***Shortlisted for the Architectural Book Awards 2024*** Combining architectural and urban thinking in an unusual and engaging way, this book presents an integrated approach to architectural theory and design. Leon Battista Alberti’s assertion in his famous Renaissance treatise that ‘the city is like a big house, and the house is in turn like a little city’ forms the springboard for a series of reflections on architecture’s relationship with urbanism and how their once intimate symbiosis, unravelled by International Style Modernism, can be recovered. Explicit references to Alberti’s house-city phrase have been made by figures as diverse as the architects Louis Kahn, Aldo Van Eyck, Denys Lasdun and Niels Torp and novelist Italo Calvino. But, as the book shows, thinking of buildings as little cities provides a new lens through which to reappraise the contributions of many other architects, including Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, Alvar Aalto, Eliel Saarinen, Bernard Rudofsky, Hans Scharoun, Leon Krier, Fumihiko Maki, Charles Correa and Team 10. In doing so, the author identifies common themes that form an unexpected bridgehead between the urban and architectural approaches of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, Renaissance and 20th century. The book explores buildings from across the globe, including lesser-known projects, such as Wright’s unbuilt house in Italy or Saarinen’s master plan for Cranbrook Academy, as well as more recent projects by Niels Torp, Behnisch Architekten, Sou Fujimoto, Peter Barber and WOHA. It concludes with practical case studies of residential, health, education and workplace projects from different countries, fulsomely illustrated with many drawings and photographs. These show how architectural design viewed through an urban lens provides a conceptual framework for breaking down the scale of large buildings and integrating them with their context. And crucially, these also show a very accessible way of explaining evolving designs to the intended users and eliciting their participation in the design process. The book offers a compelling approach to the design of projects at all scales, within an ecological perspective: the sense that big and small, cities and buildings must be approached holistically if we are to reverse the degradation and depletion of our habitat, both natural and man-made.

Combining architectural and urban thinking in an unusual and engaging way, this book presents an integrated approach to architectural theory and design. Leon Battista Alberti's assertion in his famous Renaissance treatise that 'the city is like a big house, and the house is in turn like a little city' forms the springboard for a series of reflections on architecture's relationship with urbanism and how their once intimate symbiosis, unravelled by International Style Modernism, can be recovered. Explicit references to Alberti's house-city phrase have been made by figures as diverse as the architects Louis Kahn, Aldo Van Eyck, Denys Lasdun and Niels Torp and novelist Italo Calvino. But, as the book shows, thinking of buildings as little cities provides a new lens through which to reappraise the contributions of many other architects, including Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, Alvar Aalto, Eliel Saarinen, Bernard Rudofsky, Hans Scharoun, Leon Krier, Fumihiko Maki, Charles Correa and Team 10. In doing so, the author identifies common themes that form an unexpected bridgehead between the urban and architectural approaches of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, Renaissance and 20th century. The book explores buildings from across the globe, including lesser-known projects, such as Wright's unbuilt house in Italy or Saarinen's master plan for Cranbrook Academy, as well as more recent projects by Niels Torp, Behnisch Architekten, Sou Fujimoto, Peter Barber and WOHA. It concludes with practical case studies of residential, health, education and workplace projects from different countries, fulsomely illustrated with many drawings and photographs. These show how architectural design viewed through an urban lens provides a conceptual framework for breaking down the scale of large buildings and integrating them with their context. And crucially, these also show a very accessible way of explaining evolving designs to the intended users and eliciting their participation in the design process. The book offers a compelling approach to the design of projects at all scales, within an ecological perspective: the sense that big and small, cities and buildings must be approached holistically if we are to reverse the degradation and depletion of our habitat, both natural and man-made.

Enter the charming world of small-town life with Stephen Leacock's beloved classic, "Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town," a delightful collection of humorous vignettes that capture the quirks, eccentricities, and warmth of small-town Ontario. Join Leacock as he introduces readers to the colorful residents of Mariposa, a fictional town that feels like home to anyone who has ever lived in a close-knit community. Through a series of witty and affectionate sketches, Leacock paints a vivid portrait of life in Mariposa, from the bustling main street to the tranquil shores of Lake Wissanotti. Themes of community, friendship, and the passage of time permeate the pages of "Sunshine Sketches," inviting readers to revel in the joys and absurdities of everyday life. Leacock's sharp wit and keen observations of human nature make for a delightful and heartwarming read that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. Through memorable characters like the lovable blowhard Josh Smith, the indomitable schoolteacher Miss Lawson, and the perpetually optimistic Peter Pupkin, Leacock captures the essence of small-town life with warmth and humor. From the town gossip to the local politician, each character is a vivid and unforgettable presence in the bustling community of Mariposa. The overall tone and mood of "Sunshine Sketches" are imbued with a sense of nostalgia, nostalgia, and gentle humor, as Leacock invites readers to reminisce about simpler times and cherished memories. From the uproarious antics of the town council to the quiet moments of reflection by the lake, Leacock's narrative is as heartwarming as it is hilarious. Since its publication, "Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town" has been hailed as a classic work of Canadian literature that continues to captivate readers with its timeless charm and wit. Critics and readers alike praise its enduring appeal and its ability to evoke the spirit of small-town life with humor and affection. Whether you're a fan of humor, nostalgia, or simply a lover of great storytelling, "Sunshine Sketches" promises to delight and entertain. Join Stephen Leacock on a journey through the streets of Mariposa and discover the joy of small-town living. Don't miss your chance to experience the warmth and humor of "Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town." Order your copy today and immerse yourself in the delightful world of Stephen Leacock's beloved classic.