TY - JOUR
T1 - What’s in a cover image?
T2 - How to depict planning history
AU - Hein, Carola
PY - 2019
Y1 - 2019
N2 - A book’s cover is frequently the first visual element of a book that a reader encounters in a library, bookshop, or—most likely now—on the Internet. Combining the publisher’s usually predetermined logo, typography and layout with an image provided by the volume editor or author, the cover aims to convey multiple meanings. These meanings are particularly important in a field such as planning history, where visuals of the associated disciplines play an important role. Spatial planning and urban design convey multi-faceted ideas through masterplans that are often illustrated with memorable images. Planning history explores these images as part of its approach and needs to pay attention to the ways in which images convey meaning. Taking the example of the selection of the cover image for the Routledge Handbook of Planning History, the article presents how five different types of images addressed specific approaches of the handbook by showcasing cross-cultural exchange, identifying key words and terms of planning history, and using comic strips, games or art work as a means of translating the multiple themes of the book. This short reflective analysis concludes by asking for more investigation of the role of images as part of the changing role of planning in society and the built environment.
AB - A book’s cover is frequently the first visual element of a book that a reader encounters in a library, bookshop, or—most likely now—on the Internet. Combining the publisher’s usually predetermined logo, typography and layout with an image provided by the volume editor or author, the cover aims to convey multiple meanings. These meanings are particularly important in a field such as planning history, where visuals of the associated disciplines play an important role. Spatial planning and urban design convey multi-faceted ideas through masterplans that are often illustrated with memorable images. Planning history explores these images as part of its approach and needs to pay attention to the ways in which images convey meaning. Taking the example of the selection of the cover image for the Routledge Handbook of Planning History, the article presents how five different types of images addressed specific approaches of the handbook by showcasing cross-cultural exchange, identifying key words and terms of planning history, and using comic strips, games or art work as a means of translating the multiple themes of the book. This short reflective analysis concludes by asking for more investigation of the role of images as part of the changing role of planning in society and the built environment.
KW - cross-cultural exchange
KW - historiography
KW - methodology
KW - pictorial turn
KW - Planning history
KW - visualization
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85066288618&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/02665433.2019.1615536
DO - 10.1080/02665433.2019.1615536
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85066288618
VL - 34
SP - 737
EP - 747
JO - Planning Perspectives: an international journal of history, planning and the environment
JF - Planning Perspectives: an international journal of history, planning and the environment
SN - 0266-5433
IS - 4
ER -