American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Who is credited with leading the Garden City Movement?

1. Joe Garreau

2. Clarence Arthur Perry

3. Ebenezer Howard

4. Saul Alinsky

The correct answer is: Ebenezer Howard

The Garden City Movement is primarily credited to Ebenezer Howard, a British urban planner and social reformer who proposed ideas for creating balanced communities that integrated both urban and rural living. Howard's vision was encapsulated in his seminal work, "To-Morrow: A Peaceful Path to Real Reform," published in 1898. In this book, he articulated the concept of self-contained communities surrounded by greenbelts, which aimed to promote a healthier living environment while alleviating the problems associated with overcrowded cities. His ideas were revolutionary for their time and laid the groundwork for future urban planning initiatives that sought to harmonize the relationship between nature and urban life. Howard's Garden City concept influenced numerous developments and planning practices throughout the 20th century, leading to the establishment of planned communities that prioritize green spaces, residential areas, and self-sustaining economies. This movement had a lasting impact on urban design, emphasizing the importance of integration between built environments and natural landscapes.