Planning Is The Problem

A United Kingdom publication charges that New Urbanism is authoritarian and the real problem with cities is planning.

1 minute read

July 12, 2001, 10:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"The new urbanism represented by Richard Rogers is shallow and authoritarian. Its impulse to confine people in high-density settlements has disastrous social and economic effects. The truly radical answer is to dismantle the planning system, allow people to live where they wish, and nurture a creative mix between town and country. Let Swindon breathe, the Yorkshire Dales thrive, and Glasgow flourish!... In the UK there is far too much planning, or zoning. The consequences are dire for all of us who live here. Far from the British planning system being something other countries should emulate, they should look upon the United Kingdom as a negative example and beware."

Thanks to The Practice of New Urbanism

Friday, October 7, 2005 in Open Democracy

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

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