Wednesday 24 November 2010

assignment 4 - analysis of book

“Urban Regeneration – A Handbook” Edited by Peter Roberts and Hugh Sykes.

The idea and process of Urban Regeneration is a complex one with a lot of different people and aspects being involved, affected and impacted. This handbook provides a clear definition and overview of Urban Regeneration, why it is necessary and how it functions. Roberts and Sykes look at how the regeneration affects the economy, physical and environmental aspects, housing issues, employment and education along with the social and community issues the regeneration of a city can cause. The focus on the managing of the process considering the land use and legal issues involved. The book is designed to be used as a guide for those involved in Urban Regeneration providing lessons of good practice through case studies and experiences from the authors.

The main question that is answered throughout this book is why should we regenerate? Is there any need? This is answered in every aspect of regeneration covered throughout the book, from the environmental, economic to social aspects. Roberts and Sykes use their practical experience along with experiences from other cities throughout the UK, Europe and America as a guide for those interested and involved in the urban regeneration process. The idea of this is to use lessons from the other cities to gain knowledge on how to ensure that the plan for the town or city being regenerated is being designed specifically for that place.

Both authors/editors have primary practical and academic experience in planning and development. Roberts being a professor of European Strategic Planning in the School of Town and Regional Planning in University of Dundee and is Chair of the British Urban Regeneration Association Best Practice Committee. Sykes was chairman of the Sheffield Development Corporation and currently serves on boards of a number of public companies. They have also gathered a lot of information from many secondary sources such as Regional Development agencies, ECOTEC etc as well as using the examples from other cities experiences.

The book is broken up into specific chapters on the different aspects of regeneration. With each chapter advice is given and conclusions made on the impacts and experiences involved with each of these aspects. A basic understanding of the issue is explained at the start of each chapter before going into further detail, examples, positive and negative aspects of the issue and coming to a final conclusion about the advice that is given occurs within each chapter.

The purpose of this book assumes that you have an interest in regenerating a city but it is also useful as a tool for those interested to read about the impacts that regeneration can have on a city; both positive and negative. It is designed as a reference text and to give an overview of urban regeneration. It is very useful to have these experiences and the knowledge of all the different aspects and issues brought together. The editors have successfully compiled their knowledge and experiences in an understanding and simple way to suit a wide variety of readers. They have effectively provided an unbiased and open overview of the complex process of urban regeneration.

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