Lessons from the British and French New Towns: Paradise
Lost? explores the evolution of the New Towns in both France and the UK
from several perspectives including public policy, sociology, geography and
heritage.


UK and French New Towns have many similarities in terms of
the role of the national state in tackling urgent problems of housing and urban
growth and in promoting innovative design and architecture.  These innovative planned settlements have
left a contested and complex legacy, but are once again on the political and
urbanisation agenda in Europe, where a push for growth of housing and the
desire for sustainability are the new drivers of urban planning and design.
After years of the private development market being seen as the principal
instrument of urban growth and planning, it is time to assess the urban legacy
and the heritage of the UK and French New Towns. This book contrasts their
evolution on both sides of the Channel and shows what can be learned about post
war state planning and the future planning of new settlements.