Alain Bertaud, an esteemed urbanist and senior research scholar, delves into the charm disparity between European and American cities. He argues that American zoning laws hinder vibrant urban life by prioritizing single-family homes over walkable communities. Bertaud shares insights on various urban challenges, including transportation in crowded areas like Tel Aviv and the need for affordable housing reforms. He also highlights the unique resilience found in Bogotá's spontaneous urban growth, showcasing how informal settlements can integrate successfully with formal systems.

In this episode, Shruti speaks with Alain Bertaud about how Indian cities have evolved, utilities pricing, land use restrictions such as floor area ratio and floor space index, slums, charter cities, urbanization in Africa and much more. Bertaud is an urbanist, distinguished visiting scholar at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, and senior research scholar at New York University’s Marron Institute of Urban Management. From 1980 to 1999, he was the principal urban planner at the World Bank. His book about urban planning is titled “Order Without Design: How Markets Shape Cities.” Recorded February 7th, 2023 Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links. Follow us on Twitter Follow Shruti on Twitter Follow Alain on Twitter Click here for the latest Ideas of India episodes sent straight to your inbox.

Urban planner Alain Bertaud discusses the impact of culture and regulations on shaping cities, using examples like donuts and urban sprawl. He advocates for a free market approach to urban planning and shares personal career stories. The podcast explores the dynamics of urban diversity, migrant integration, and the challenges of regulations in cities.

Alain Bertaud, a leading urbanist and author of *Order Without Design*, discusses the critical relationship between city planning and market forces. He argues that ignoring markets leads to poorly designed urban spaces. Bertaud shares insights on public transportation in the Moscow subway, reflects on the messy charm of cities, and critiques rent control policies in Dublin. He also envisions new urban developments, suggesting that the future of cities may hinge on adapting to cultural narratives and technological changes.

Guest Alain Bertaud, feted urbanist with experience in city planning in communist China, Algeria, Cuba, and France, shares insights on working in command economies, challenges of affordable housing, subsidies for art and culture, contesting France's pension system, red wine myths, French Revolution glorification, comparing dictators, and reflections on protests and the Alamo in Texas.