Both the book, and this compendium of papers, are intended to furnish useful information on the planning process and fundamental principles of environmentally based planning and context sensitive urban design. These are drawn from the author’s more than 50 years of professional practice and their lasting practicality is reflected in the 19 case studies of approved and built projects described in the book on which the author has carried out key managerial and technical roles.
This compendium is available free - click the link below to view and download the papers.
Dear friends, just a brief note to introduce you to my free “e-book”.
You can access my free e-book "Readings in Urban Planning and Design" with 60 papers (52 published) and over 250 illustrations, available with 30 other posts on my master blog site at www.petepointner.com. This free e-book elaborates on topics and follows the chapters of my book, “Planning Connections – Human, Natural and Man Made” which includes 19 case studies of approved and implemented projects. A free review copy of this book is available to libraries, the news media or teachers through my publisher, Author House.
Here is an excerpt from “Advice to Young Planners” in “Readings in Urban Planning and Design”
Throughout all the change in my professional life, there have been certain principles of good planning which remained constant, regardless of how they were applied to solving problems and realizing new dreams. These principles relate to the significant purposes of human life, the needs of society and the reality of the natural world, its resources and eco-systems. These principles stand in stark contrast to the clichés, passing fancies, confusion, and trivialization of life and important values, as reflected in the media, entertainment and art. I have tried to identify the principles of sound environmental planning in my new book “Planning Connections – Human, Natural and Man Made”. However, I would like to suggest the following advice to young planners who wish to: learn life sustaining principles; influence the shaping of healthy and satisfying communities; and, grow themselves as effective professionals.
Be a generalist with a specialty, a specialty that reflects your personal interests and abilities.
Learn to love learning. Take time to read. Become good at what you do.
Be happy in your work and enjoy it for its own sake. Focus on the task at hand.
Enjoy solving problems and meeting challenges.
Involve all interested and affected parties in the planning process.
Listen well. Respect other persons and their views.
Don’t assume. Dig for the facts, dig to find out how things relate. Seek the connections between the pieces and the whole, the bigger picture, the broader time frame, the more complete balance sheet of relevant factors.
Be organized and be efficient in your use of time.
Be enthusiastic. Your work is important. You are important. Make a difference.
Keep your idealism and live up to your highest ideals. Life and work are going to be tough regardless of what direction you take, so take the high road.
Since it can be daunting to check through this web site listing, I am attaching the Table of Contents for the free book. If you spot a blog you would like to read and have trouble downloading, let me know and I will send you a copy.
Best regards, "Pete"