Millions of Americans are moving west, attracted by big skies, majestic scenery, abundant wildlife, and a romantic past. Unfortunately, many developments built to accommodate these newcomers flout the landscape and ignore local traditions threatening the very qualities that make the West beautiful and unique. It is not too late to prevent more damage and preserve the best of the West for future generations. True West translates the key elements of authentic Western development patterns-drawn from Native American, Spanish, and early American settlements-into design guidelines for expansion and new development. Comprehensive case studies examine contemporary developments that embrace historic patterns and harmonize with the landscape.True West is an exceptional resource for Western Planners and elected officials who are committed to ensuring growth that respects the region's distinctive character and natural environment.

Lucia Farinati is a writer-researcher, curator and activist. She holds an MA in Curating from Goldsmiths University and a PhD in Critical Studies from Kingston University, London. She is the co-author of The Force of Listening (2017), and Training for Exploitation? Politicising Employability and Reclaiming Education (2017).

Jennifer Thatcher is an art historian, critic and curator. She co‑curated Folkestone Book Festival (2023), curated the public programmes for Folkestone Triennial (2014, 2017) and Whitstable Biennale (2016), and was Director of Talks at the ICA (2003–2010). She is a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Kent, Canterbury.