The Boulevard Book: History, Evolution, Design of Multiway Boulevards

Author(s):

Jacobs, Allan B.; MacDonald, Elizabeth; Rofe, Yodan

Publisher/Date:

MIT Press, 2002

Rating:

Useful

Abstract:

The Boulevard Book: History, Evolution, Design of Multiway Boulevards is a companion to Great Streets (reviewed elsewhere), and like Great Streets, is a source book of examples -- this time of boulevards -- that work for pedestrians. It is also the same size (10” by 12”) and same format -- hand drawn plans, sections and vignettes.

This book also follows a case study approach. It first analyzes 50 or so boulevards from all over the world to find out how the parts and features function. The authors then test what results when you incorporate a certain feature into a design through the redesign of several existing boulevards in need of help. Although material useful to designers is present in all the chapters, the chapter called Building Boulevards comes the closest to “design guidelines.”

Alas, though, noticeable absent is any reference to access, universal design, or the variance in abilities of the pedestrians. Even though the book is an “idea” book and not a detail book, it would have been better if it had been more inclusive. In spite of this, it still is recommend as an “idea” book for community groups, planners, and designers.

Number of Pages:

257

Table of Contents?

Yes

Index?

Yes

Illustrations?

Yes (Hand sketches, Line Drawings, Diagrams, Plans)

Material Type:

Book

Key Document?

No

Categories:

Guidelines, Policy, Process, Educational, Research; Advocacy & Planning, Concept Design; Rationale (functional needs, behavioral characteristics, safey, & health)

Keywords:

Street and Highway Design; Street and Pedestrian Planning

Strengths:

• Many design guidelines presented as performance goals with rationale given.
• Is primarily a sourcebook of examples.

Weaknesses:

No information peculiar to access.

Record Last Updated:

July 2006