Works in Progress Podcast How traffic modernism ruined cities with Nicholas Boys Smith
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Sep 26, 2025 Nicholas Boys Smith, Chairman of Create Streets and a proponent of 'gentle density', dives into urban design principles that enhance livability. He argues that distrust towards planners fuels opposition to new buildings, driven by aesthetics and past failures. Nicholas contrasts thriving neighborhoods with poorly planned developments, advocates for adaptable housing, and highlights the pitfalls of traffic modernism. With insights on creating sociable streets and balancing cars with pedestrian needs, he presents a vision for vibrant urban spaces that work for everyone.
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Gentle Density Optimizes Tradeoffs
- Gentle density balances private space with proximity to shops, transit and neighbours to serve most people well.
- Terrace houses, mansion blocks and small squares optimize environmental and productivity trade-offs.
Pimlico Versus Nine Elms Case
- Pimlico is a 19th-century example of successful gentle density with terraces, mansion blocks and tight streets.
- By contrast Nine Elms used towers and orientation to maximize views but created windy, unpleasant public spaces.
Use Pattern Books To De-Risk Development
- Pattern books (design codes) de-risk usual, acceptable building types and speed approvals.
- Allow unusual designs to follow normal planning but make the default easy and pre-approved.