American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

During which period did the City Beautiful movement primarily emerge?

1. 1800s

2. 1900-1920s

3. 1960s

4. 1970s

The correct answer is: 1900-1920s

The City Beautiful movement primarily emerged in the late 19th century and continued into the early 20th century, particularly from around 1900 to the 1920s. This movement was notable for advocating for the improvement of urban environments through beautification and monumental structures, emphasizing aesthetic design in urban planning. Planners and architects during this time sought to create harmonious cityscapes that could uplift the moral and social fabric of society, reflecting broader ideas of progress and a response to the rapid industrialization and urbanization occurring in cities. The period is characterized by significant projects, such as the planning of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, which was a key influence on public spaces and urban design in that era. The City Beautiful movement laid the groundwork for future urban planning principles by integrating art, architecture, and landscape design into the fabric of the city. In contrast, the other periods mentioned in the options do not align with the origins and key developments of the City Beautiful movement. The 1800s witnessed early ideas but not the culmination of the movement. The 1960s and 1970s are associated with different urban planning trends like urban renewal and modernism, which moved away from the principles established by City Beautiful