Featuring publications of relevance to our industry, including those cited in SDS e-newsletter lead articles and suggested additional reading, we’ve recently relaunched the SDS Reader’s Corner book of the month page. Each month we will showcase a suggested read that relates to our professional areas of interest, be it a seminal publication or something more tangential. We hope the books we select will offer you insights and inspiration.
If you any suggestions of books, particularly newly published ones, that you think would be of inte arest to our community, please email us: enquiries@signdesignsociety.co.uk.
For March ’26 we feature Urban Design: The Basics by Florian Wiedmann and Tim Heath (published by Routledge on 30 October 2025).
Synopsis
“A brief but compelling overview and introduction to the theory and practice of the multi-disciplinary field of urban design.
It is an ‘easy-to-understand’ and ‘jargon-free’ introduction to the fundamental principles of urban design. By introducing the essentials of urban design, the book is an important starting point for future study of the discipline. Topics include placemaking, sustainable urbanism, the evolution of cities and townscapes, and urban design and governance. Across seven chapters, the book is centred on a holistic understanding of sustainability and the special role of urban design in achieving a high quality of urban life, economic diversification, and less energy consumption. It provides a clear overview of the evolution of urban design, drawing on fundamental principles and critical challenges, and negotiates the complexities and nuances of the discipline. Given the contemporary international importance of urban design, the book uses examples from around the globe to explain its role and impact in different contexts. It also features detailed further reading lists for those wishing to expand their knowledge and understanding further.
[This book] will be of keen interest to those fascinated with cities and urban design, students, and practitioners who are looking to supplement their knowledge of key urban design principles.”
Buy a copy now
As of 24.02.2026, the paperback edition is available to buy @£20.99 (RRP) via Bookshop.org.