What if Women Designed the City?

The discussion of how cities would look if designed by women, lies at the heart of this book which explores the symbiotic relations between women and cities towards the attainment of regenerative neighbourhoods.

Its offers 33 leverage points on how urban planners, policy-makers, practitioners, and communities could intervene in urban planning systems so that cities of the present and future can be greener, wilder, more inclusive, liveable, and poetic.

Available...

Directly with the independent systems thinking publisher Triarchy Press
Platforms (e-books, paperback)

What those who are shaping cities say about the book?

For me, tangible examples are more convincing than the most brilliant theoretical concepts. Real stories invigorate and encourage, as they reveal potential. This book is a collection of these storylines, forming the blueprint of a city envisaged by women, a vision brought to life. The book is informative, inspiring and encouraging, published just at the right
*moment.*

Eva Kail Senior Planner City of Vienna

The book challenges us to rethink urban development, incorporating the powerful perspectives of women into the fabric of our cities. It calls for action, encouraging us to embrace diverse perspectives towards a future where cities work better for women and girls, ultimately benefiting us all.

Ana Paricio Cárceres Urban Psychologist Barcelona Regional

What if Women Designed the City? is an exceptional book, containing tangible and practical ideas to bring about positive change in how women shape and experience public spaces. As an urban planner, I believe the insights in this book could be transformative for those of us in the frontline of delivering this change. A book that is insightful, tangible and practical whilst, I dare to say, quite emotional.

Daisy Narayanan MBE Head of Placemaking and Mobility Edinburgh City Council

One would not expect to find a masterful tutorial in regenerative thinking and engagement in a book titled What if Women Designed the City? Yet that is exactly what May East delivers… she invites the reader into a journey through a dynamic, multilayered, multidimensional living matrix that requires continually weaving inner and outer worlds.

Pamela Mang Principal Co- Founder Regenesis Institute

This is a very timely book, an effective antidote to the soulless, angular, concrete and glass high-rise city that is designed to serve the interests of capital rather than of ordinary people. Will anybody listen? Yes, I think so. Women-inspired urban ‘regenerative development’ is now an urgent necessity. This is an important book that should be essential reading for anybody concerned about the future of the human habitat.

Herbert Girardet Author Creating Regenerative Cities

The book is both moving and inspiring. It positions cities as a vehicle for women's emancipation. Achieving this would undoubtedly be a tremendous accomplishment for Glasgow.

Sarah Shaw Head of Planning Glasgow City Council

Give women a greater voice in city making and what would you get? A more human centred, emotional satisfying, well balanced, seamlessly connected, safer and probably more beautiful place which thrives on its distinctiveness, values of togetherness and care Thank you May East for letting us hear those 274 women’s voices and their proposed catalytic interventions and the examples interwoven from across the world.

Charles Landry author Creative City: A Toolkit of Urban Innovators

Through the lived experiences of women, this book invites us to imagine urban spaces that benefit everyone. It emphasizes the role of women as active contributors rather than passive subjects, highlighting their transformative role in shaping and revitalising the city. Drawing from diverse real-life examples, this pragmatic book serves as a valuable source of inspiration.

Audrey Hénocque 1st Deputy Mayor City of Lyon

The book skilfully guides the reader into the complexity of gender, power and our urban environments. It shows concrete examples that serve as an inspiration while at the same time showcasing how important it is to acknowledge complexity and not least to inform and remind the reader that women are experts of their own space. The book offers guidance and strength to all who want to re- think our urban environments.

Linda Gustafsson Gender Equality Strategist City of Umeå

The book beautifully presents a sense of hope and power in how we can reset the urban planning gender gap. It provides a rich tapestry of leverage points on how cities can regenerate into safe and vibrant communities, allowing everyone to flourish. Politicians, city planners, construction and consultancy firms should read this.

Cllr Holly Bruce Green Party Glasgow City Council

The book is now available!

Directly with the independent systems thinking publisher Triarchy Press

You can save 20% on the list price when you buy direct from Triarchy Press by using the code tpdirect at checkout. Support independent publishers!

Platforms (e-books, paperback)

You can grab both the paperback and ebook editions of the book from various platforms:

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If you want to order from me…

I am also stocking some books and this channel provides an opportunity to have a copy signed by me and/or to exchange ideas how relevant is the content to the bio-cultural-spatial uniqueness of your place. I will be delighted to hear from you!