Review of the urbanism reader: design, technology, culture and the future of cities

Abstract

The Urbanism Reader critiques postmodern urbanism as a reaction to modernist minimalism, focusing on diversity, responsiveness, and complexity in city design. Edited by Stefan Al and Tom Verebes, the anthology includes over 40 curated texts exploring urban theory since the 1960s. Topics range from spatial diversity, non-linear planning, density, public health, and informality to technology, AI, and environmental concerns. While the book includes minority and ecological perspectives, it lacks deeper political economy critiques. Ultimately, it offers a rich, if selective, overview of current urban discourse, highlighting the intersections of design, technology, and society as tools for navigating urban complexity.