Three Characteristics Of Great Cities

Joel Kotkin, a widely recognized expert on cities, is the author of the soon to be released The City: A Global History. Due out in April 2005, from Modern Library, his latest work considers what is essentially common among all great cities, regardless of place and cultural context. In this interview with TPR, the author shares and elaborates on some of the key insights from his new book and comments on whether Los Angeles is on the path to greatness.

...The three major characteristics of great cities are that they are sacred, safe and busy. Whether Tenochtitlan, New York City, Paris or any other great city of the world, you will find these characteristics.