American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What did Pierre Charles L'Enfant design?

1. Garden Cities

2. Washington D.C.

3. Urban renewal projects

4. Public parks

The correct answer is: Washington D.C.

Pierre Charles L'Enfant is best known for designing the layout of Washington D.C., which he envisioned as a grand, symbolic city that reflected the ideals of the new American republic. His plan included wide avenues, public squares, and significant open spaces, intended to facilitate not only movement but also civic engagement and visual beauty. L'Enfant's design incorporated elements inspired by European cities, emphasizing monumental buildings and providing connections between key landmarks. This thoughtful arrangement laid the groundwork for the functional and aesthetic aspects of the nation's capital that we recognize today. While he had a profound influence on urban design, particularly in the context of the early 19th century, his work didn’t specifically encompass garden cities, urban renewal projects, or public parks in the way those concepts are understood in urban planning today. Each of those other options pertains to different historic figures or movements that contributed to urban development in various contexts, but L'Enfant's legacy is firmly rooted in his vision for Washington D.C.