The garden city philosophy emphasized the importance of open green spaces, parks, and gardens, which could provide health benefits, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic value. The central idea behind this philosophy was the concept of creating a balance between nature and man-made development. The garden city movement also sought to promote public transportation, community planning, and social cohesion.
The first garden city was built in 1903 in Letchworth, UK, by Ebenezer Howard. Howard was an English urban planner who believed that the creation of new towns could solve the problems of overcrowding in cities. Letchworth had a population of around 33,000 by the 1970s, and it became a model for other garden cities around the world.
Another notable garden city was built in Welwyn Garden City, UK, in 1920. The city was designed by architect Louis de Soissons and landscape architect Ralph Hancock. It had a population of around 44,000 by the 1970s and is still considered a successful example of garden city planning.
The garden city movement also had an impact on urban planning in the US. During the early 20th century, several garden cities were built in the US, including Radburn, New Jersey, and Sunnyside Gardens, New York. However, these cities were not as successful as their UK counterparts due to factors such as a lack of financing and zoning restrictions.
The garden city movement had a lasting influence on urban planning and continues to inspire urban planners and architects today. The movement emphasized the importance of quality of life, community planning, and sustainability, which are still relevant in contemporary urban planning. The creation of green spaces, parks, and gardens is still considered an important element in urban design, and the garden city philosophy of creating a balance between nature and human development is still a guiding principle in sustainable development.
In conclusion, the garden city movement was a pioneering social and urban planning movement that aimed to create self-sufficient and sustainable communities. The movement emphasized the importance of green spaces, social cohesion, and public transportation, which are still relevant today. Although not without its limitations, the garden city movement had a lasting impact on urban planning and continues to inspire new ideas and innovations in urban design.