Island Press Field Notes

We’re saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Island Press author Richard Willson. He was a kind person who was fiercely dedicated to creating better cities. Rick’s enthusiasm for regulatory reform, and his optimism for the ability of planners to change the world were an inspiration to many. His views were evident in the original subtitle he suggested for his guide for idealists: “change the world and grow your character”. He will be missed.

By investing in people and places, while also changing decision-making processes that have contributed to urban trauma, cities can lead the charge in promoting better health for their citizens and for the planet.

Alexander Garvin, the author of two Island Press books, died at the close of 2021. His love of cities and optimism about what they could be, did not seem to be diminished by working on some of the most complex urban projects. What Makes a Great City developed from his two-year expedition to answer that question after he was asked by a friend.

Lance Hosey was an author that I came to consider a friend-outside of, and sometimes in spite of, our work on his book. In The Shape of Green, Lance argued that beauty is an environmental imperative. Obviously, that meant that the book had to be beautiful, and Lance had many thoughts about what that meant.