How do people perceive urban design? What is it about design that influences our perceptions? Assessing Urban Design is a search to better understand how people perceive the physical environments that surround them. Touching on issues of urban design, planning, architecture, historic preservation, and tourism, Berman combines theoretical essays and empirical research to explore waterfront sites in Philadelphia and Yokohama. Topics discussed include "The Distinct and the Unique, Predictability and Surprise, Packaging" and "Historical Ambience." Berman's research consists of photo surveys and interviews conducted on the waterfronts of the chosen cities. His findings are useful in deepening our understanding of people's preferences in urban design and historic preservation. An important work for scholars and students of architecture, urban planning, historic preservation, and tourism.