American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which book did William Whyte write, and what year was it published?

1. The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces, 1980

2. Silent Spring, 1962

3. A Ladder of Citizen Participation, 1969

4. Modern Housing, 1937

The correct answer is: The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces, 1980

William Whyte is best known for his work "The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces," published in 1980. This influential book focuses on the importance of public spaces in urban environments and how these spaces can enhance social interaction and community life. Whyte conducted extensive observational studies in various urban areas to understand how people use space, leading to valuable insights into urban design and planning. His findings underscore the relationship between the design of public spaces and the behaviors and interactions of people within them. The other books mentioned, while significant in their own right, were not authored by Whyte and pertain to different subjects; "Silent Spring" addresses environmental issues, "A Ladder of Citizen Participation" explores levels of public participation in planning, and "Modern Housing" focuses on housing design. Only Whyte's work directly connects to the urban setting and social interaction prominently featured in his 1980 publication.