Twenty essays confront issues of vital importance to Australian cities - to the places we live, what they are, what they could be. They range from the international experience to the social and 'dream' experience of the home and suburb. There are historical overviews and visions for future change and planning approach. Roads, water and public transport are all addressed. The essays are written in honour of Hans Westerman, planner, academic and visionary and himself a contributor to the book.