On the Nature of the City

Author: Ji Xiaolan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-05-01
Features: The core issue of the book is to reveal the essence of the city. Given the confusion and limitations in the definition of cities, the book defines the essential definition of cities and elaborates in detail on the three fundamental theories of urban essence: the theory of human nature, the theory of needs, and the theory of the environment. It comprehensively explains the composition of the survival needs and developmental needs of modern people, revealing the six basic functions of cities. The monograph conducts a systematic analysis and comprehensive evaluation of the urbanization processes in three countries: the United Kingdom, the United States, and the former Soviet Union. It provides an in-depth discussion on the historical status and lagging reasons of urbanization in China. It proposes four alternative paths for China's urbanization. Finally, it presents the theoretical basis for the future development of cities.