FROM
CHICAGO TO L.A. Re-Visioning Urban
Theory
Edited by Michael J. Dear
University of
Southern California
For
most of the twentieth century, the principles of the "Chicago School"
have guided urban analysts throughout the world. Until recently, Los Angeles has
been regarded as an exception to the rules governing the growth of American
cities. Just as the Chicago School emerged at a time when that city was reaching
new national prominence, Los Angeles is now making its impression on the minds
of urbanists across the world. The third in a trilogy, From Chicago to L.A.
critically examines some of the major precepts of the "Los Angeles
School". Designed specifically for both students and professionals, this
text critically examines the foundations and potential of a putative Los Angeles
school. Clearly written, this volume begins the task of defining an alternative
agenda for urban studies and examines the case of shifting the focus of urban
studies from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Purpose:
Examines the underlying assumptions of the
"Chicago School" of urbanism
Identifies and discards the concepts that
have blocked our understanding of Southern California cities
Interprets the imaginative structures that
people have been using to understand and explain Los Angeles.
Examines the utility of the "Los
Angeles School" of urbanism.
For
most of the twentieth century, the principles of the "Chicago School"
have guided urban analysts throughout the world. Until recently, Los Angeles has
been regarded as an exception to the rules governing the growth of American
cities. Just as the Chicago School emerged at a time when that city was reaching
new national prominence, Los Angeles is now making its impression on the minds
of urbanists across the world. The third in a trilogy, From Chicago to L.A.
critically examines some of the major precepts of the "Los Angeles
School". Designed specifically for both students and professionals, this
text critically examines the foundations and potential of a putative Los Angeles
school. Clearly written, this volume begins the task of defining an alternative
agenda for urban studies and examines the case of shifting the focus of urban
studies from Chicago to Los Angeles.