Urban Design and Architecture is a journey through the architectural events of the 20th century also offering an exciting documentation of the interrelation of people, time and architecture. There's something magical about some cities. They are artificial worlds that have nevertheless grown like organic entities over centuries. Here futuristic experimental buildings contrast with historical monuments, magnificent spectacle is found alongside minimalist elegance - and everywhere in between, people. Our major cities are condensed cultural histories that provide evidence of the changing rhythms of life of both the past and the present day. This richly illustrated compendium contains essays about styles, buildings, gardens and parks, along with itineraries through the cities that best showcase the architectural developments in urban planning of the past century. There are also short biographies of the most important architects who have shaped the 20th century with their creations.