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Happy City
368 pages, 2014
In his revolutionary book Happy City, Charles Montgomery explores how cities can―and do―make us happier people. After decades of unchecked sprawl, more people than ever are moving back to the city. Dense urban living has been prescribed as a panacea for the environmental and resource crises of our time. But is it better or worse for our happiness?
Are subways, sidewalks, and condo towers an improvement on the car dependence of the suburbs? The award-winning journalist Charles Montgomery finds answers to such questions at the intersection between urban design and the emerging science of happiness, during an exhilarating journey through some of the world's most dynamic cities.
He meets the visionary mayor who introduced a sexy bus to ease status anxiety in Bogotá; the architect who brought the lessons of medieval Tuscan hill towns to modern-day New York City; the activist who turned Paris's urban freeways into beaches.
In Happy City, Charles Montgomery emphasizes the significant role urban design plays in our happiness. He suggests that well-designed cities can foster social interaction, which in turn, boosts our mood and overall well-being. So, next time you're in a city, take a look around and see how the design influences your happiness.
Montgomery digs into the impact of green spaces on our mental health. He finds that parks and other natural environments within cities can reduce stress and increase happiness. So, if you're feeling down, maybe a walk in the park is just what you need.
Happy City explores the negative effects of suburban living. Montgomery argues that suburbanites tend to be less happy due to the isolation and long commutes associated with suburban life. If you're considering moving to the suburbs, you might want to check out this book first.
Montgomery researches the impact of transportation on our happiness. He finds that people who walk, bike, or use public transit are generally happier than those who drive. So, if you're feeling stressed, maybe it's time to ditch the car and take a bike ride instead.
In Happy City, he emphasizes the importance of social interaction for our happiness. He suggests that cities that foster social interaction are generally happier places to live. So, if you're feeling lonely, maybe it's time to explore your city and meet new people.
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Happy City is a revelation. It's a guidebook to a brighter urban future, where people aren't just more sustainable, but happier too.
David Suzuki - Environmental ActivistHappy City is not just a book, it's a tool for transforming our cities and building happier, more fulfilling lives.
Richard Florida - Urban Studies TheoristHappy City is a call to action, a manifesto for a better urban future. It's a must-read for anyone who cares about cities.
Jan Gehl - Urban Design ConsultantHappy City is a powerful reminder that the goal of our cities should be happiness, not just economic growth.
Enrique Peñalosa - Former Bogotá MayorHappy City is a compelling and insightful exploration of urban life. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the future of our cities.
Edward Glaeser - Economics Professor