Walking the Abercrombie plan
County of London Plan 1943, Social and Functional Analysis
Part of Docomomo UK’s planning season
A walk led by Tom Cordell
Saturday 29th July 2023, 1100hrs, starting at Mile End Underground station
Book tickets, Docomomo UK non-members, £15
Book tickets, Docomomo UK members only, free
Abercrombie and Forshaw’s County of London plan is often remembered for its unrealised ambitions - in particular the creation of a series of high speed orbital roads through the capital. But this overlooks its massive achievements, in creating a healthier, greener and more equal urban society.
Unbuilt urban motorways
The plan took a holistic approach to improving the lives of Londoners, in particular in creating spaces for leisure in London, and Improving working conditions as well as housing. While remembered for its rupture with the past, the plan emphasised preservation of London’s historic fabric.
Sorting out housing, industry and commerce. From Erno Goldfinger and EJ Carter’s 1945 explainer of the County of London Plan
This walk will look at the relics of this programme - parks and open space created from industrial and housing land, improved housing, and see the remains of abandoned urban motorways. We’ll explore the social struggles that worked with and fought against the vision of the planners, and how these have shaped the city we live in today.
Diagnosis: Open Space deficiency. From Erno Goldfinger and EJ Carter’s 1945 explainer of the County of London Plan
Treatment: Open space plan. From Erno Goldfinger and EJ Carter’s 1945 explainer of the County of London Plan