This is an introductory 'primer' that provides all the essential basics for an understanding of urban design.

Ideal for those new to the subject, it deals with the broad issues of urban design to create a better understanding of the context in which designers and architects in the urban environment work.

It defines the territory of urban design and its relationship to architecture and planning, it examines the forces that impact on urban design in terms of the uses of buildings, the density of building zones, and the relationship of buildings to each other and it examines the principal outcomes in terms of built 'language'.

Paul Hyett is President of the RIBA and is a columnist for the Architects Journal. He has lectured extensively on Urban Design throughout Europe and is a chartered architect, founding director of Hyett Salisbury Whitely Architects and a Member of the Academy of Experts. * Comprehensive treatment of core design curriculum ideal for student-centered learning

* Easy to understand, providing a good grounding in the basic principles of urban design

* International relevance and application