Timeless Cities: A Blueprint for Livable and Sustainable Urban Ecology (Discovering Timeless Cities: A People, Place and Planet Trilogy)

Humane-scale, eco-logical, urban forms and functions emerge over millennia; epitomised in European central cities from the North to the South and West to East, irrespective of climate and culture. These timeless-design cities are renowned as eminently liveable; but all cities are hot: thermally massive sinks and radiators – urban-climate disruptors, global-climate-change agents. Fortuitously, in the timeless form and function, moderator potentials for urban cooling are in-built.

Review: In “Timeless Cities: A Blueprint for Livable and Sustainable Urban Ecology,” Professor Samuels takes readers on a deep dive into the world of urban design theory and practice. The book’s 300 plus pages may be challenging for some readers, but those who persevere will be rewarded with a wealth of insights and ideas.

Samuels’ encyclopedic knowledge of urban design is evident throughout the book, as he draws connections between seemingly disparate fields and concepts. His exploration of the relationship between urban form and climate change is particularly sobering, highlighting the urgent need for a approach to city-making.

In the footsteps of popular urban design books like “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” or “Happy City,” this is an important contribution to the field, one that will be valued by serious students and practitioners of urban design. For those willing to grapple with its complexities, this book offers a roadmap for creating truly sustainable, livable cities.