NEW TOWNS: Building Cities From Scratch

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 8, 1974

As far as it goes, this is a useful introduction to the New Town concept, as first envisioned by planner Ebenezer Howard at the turn of the century and later realized, or partially realized, in the Garden Cities of Letchworth and Welwyn in England and in Radburn, Reston and other experimental American communities. Munzer and Vogel don't really question the plan's theoretical basis -- the centralization of authority over small businesses, etc., or the hidden wastefulness of its start from scratch mentality, but they do show the many advantages of planned housing at its best. The authors caution that the New Town idea is not a ""cure-all""; nevertheless this factual, descriptive roundup is less oriented toward practical assessment of its future and current possibilities than toward its exciting, cleanly organized drawing board appeal.

Pub Date: Nov. 8, 1974

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 150

Publisher: Knopf

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1974

Categories: NONFICTION