Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Graphiscape focuses on urban visuals--from graffiti to architectural bas-reliefs, transport signage to shop receipts. The series is planned in paired volumes to emphasise the site-specific nature of design as a city's lifeblood: New York/Tokyo contrasts east and west; subsequent books will juxtapose modern and historic, high and low, etc. Graphiscape: New York and Graphiscape: Tokyo represent the creative lifeblood of the cities as seen through their graphics--their own internal communications, sometimes formal, sometimes Spontaneous. Graffiti, posters, neon lighting, street art, colour schemes, perspectives and forms are just some of the graphic elements collated a inspiration in these essential, hip sourcebooks for graphic designers and visual creatives. Graphiscape: New York and Graphiscape: Tokyo are organised around structure, communication, problem solving and originality--all principles that drive design itself--but with the raw edge of organic development. Design is site specific: the flavour of each city is tasted through the vast variety of its visual elements that can be called graphic design in its widest sense. Geographical neighborhoods are treated in distinct sections to further demonstrated the cultural depth and diversity of the subject cities. This is an essential guide to the graphic blood that flows in the visual arteries of these vital cities.