The twenty-ninth lecture in Doug Allen's History of Urban Form series compares the early developments of Amsterdam and New York / Manhattan. Doug walks us through the first suburbs and their eventual spread throughout the Western world. Towards the end of the lecture, the focus shifts to discussing public parks and the formation of Central Park as the center of NYC.

Lecture 29: Reactionary Tactics of Parks and the Suburbs, Part 1

The History of Urban Form was one of the most influential courses ever taught at Georgia Tech: one year it was voted the most popular elective on the entire campus. For many of his students it was enough to change their career paths to urban design and city planning.

We are fortunate that Professor Doug Allen recorded his lectures the last year he was able to teach them, and we are honored to begin sharing them with you here for the first time.

This series of lecture videos will expand your understanding of where cities come from and where they are going. But this is not your average history course. Through sharp wit and legendary asides, Allen reveals and analyzes the interconnected components of cities and displays their collective histories against the challenges of contemporary planning. Prepare to see the built environment in a new light.

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The History of Urban Form was one of the most influential courses ever taught at Georgia Tech: one year it was voted the most popular elective on the entire campus. For many of his students it was enough to change their career paths to urban design and city planning. We are fortunate that Professor Doug Allen recorded his lectures the last year he was able to teach them, and we are honored to begin sharing them with you here for the first time. This series of lecture videos will expand your understanding of where cities come from and where they are going. But this is not your average history course. Through sharp wit and legendary asides, Allen reveals and analyzes the interconnected components of cities and displays their collective histories against the challenges of contemporary planning. Prepare to see the built environment in a new light.

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Lecture 29: Reactionary Tactics of Parks and the Suburbs, Part 1

Lecture 29: Reactionary Tactics of Parks and the Suburbs, Part 1