American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which city was the first to apply the City Beautiful principles?

1. New York City

2. Washington D.C.

3. San Francisco

4. Chicago

The correct answer is: San Francisco

The city that was the first to apply City Beautiful principles is Washington D.C. The City Beautiful movement emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily aimed at addressing social and environmental challenges through urban planning and civic design. The movement promoted beautification and monumental grandeur in cities, making urban environments more aesthetically pleasing and promoting a sense of community. Washington D.C. served as a key example of these principles, particularly through the design of its National Mall and the emphasis on grand public buildings and spaces, which reflected the ideals of beauty, order, and democracy. The 1901 McMillan Plan, which aimed to restore and enhance the city's landscape while integrating parks, monuments, and public spaces, is often credited with being a significant implementation of City Beautiful concepts. The other cities mentioned were not the first to embrace these principles. While each has its own remarkable urban planning heritage, the foundational efforts tied to the City Beautiful movement are most notably linked with Washington D.C.