Value for the good city
Chapter 7 “Value for the good city” in Lennard’s “Livable Cities Observed” is a critique of the current status of many cities around the world especially those in North America. The author argues that cities are strictly public places where the dwellers should be able to exercise cultural exchange as well as share in happy times and live in harmony. However, today the cities have not been designed well and for this reason, the city is no longer conducive to serve humanity in a welcoming way; city developers are said to blame for this crisis.
According to the author, poor planning is one major issue and is the root cause of all evils in the city such as crime and immorality. To recover the standards of a good city, the author is challenging city developers including city planners and architects to review their work and be responsible for proper planning of the city to make its environs conducive for public activities and more welcoming to everyone.
Principles for the livable city
The author’s focus is on educating the city developers and the general public on important principles that are essential in restructuring the main central part of the city which according to the author has not been accorded the planning that it deserves especially in most countries in western and Eastern Europe. In chapter 20 “Principles for the livable city” of “Livable Cities Observed,” the author emphasizes the need to restructure those cities that are in poor shape in a systematic manner that does not cause much interference or dislodge dwellers unnecessarily.
Generally, this article emphasizes the importance of proper urban planning to make the city accommodative to all dwellers and visitors in general. Therefore towards this end, the author provides clear guidelines that should be followed in refurbishing any city. The authors also advocate for the undertaking of necessary changes in core areas such as the city center, the suburbia, and mass houses which is the immediate environment for city dwellers.
Art for the public
Chapter 3 “Art for the public” of “Livable Cities Observed” discusses the impression of the art designed in most of the public places around the world. The author is not contented by the fact that the works of art in cities currently do not reflect the celebration of the people’s loyalty to their great nation. The author argues that all arts designed for public places especially in cities should have a theme that celebrates the heroes of that particular nation including military and prominent persons in such a way that promotes the people’s cultural heritage.
According to this article, to deliver quality work of art for public cities, any art should be creative, culturally oriented, imaginative and must be able to communicate to the public about sensitive and issues in an educative way. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the artist to be creative and sensitive to such issues when designing their art to reflect society’s values so that public art can always promote peace and social cohesion in the country.
References
Lennard, S. C., & Lennard, H. L. (1997). Livable Cities Observed. Herzliya Carmel Publishers.