The Congress for the New Urbanism, CNU, is on the front lines of saving the planet from suburban sprawl. At the 2008 CNU annual conference, hosted in Austin, attending members received an amazing book titled Emergent Urbanism: Evolution in Urban Form, Texas. Simply put, this is one of the best books about Austin, Texas.
The book is a publication of the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture, Placemaking Studio, and Black + Vernooy. Inside you will find 150 pages of incredible stories about, and history of, urbanism in Austin. Contributors include Sinclair Black, former Austin Mayor Will Wynn, Katherine Gregor, Larry Warshaw, Cid Galindo, Senator Kirk Watson, amongst others.
One of my favorite articles is by Kent Butler and Frederick Steiner, The Green Heart of Texas. They provide us with a history of the Edwards Plateau and geological uniqueness of Central Texas’s Balcones Fault Zone that separates the Hill Country from the Blackland Prairie.
This is a must have book for anyone that is interested in pedestrian friendly sustainable growth in Austin, Texas. It would make a great gift for friend, family, or client.
The book can be purchased on Amazon for $30.00. OR, drumroll … … … I’m excited to announce that Downtown Austin Blog has been given 15 30 50 100 books to disseminate to DAB readers for $9.99 + shipping!
Proceeds go directly to CNU Austin (Central Texas). Use the button below to order yours now!
Would there happen to be any copies left this long after posting?
Yes, I have several copies ready to go.
Sure, no problem! Once they order, i’ll give them a local address to pick it up.
I have some student who may want to order the book from DAB due to the exceptional bargain. Is it possible for them to pick it up in person to save on shipping costs?
How long does it take to ship?
If you order M-F, I can ship the same day. It should take no more than a few days.
Jude’s description of this book is spot on, and I highly recommend it. Although urban planning, geological faults and watersheds are not my expertise, the graphic design is superb; and it’s densely filled with interesting history about Austin (such as the “moonlight towers”). And it fills me with hopeful confidence that the future design of this cool city is being considered by enlightened minds. At the DAB-reader’s price, it’s a great bargain.