A New Book for a New Decade

Renowned architect and urban designer, Leon Krier has published a new book entitled “Architectural Tuning of Settlements” to mark the 10th anniversary of The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment.

It is the first of a series of books, each to be written by 'giants' of traditional urban design that will contribute to The Prince’s Foundation academic capital. Amusingly and engagingly illustrated, the book is a compact and easy to read 40-page treatise on Krier’s design philosophy and will be an important contribution to The Prince’s Foundation’s academic and practical work.

Speaking about the series, Hank Dittmar, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Foundation comments: “In his foreword to Leon’s book, HRH The Prince of Wales, points to the cycle of “learning, practising and teaching” which is the basis of all his Foundation’s work. This model helps us embrace and respond to change – the most stark being the emergence of climate change over the past 10 years. These books will continue to equip our staff, students, network of practitioners and members with a growing body of knowledge to help us evolve traditional urban solutions to meet 21st century challenges.

“The Architectural Tuning of Settlements” is a call for a considered approach to the aesthetics of place. Krier locates the principles that govern aesthetics within the wider practise of traditional urbanism as a key element in creating sustainable places. He asserts that places where the architecture is correctly “tuned” to the urban condition – whether rural or metropolitan, large or small – will be naturally beautiful and that people will consequently cherish, care for and value them over the long term.

Some images from the book:

All images © Leon Krier 2008

The next book to be published will be by senior fellow Ray Gindroz, in Autumn 2008.