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‘Urbanist’ lived experience: resident observations on life in Poundbury

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Abstract

Evidence-based critical reflection on urbanist visions for the future remains limited in extent. In particular, analyses that assess resident experience of new developments are lacking. In the present paper, Sandercock's (1998) normative guidelines for planning practice and Lefebvre's (1991) notion of lived space are combined to examine the urban village manifestation, via a case study of Poundbury in Dorset, UK. The paper reports results from structured interviews with 111 residents of Poundbury. It covers demographic characteristics of the residents, and resident evaluations of the planned outcomes for Poundbury relating to community, urban design, mixed activity, transit and energy goals. The paper considers the extent to which the goals have been achieved, levels of resident support for the goals, and some issues that such developments need to address in the future. The paper argues for a more reflective approach to urbanist projects, particularly in terms of any potential they may have to contribute to inclusivity.

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Acknowledgements

I acknowledge the University of Otago Research Grant and the University of Otago Humanities Division Research Grant that funded the research reported in the paper. I am also grateful for the assistance of Bill Mooney, Miranda Sims, Bobbi Schijf, Sophie Bond, and the anonymous referees in the preparation of the paper. Thanks to the Duchy of Cornwall for giving permission to use their aerial photograph of Poundbury.

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  1. Department of Geography, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand

    Michelle Thompson-Fawcett

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  1. Michelle Thompson-Fawcett
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Correspondence to Michelle Thompson-Fawcett.

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Thompson-Fawcett, M. ‘Urbanist’ lived experience: resident observations on life in Poundbury. Urban Des Int 8, 67–84 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.udi.9000096

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