Food chains,shoppingcenters.

land use patterns,highways and public buildings that one

encounters in very region and town. This development is not harmful because it is development;
it is harmful because of the often insensitive imposition of a foreign character upon an existing
town without recognizing what the town special character is.
And what type of town image the town’s people want. Development of this type and the loss of
vital character. Often a product of rapid growth and change, has become a critical international
problem. Change of this nature places undue strain upon a town,itspeople.and it surrounding
region. This strain seriously affects the town’s ability to absorb growth.and still retain the
character, scale and other attributes which where the roots of its original attractiveness.

Many factor may stimulate change.and,in the case of rapid growth. Often include much needed
and desirable economic vitality. The requirement , therefore is not to stop growth and change:
but to mitigate its negative impact of town on enviroments. Fector contributing to change,the
introduction of sameness, and the potential loss of character are as varied as the regions of world
and might include such item as:sudden changes in zoning. Tax structures,and land
ownership;proposed mineral extraction;industrial,residential,recreational. Or tourist development
at a massive scale; the creation of a lake or other major attraction;the location of a major
expressway or interchange, the extension of metropolitan importation service:shifting population
trends (such at the rapid migration 10 to the U.S.sunbell during the later 20th century); and real
state speculation accelerating at a fantastic place in newlyaccessible small towns and highly
desirable.unique town environments. Due to the impacts of theseconditions.and to the lack of
propper planning in anticipation of the pressures of change. Towns which posses a high degree
of identity and character are last disappearing from the world landscape.

FOCUS
The major desire of this book,as stated in the introduction.is to present a process which
incorporates an empathy for small town “Genius Loci” and recognizes that each town has its
own important uniqueness and spirit of place. This process, which is heavilydependent upon
citizen participation and energy,identifies the ingredients of town character and provides a
method guide town growth and change while maintaining town character. The goal of this
process is to foster local development pressure or continued neglect forces economic growth to
occur.

1.7 Image and character can be destroyed by the thoughtless use of songs and true architecture in
historic settings.
1.8 The blandess and visual disruption of franchise arcithecture has ruined the character and
spirit of countless towns.
1.9 A strong visual landmark will help organize the image of the street and help reduce the
impacts of change.
1.10 Historic structures provide a town with unique character and a connection with the past.
1.11 Unique image is often created by the proper relationship between landscape and structures.
1.12 Water and art in public places have historically created a spirit of place and provided strong
metaphors.