American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

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Who wrote "A Theory of Good City Form"?

  1. Richard Babcock

  2. Ian McHarg

  3. Ernest Burgess

  4. Kevin Lynch

The correct answer is: Kevin Lynch

The work "A Theory of Good City Form" was authored by Kevin Lynch, a prominent urban planner and theorist recognized for his contributions to urban design and planning. In this influential book, Lynch explores the characteristics that contribute to creating successful urban environments. He emphasizes the importance of readability in cities, referring to how well inhabitants can navigate and understand their surroundings. Lynch's theories are pivotal in discussing urban aesthetics and functionality, outlining concepts like imageability, paths, edges, nodes, and districts. These elements serve as critical tools for planners to analyze urban spaces and enhance their design. His philosophy promotes the idea that a well-formed city not only meets the practical requirements of its citizens but also enriches their experience of the urban landscape. The other individuals mentioned also made significant contributions to the field of urban planning, but they did not write "A Theory of Good City Form." Richard Babcock is associated with urban planning principles, Ian McHarg is known for his work on environmental planning and landscape architecture, and Ernest Burgess is noted for the concentric zone model of urban land use. Their contributions complement Lynch's work but focus on different aspects of urban theory and planning.