Superbia! is a book of promising and imminently practical ideas for creating
more socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable neighborhoods.
It is about remaking suburban and urban neighborhoods to serve people
better and to reduce human impact on the environment.
The authors first trace the history of the suburbs, showing how they fail
to meet many peoples' needs. They then describe how existing neighborhoods
can be transformed, offering cohousing and new urbanist communities as
examples. The reader is then guided through the transformation of a fictitious
neighborhood that adopts the authors' 31 steps. Ideas for the blossoming
of the suburb are described in order of difficulty, from easy to boldest,
including:
" the creation of a neighborhood newsletter to foster a sense of
neighborhood identity and cooperation
" regular community dinners, discussion groups, and babysitting co-ops
" the removal of backyard fences to create park-like spaces for community
play areas, or gardens
" retrofitting homes for energy efficiency, and installing community
energy systems.
Examples from all over North America and beyond provide real-life proof
that citizen planners can create Superbia! And the most comprehensive
resource listing imaginable puts all the tools needed at your fingertips.
Well-illustrated and reader-friendly, Superbia! is written primarily for
the millions who live in urban areas or existing suburbs. It will also
be of major interest to environmentalists, planners, and all who want
to create a more humane and nurturing lifestyle.
Paperback 9x8: 229p.
ISBN 0865714908
Superbia!
Resource Guide
