The Garden City Lecture

The Welwyn Garden Heritage Trust and the WGC Society hosted a talk on Garden Cities - 'Back To The Future' which took place in the Campus West Council Chambers on May 30th.

The two informative speakers were Kate Henderson, TCPA Chief Executive and Dr Patrick Clarke, Technical Director of Strategic Planning and Urban Design, URS. Around 160 people attended the evening.

Marking the centenary in 2012 of 'Nothing Gained By Overcrowding!' by Raymond Unwin the Town and Country Planning Association - founded by Ebenezer Howard as the Garden Cities Association - has republished Unwin's pamphlet alongside an exploration of how his ideas can be applied today. Kate Henderson considered the creation of garden cities today outlining current policies, practices, partnerships and model approaches. Patrick Clarke re-explored Unwin's ideas in his report 'Everything To Be Gained!' considering how Garden City principles could deliver attractive and sustainable neighbourhoods for the 21st century.

After the illustrated talk members of the audience were invited to respond which they did with great enthusiasm - one of these being Ebenezer Howard's great granddaughter who spoke movingly about Howard's ideas and how he would have taken them forward. Overall when considering the question 'Can you build a Garden City now?' the majority consensus seemed to be yes but with what new technologies and how to accommodate current lifestyles the debate continues. Tony Skottowe of the Welwyn Garden Heritage Trust ended the evening by thanking all who had attended and with the hope that jointly hosted talks from the Trust and WGC Society might become a regular annual event.