American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

The first American test of the neighborhood unit concept was implemented in 1910 in Forest Hills Gardens. This concept, developed by planner Clarence Perry, emphasized the idea of creating a self-sufficient, pedestrian-friendly environment where residents could access schools, parks, and shopping within a walkable distance. Forest Hills Gardens was specifically designed to adhere to this model, showcasing characteristics such as distinct neighborhood boundaries, mixed land uses, and an emphasis on community interaction.

This early implementation served as a practical application of Perry's theory and influenced urban planning significantly. As a result, it provided a framework for future developments and was instrumental in the evolution of suburban planning in the United States.

In contrasting the other options, the neighborhood unit concept was not first tested in the 1920s or later decades. While other cities may have adopted similar ideas based on this concept in subsequent years, the seminal example from Forest Hills Gardens remains pivotal for understanding the origins of the neighborhood unit model in American urban planning.