extension of welfare provision and human rights, the creative industries and cultural tourism are also vital for economic growth and employment in the post-industrial age. However, the new 'Grand Projects', which look to the arts as an element of urban regeneration, tend to be at the cost of both local cultural amenities and a culturally diverse society. Cultural Planning is the first book on the planning of the arts and culture and the interaction between the state arts policy, the cultural economy and town and city planning. It uses case studies and examples from Europe, North America and Asia. The book calls for the adoption of consultative planning policy, distributive models and a more integrated approach to both culture and urban design, to prevent the reinforcement of existing geographical and cultural divides.

An Urban Renaissance?

Cultural Planning

Rachel Cooper

Christopher Boyko

This book offers practical solutions to achieving sustainable urbandesign and development, and helps designers communicate thesesolutions effectively to planners, developers and policy makers. Addressing sustainability issues in relation to the design andplanning of the urban environment is a complex, multi-disciplinaryissue and solutions never arrive from a single perspective. Theauthors use design as a facilitating factor to consider when and bywhom decisions that contribute to sustainability are made, andthrough three major city-centre case studies - London, Manchesterand Sheffield – they consider social, environmental andeconomic factors and examine their relationship to thedecision-making process. Designing Sustainable Cities begins by identifying thekey processes and lead decision-makers. The following chaptersdevelop an understanding of the dimensions of sustainability,presenting the tools by which the dimensions can be analysed. Laterchapters illustrate the trade-offs and the relationships betweenthe dimensions of sustainability - with case study examples - aswell as the use of IT in making design decisions. Finally, the bookmakes recommendations for future approaches to the design,development and on-going management of urban environments. Designing Sustainable Cities covers: latest research data on the urban environment and theinteraction between social, economic and environmental issues methods of understanding the context in which urban designtakes place guidance on the codes of practice process maps to help understand the context, make trade-offsand develop design solutions that allow for change methods for testing the consequences of design proposals andmonitoring outcomes.

Designing Sustainable Cities

This book brings together different perspectives of mega-event bidding, hosting and legacies. Their impact is considered through an international range of mega-events in terms of land use, political and socio-economic change, and the placemaking processes that accompany these area-based regeneration projects. From city-regions that have not been successful or withdrawn from mega-event selection, to contemporary Olympic, Football World Cup and Expo host cities whose legacy is still unfolding, to event sites whose legacy is now established, the global appeal of the mega-event is apparent from this collection. The book interrogates the mega-event phenomenon in ten countries, from North and South America, and Australia, to Western and Eastern Europe. Drawing on their historical evolution and antecedents, and following recurrent themes of urban regeneration and resistance, the book highlights the importance of major events and festivals to the creation and marketing of place through branding and regional growth In considering a range of mega-events critically and in different national and geopolitical contexts, the book will be of interest to policy and decision-makers at local, regional, national and international levels, and will be of particular interest to professionals, scholars and students working in planning, urban studies, sport and leisure studies, and in event and festival management.

Placemaking, Regeneration and City-Regional Development

Mega-Events

We all have one life to live, and gradually realize that it passes quickly. As adults we learn the value of living intelligently and intentionally. Yet most of us become swamped when we try to apply this approach to the big questions of life. The biosphere and humanity are highly complex, and the cosmos is breathtakingly vast. What is truth? Can we rely on perspectives that were taught to us as facts? Does current mainstream science provide all the answers and worldview we need in order to live and thrive? Can it fully satisfy our desire for meaning? This book begins with an examination of truth itself, and suggests ways we can improve our ability to discern truth from fiction. It then goes on to identify recent scientific discoveries that challenge conventional thinking, before exploring a number of other vital issues that touch on 'the meaning of life'. Is It Time to Think Again? is both a roadmap and travel-guide for people who seek to explore the big questions of life. - As a roadmap, it provides a useful structure that readers should find very helpful for approaching these complex subjects systematically, rather than being intimidated by their shear breadth and complexity. - As a travel-guide, it identifies many fascinating discoveries and topics that readers may wish to explore further themselves. Because our understanding of origins greatly influences our answer to the question 'What is the meaning of life?', nearly half of the book is devoted to exploring this vital subject in breadth. It identifies many scientific discoveries over the last fifty years that challenge status quo perspectives, and visits key aspects of the evolution / intelligent design debate. The second half of the book explores the implications if we are created, rather than are the product of colossal cosmic chance. It identifies two sets of writings from antiquity that stand head and shoulders above everything else, for being consistent with an entity who could create the cosmos and biosphere. The book then gives an overview of their characteristics and main themes, helping readers to assess whether, compiled together as our modern Bible, they form "the Maker's handbook" for humankind. It goes on to summarize what the Bible says about how we can find our way home to the one who made us. The book is written in a fast-moving and stimulating style that conveys the sense that the author is a fellow traveler and explorer with the reader. At various points along the way, it asks penetrating questions that give readers plenty to ponder. It opens up topics for readers to think about for themselves, rather than forcing them to agree with the author. Primarily, the book has been written for those who are humbly asking whether God exists and want to think your way through this objectively, with an integrity that is willing to embrace what you discover. However, the book is also inspiring for existing Christians. Much of the content is very encouraging and stimulating, even for mature believers. And it provides plenty of material you can use in conversations with people who are eager for honest discussion on these interesting and wide ranging topics - or might want to borrow your copy of the paperback or e-book.

Graeme Evans

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