Can Big be beautiful

As Milton Keynes gears up for a major a expansion of the new city (http://www.go-se.gov.uk/gose/ourRegion/growthAreas/mksmGrowth/) the issue of density is featuring in most debates and public forums. At present Milton Keynes has an average density of 25 dwellings to the hectare (2.14 acres). Government guidelines are calling for 35 dwellings ph for England. However, it is already clear that in future parts of Milton Keynes will achieve between 50 and 100 dph. Nothing compared to cities like Barcelona (300 dph) or Hong Kong where some parts have a whopping 1700 dph.

There is also lots of talk about the need for cultural planning for the expanded Milton Keynes. Bit of an elusive topic is urban cultural planning. Plenty of case studies but hard practicable definitions can be scarce. In this respect Janet Street Porters recent rant in the Independent, "These cities of the future are just ego-trips"(7 july) is worth a read or even the £1 charge you have to pay see a back copy http://comment.independent.co.uk/columnists_m_z/janet_street_porter/article297349.ece

She is railing against the plans for Londons plans for the Olympics in 2012 but the sentiments have relevance for city makers such as those in MK.