A new exhibition centre celebrating the global influence of Letchworth Garden City, the world’s first, is to open in the Hertfordshire town on October 12, with the centre featuring displays explaining how the town grew from Ebenezer Howard’s vision for better places to live, and inspired a movement for global change.
The Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation developed the exhibition to celebrate renewed interest in the town and its founding principles.
The foundation is currently working with the developing metropolis of Chengdu in Central China, which is creating a new Garden City suburb of 1-2 million people, with similarities and striking differences from Letchworth’s Edwardian design. There skyscrapers emerge from leafy avenues in their plans and monorails sweep over treetops.
David Ames, head of Strategic Planning and Heritage for the Foundation, visited China this spring to advise government officials, academics and developers on how a master planned approach can help deliver low carbon development. Officials from Chengdu plan a return trip this winter.
Find about more on Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation website at: LINK
