urban pre

In this unit, we explore a different concept of urban planning, created by Ebenezer Howard. His idea of the Garden City was considered to be revolutionary after what people had witnessed cities become during the Industrial Revolution. In previous units, we have explored many different designs. For example, in Unit 3, we read about Haussmann’s restructuring of Paris, which looked very similar to what we see today in Gentrification of Urban settings. Unlike Haussmann, the elements of Howards plan were meant to reform the way of life in heavily populated urban areas. With the goal of creating a sustainable environment and community for all, Howard proposed a way of life that combined both urban and suburban styles of living.

Howard describes his alternative approach in three scenarios which he referred to as, “The Three Magnets,” The Town, The country, and The Town-Country Magnet. The Town-Country magnet allowed for a person to get the best of both worlds, and developed into what he named The Garden City.  The city would be built across 6,000 acres complete with a sustainable and well-watered garden in the center. Once the population reached 3,000 people…a new town was formed. Each town was to be unique, but was also to be connected back to the same large plan.

There were also plans for these towns to be more than just a means of shelter, but social cities. The land was not in the hands of private owners but in the hands of the people, to be administered in a way that they felt would best benefit the community. He aimed to have his towns and their people surrounded by the most “healthy and advantageous conditions” possible, and each generation would ensure that their society met their needs. Many called Howard’s plan utopian, and felt it would never work. However, other Garden cities emerged around the same time emulating the same goals and beliefs as the Garden City.

“Garden Cities of Tomorrow”

http://asd-ddrs.org/arrash-again/2013/11/24/garden-cities-of-to-morrow-1902-ebenezer-howard/

For this week’s discussion:

1. What do you think are the most successful aspects of the Garden City?

2.  What elements of the Garden City are similar to Haussmann’s plan?

3. Identify a city that was influenced the most by the Garden City and in what ways.