American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which movement was inspired by the establishment of Letchworth in 1903?

1. Modernism

2. City Beautiful Movement

3. New Town Movement

4. Urban Renewal

The correct answer is: New Town Movement

The correct answer is the New Town Movement, which was notably influenced by the establishment of Letchworth Garden City in 1903. Letchworth is often recognized as the first garden city, a concept that combined the benefits of urban and rural living, focusing on planned communities with ample green spaces. The New Town Movement emerged as planners sought to create self-contained communities that encompassed residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, all designed to enhance the quality of life for their residents. Letchworth's design principles of combining housing with nature and community amenities directly contributed to this movement's ideals, emphasizing a balanced living environment. In contrast, the City Beautiful Movement, which focused on beautifying cities through grand architecture and urban design to promote civic virtue and morality, emerged a bit earlier and did not specifically draw from the Letchworth model. Modernism, characterized by a break from traditional architectural styles, came later and was not directly inspired by the garden city concept. Urban Renewal, a movement focused on revitalizing city areas often through demolition and reconstruction, was also not directly linked to the establishment of Letchworth, as its principles developed in response to mid-20th century urban decay challenges.