A City is not a Tree

In 1965, the architect and design theorist Christopher Alexander published a landmark theoretical critique of modern urban design, and by extension, modern design in general. His critique was different from others of the day in that it was not based on a social or political argument, but on a structural analysis, rooted in then-emerging insights from the fields of mathematics and cognition. Here, published again on its fiftieth anniversary, is Alexander’s classic text, together with new interpretive commentaries and discussions by leading theorists and practitioners. This volume is destined to become an invaluable resource for a new generation of students and practitioners.


“One of the classic references in the literature of the built environment and associated fields.”

— Resource for Urban Design Information (rudi.net)


“At a time of increasing concern over the adequacy of design methods, A City is not a Tree broke open and reoriented the debate.”

— Charles Jencks and Karl Kropf