Jeff Speck Books
Jeff Speck is an American city planner, urban designer, and author known for his advocacy of walkability and sustainable urban development. He has served as Director of Design at the National Endowment for the Arts and co-authored 'Suburban Nation' before writing 'Walkable City'.
Known for: Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time
Books by Jeff Speck
Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time
In 'Walkable City', urban planner Jeff Speck argues that the key to revitalizing American cities lies in making them more walkable. Drawing on decades of experience, he outlines ten steps to create vibrant, sustainable, and economically resilient downtowns. The book combines urban design principles with practical policy recommendations, showing how walkability improves health, environment, and community life.
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The General Theory of Walkability
Walkability may sound charming, even optional, but it’s actually measurable and essential. I define it through four interrelated qualities: usefulness, safety, comfort, and interest. A truly walkable environment satisfies all four. Each complements the others; neglect any one, and pedestrian life fa...
From Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time
Step 1 – Put Cars in Their Place
The first and hardest task is adjusting our relationship with the automobile. For too long, we’ve assumed that cities must serve cars first. We widened roads, flattened neighborhoods, and scattered destinations. We mistook traffic flow for progress. But every lane added to reduce congestion only inv...
From Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time
About Jeff Speck
Jeff Speck is an American city planner, urban designer, and author known for his advocacy of walkability and sustainable urban development. He has served as Director of Design at the National Endowment for the Arts and co-authored 'Suburban Nation' before writing 'Walkable City'.
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Jeff Speck is an American city planner, urban designer, and author known for his advocacy of walkability and sustainable urban development. He has served as Director of Design at the National Endowment for the Arts and co-authored 'Suburban Nation' before writing 'Walkable City'.
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