The City in Mind: Part One: Paris

As a new tactic to continue my education outside of the four walls and lecture podium that I have become so accustomed to I will be discussing a new-to-me book by acclaimed author James Howard Kunstler. "The City in Mind: Notes on the Urban Condition" takes readers through a valuable and necessary history lesson on the urban landscape and urban design.

The first chapter, dives into 19c. Paris, where two great visionaries succeed in creating the framework for urban living- one that we in North America continually aspire to. Two men, Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte nephew of the first emperor and the prefect of Paris Haussmann are responsible for realizing the great reality that we know to be Paris today - the unified architecture and beautifully ordered parks and public spaces that can sweep even the harshest of critics of their feet in just one glance. These spaces, a new urban fabric came with much revere and opposition (considering there heavty price tag). Napoleon and Haussmann as Kunstler points out, constructed a concept for city living that we know and love today while freeing Paris from its ugly and congested past. Consisting of modern utilities woven into the cityscape, Paris has the appropriate division of private and public space in a highly dense urban center.

This Book is a great read so pick up a copy or visit again for more on the next chapter....Atlanta

The Arc de Triomphe de L'Etoile designed by Jean Chalgrin in 1806 as a gateway to the city and in honor of the soldiers and officials who fought in the Napoleonic wars.

The roadway leading to the Arc creates a sense of natural order. In Napoleons mind an important aspect of announcing ones visit to the new empire. 

The typical parisian apartment building. This urban design for mixed use commercial and residential buildings was established by Haussmann in the mid 1800's.

The Musee du Louvre originally home to king Louis XIV it became a museum when the sun king moved to the Palace de Versailles in 1682. Louis-Napoleon continued and enlarged its art collection  significantly during the prosperous second empire.  

Typical limestone and wrought iron facade found throughout Paris which Haussmann made a requirement for new builldings by law. His visions contributed to the construction of classical modern architectural protocol still observed today. 

The innovative urban planners themselves, Louis-Napoleon in the swanky sash and Haussmann facing him in the embellished suit jacket.