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"Laura Alvarez brings her great experience and wisdom to bear in this very personal exploration of how to build high quality, sustainable places. A fascinating and very engaging read for students and practitioners alike."

Prof Matthew Carmona, The Bartlett School of Planning, UCL, UK

"As a non-planning person with community level involvement in the built environment and a personal interest in sustainable development, the content of The ABC of quality, sustainable design will be invaluable to me. It has vastly increased my understanding of the development process and the need for cross-sector collaboration and multi-disciplinary teams. This book provides me with tools that I can apply in a very practical way, giving me a greater sense of confidence to challenge poor decisions and practice by developers, architects, planners and local authorities. Each chapter deals with a specific topic that is expanded through debate and case studies with the final chapter drawing up conclusions set out in a comprehensive framework that sets out the ethos for good practice.

I believe this book should be on reading lists for students and professionals in urban practice, planning, construction and architecture because it sets out the case for accountability across sustainability, economy and society. Bad development, whether in terms of poor design or poor environmental performance has long term, irreversible consequences. Dr Alvarez manages to bring together complex questions critical to the future of urban design, a clearly set out pathway forward and to use language that is accessible and enjoyable. The voice and the experience of the author is present, which gives an insight into the decades of thinking that has gone into this book - making it more personally accessible to the reader. A very educational, enjoyable and rewarding read."

Penney Poyzer, Chair Nottingham Good Food Partnership, UK

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