GARDEN CITY THEORY
P U T R A J AYA
b y
c it y
e b e n e z e r
Ebenezer Howard 1850 - 1928
h o w ar d
The Garden City Theory introduced by Ebenezer Howard has been seen adopted in two well-known cities, Letchworth and Welwyn. The ideas of this theory has been recorded in the book published in 1902; Garden Cities of To-morrow. One key point introduced was translated into The Three Magnets diagram stating the importance of town-country relationship which is able to preserve big chances of employment and public spirit with a sense of being close to forests and meadows. It also aims to reintegrate people with the countryside; to bring human society and the beauty of nature together. Quoted from the theorists himself, “always preserving a belt of country� around cities emphasized the prominence of having nature around and within man. Having said that, development must not alter the natural land and consideration towards hierarchy of services, essential components of community and zoning principles. It opts to create a sense of community and harboring relationships between human beings by enhancing them with good planning and design that promotes sociability. The Garden City style has a few interesting characteristics namely, having public recreational grounds within easy access by all people, radial development to avoid a scattered form, contextual emphasis, ample greeneries (trees to be planted along roads and back of building plot), consideration of natural lighting, large use of cul-de-sac and having a focal point similarly to the Coronation Fountain at Parkway in Welwyn. Together they generate uniformity in which elements of man and nature come together as a whole. Some notable features in Welwyn Garden City also includes facilities to cater for all, parklands and woodlands within close proximities, provision of pathways for pedestrians to walk around to fully enjoy the views and develop interest to explore further and a clear division between formal and informal spaces. This resulted in a development of the site that emits an untouched, natural feel. This theory was selected prior to the chosen site in order to draw the similarities between the ideas of this theory and the ideas adopted in Putrajaya. Also, this selection intends to improve Putrajaya which was already a sought after Garden City and to look into the improvised decisions that could make Putrajaya a better Garden City which respects the theory. The application of theory is specifically towards Precint 4.
Welwyn Garden City
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m alay s ia
Putrajaya is one of the largest integrated urban development project in the history of Malaysia that combines development of government institutions, commercial, residential, public amenities and infrastructure. It aims to have a well-planned administrative center with modern facilities and technology to enhance government efficiency and productivity. The planning of Putrajaya was based on the Garden City Concept with some considerations that include, preservation of natural topography (lands are connected using bridges which mitigates land reclaim) and minimal earth cut and fill works. The main features of this green city includes large open spaces designated as green open spaces (37 percent of the land), man-made lake and wetlands to create waterfronts, clear zoning of administrative (55 percent), commercial, public (32 percent) and peripheral (13 percent comprising of mix housing types catering for all to promote social integration) precints, a 4.2 kilometer long boulevard which formed the spine of the city that is directly adopted from the theory, quality and modern public amenities with easy accessibility via walking and recreation spaces. The city planning also allows focal points to form which is one of the key features of a garden city. About 11 parks are found in this city which suggests the importance of nature to be around man. In conclusion, this caring city successfully creates a sense of community and belonging which encompasses both man and nature as a whole.