Date: Wed Dec 22 00:03:31 EST 1999
Subject: A.Word.A.Day--ekistics

ekistics (i-KIS-tiks) noun

The science of human settlements, including city or community planning and design.

[Ultimately from Greek oikistikos, of settlements, from oikistes,colonizer, founder, from oikizein, to settle, from oikos, house.]

"Konstantinos Doxiadis (1913-1975) was present at that meeting. He was a Greek architect who coined the term `ekistics' and led the movement for more thoughtful urban planning. According to (Wesley) Posvar, Doxiadis was preoccupied with the ills of city life. He thought the village format--where everything from family to food was within walking distance--was the perfect living unit."
Rehan Nasir, Former chancellor still active at
U. Pittsburgh, University Wire, 17 Nov 1998.