This book addresses a major challenge of our time by reviving a mid-twenty century concept. By placing the ground plan at the core of our analytical and prescriptive framework, it demonstrates ways to make human settlements more diverse and sustainable. First, the ground plan’s potential to reveal the primary distinctions in urban landscapes is demonstrated. Secondly, each distinct ground plan and urban landscape is related to a specific socioeconomic and environmental performance. Thirdly, the enduring nature of the ground plan over time is examined. The design of a ground plan, or the transformation of an existing one, is seen as a unique opportunity to foster socioeconomic diversity and environmental sustainability for both present and future generations. Finally, the New York study is placed within a broader body of knowledge. We argue that if the ground plan made it there, it will make it anywhere!