Brave "New Urbanism" - or Brave New World ?

[Richard Haut]

From the Guardian:

"The government today defended its promotion of urban design inspired by Seaside, the model new town in Florida which formed the backdrop to the popular satirical film The Truman Show.

Within the next two weeks ministers will unveil 10 to 12 areas where they plan to pilot the use of design coding on new housing in Britain."

http://society.guardian.co.uk/urbandesi ... 88,00.html

Why does it make me think of that extraordinary TV series "The Prisoner", set in Clough Williams-Ellis' Portmeirion ?

[MLSherrod]

I think the key is "sustainable development"

[Richard Haut]

Perhaps the word "appropriate" belongs in there somewhere.

[MLSherrod]

I just know the fundamental ideals about New Urbanism make a much stronger argument for that type of development than what we have going on here in the States as it is now. Unfortunately, no one remembers how to live with out expecting a 40 minute car ride to the markets, work and school.

[Richard Haut]

That certainly backs up what I have heard about New Urbanism in the US. It is at least an attempt to give a sense of belonging which - inevitably - should apply to a community over a lengthy period, and so durability is an essential. Whether or not it is the best way of achieving it, I don't know, but some of the illustrations that I have seen look highly liveable.

In the UK it is different - even slightly ridiculous.

Britain has an historic setting going back a Millenium or more in many areas. If that setting - the culture of Britain itself - is not respected, then it is inevitably being downgraded or even debased.

I got the impression that Britain was trying to import outside ideas wholesale and then ignoring the context in which they are to be placed.

[MLSherrod]

Ahhh, thanks for the clarification on that one. I understand much better now. If you've never seen the "Suburban Dream", its worth a trip over here. Just to see how NOT to develop a country.