Project description
In the previous week we had explored the idea of model settlements places built as an example to others to show how good living conditions could be created. This week took that further and looked at how that idea was used as a starting point for New Town development after WW2.
Before the War there were influences, not just from model settlements and Garden Cities but also from the US, for example Radburn layout.
After the War many inner city areas had been destroyed by enemy bombing. In some ways this was a blessing in disguise as it meant that much of the poor quality inner city housing would inevitably now have to be replaced. The question was whether to do this in situ or start afresh outside the urban area. In many cases the decision was taken to rebuild the inner city for retail and civic uses (eg Coventry, Plymouth, London) but to relocate the population outside into urban extensions or new towns.
New Towns had a particular status. They were established by Act of Parliament and a New Town Development Corporation was responsible for building each of them. In the lecture session we explored three phases of New Town development.
Phase One: Harlow and Stevenage are examples we looked at. Materials used tended to be cheap and designs tended to try and create communities but in so doing excluded people by the lack of transport options. On top of that working patterns changed as more females started to work rather than staying at home. This led to empty communities during daytime.
We also looked at Cumbernauld near Glasgow as an example of modernism and problems that arise from social engineering and so called technical and architectural solutions to place making. The weeks reading focusses on Cumbernauld.
Phase Two: we explored Runcorn and its emphasis on pedestrian and vehicle separation. The figure of eight plan and the location of residential, industrial and civic activity was a major part of the explanation given for the urban pattern. We also looked at how poor materials and finishes combined with deck access and proximity to Liverpool all played a part in the failure of the new town to live up to expectations.
Phase three: Milton Keynes was the main case study and in particular its gridded motor car friendly plan. The acceptance of the car has led to a particular layout and the residential areas are all positioned so as to have easy access.
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