The Nature of Cities

Punctuated by quixotic quotations from notables such as Louis Mumford (“Forget the damned motor car and build cities for the lovers and friends”), filmmakers Chuck Davis and Tim Beatley's The Nature of Cities presents an overview of the “biophilia” trend in urban planning and architecture—i.e., the attempt to integrate nature into commercial and residential environments, rather than simply opting for the glass, steel, and extruded concrete that characterizes modern cityscapes. Beatley, a professor at the University of Virginia School of Architecture, travels to exemplary sites in places such as Copenhagen, Stockholm, Malmö, and Paris, where rooftop vegetation, food gardens, bicycle-friendly zones, and sacrosanct public parks promote eco-diversity and reduce harmful emissions. Examples closer to home include San Diego and Austin (in the latter, bat colonies once targeted for extermination are now encouraged to flourish under bridges, and the twilight flocking of thousands of the creatures is a spectator event). Interwoven throughout the film—which emphasizes solutions rather than being a finger-pointing exposé—are insights from architects, landscape designers, city officials, and residents. DVD extras include extended interviews with participants Stephen Kellert, a professor of social ecology at Yale, and Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods. A useful discussion starter, this is recommended, overall. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)