American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What was the primary goal of the Garden City Movement as founded by Ebenezer Howard?

1. To promote urbanization

2. To advocate for high-rise living

3. To promote the return to nature and small villages

4. To create industrialized cities

The correct answer is: To promote the return to nature and small villages

The central aim of the Garden City Movement, established by Ebenezer Howard, was to promote the return to nature and the development of small villages. Howard envisioned a balanced approach to urban planning that integrated green spaces and the natural environment with residential areas. His concept sought to combine the benefits of both city and countryside living, fostering communities that offered the amenities of urban life while maintaining a close connection to nature. This was in direct response to the problems associated with urbanization, such as overcrowding, pollution, and the lack of open spaces. In Howard's vision, garden cities would provide a sustainable environment where residents could live in harmony with nature, thus enhancing their quality of life.