New book explores shaping of the city of Leeds.

Leeds: Shaping the City is an major new book which tells the story of the redevelopment and regeneration of Leeds through an objective assessment of key projects undertaken within the city. 

Written by Martin Wainwright, northern editor of the Guardian, the book takes us through Leeds' rich architectural heritage before presenting us with detailed, highly illustrated case studies covering the site history, client brief and design processes behind recent key building and conversion projects in the city – projects such as Leeds City Museum, City Square, Bridgewater Place and the Round Foundry at Holbeck Urban Village. 

The book concludes by exploring future visions for the city conceived by central figures involved in its development including John Thorp, Leeds Civic Architect; Elizabeth Minkin, founder of the Leeds Architecture and Design Initiative; Kevin Grady, Director of Leeds Civic Trust; and Jean Dent, Director of City Development at Leeds City Council. 

Leeds: Shaping the City identifies the drivers for change in the renaissance of contemporary Leeds and explores the depth and complexity of the public/private partnerships involved in their delivery. The adoption of the concept of ‘urban dentistry' by John Thorp is central to the successful redevelopment of Leeds.  It is thanks to the sensitive implementation of this vision that radical architecture sits so comfortably alongside the existing historic fabric of the city.

Fine examples of this can be seen all the way through the book, particularly in projects such as the glass fronted building at 15/16 Park Row and the colour-panelled Crown Street buildings opposite Broderick's Corn Exchange. 

Leeds has not destroyed its past but has adapted buildings to meet new needs and refurbished and extended in a way which is sympathetic to the place that Leeds is, with spaces and buildings that are for people.  Leeds has developed into a thriving, modern city and its transformation is evident for all who visit today.

This highly informative new title from RIBA Publishing is beautifully illustrated throughout with high quality photographs, taken by award winning photographer Jerry Hardman-Jones, and plans and computer generated images.  Leeds: Shaping the City is a must for all architects, designers, developers, and indeed anyone interested in how Leeds has evolved into a thriving, modern city.

RIBA Publishing/February 2009/Code: 61864/ISBN 9781859462447 /Hardback/224pages/£19.95

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