Hedley Smyth Running the Gauntlet:A Compact City within a Doughnut of Decay
Introduction
The history of the 'compact city' can be traced back to biblical times when a range of government functions were administered at the city gate, controlling the comings and goings in and out of the city as well as defending it against attack. In Britain, the medieval fortified city gave birth to the suburb outside its walls. The rights conferred upon and economic experience of the 'city' dweller were different, frequently better, than for the 'suburban' counterpart, although there was a strong economic interdependence. Industrialisation and mechanised transportation have created waves of urbanisation which in turn has led to an apparent inability to 'contain' the city. A reappraisal is under way. The theoretical argument for the current interest in the compact city and sustainability is being derived by abstracting from: | • successful development-led inner city regeneration |
| • the rediscovery of the work of Jane Jacobs (especially 1965, but also 1972) |
| • a rational 'modern' analysis of urban form by architects (Rogers, 1994) |
| • an eclectic 'post-modern' application of architecture across the built form |
| • a social desire for 'spectacle' and vitality (Harvey, 1989) |
| • a social concern with crime, and the desire to create security through dense development and pedestrianised use of public spaces |
| • the importance of cities in their regional, national and international contexts both literally and symbolically (Smyth, 1994) |
| • the need to reduce the local and global environmental impact of urban development |
This interest in the compact city follows three main threads-environmental, social and economic. The desire to promote sustainable development, particularly across the range of environmental issues, is the primary focus for current promotion. The concern for security and the stimulation of activity in the city
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Publication information:
Book title: The Compact City: A Sustainable Urban Form?.
Contributors: Mike Jenks - Editor, Elizabeth Burton - Editor, Katie Williams - Editor.
Publisher: E & FN Spon.
Place of publication: London.
Publication year: 1996.
Page number: 101.
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