Summary

First February 15, Summary of an excerpt from Garden Cities of Tomorrow Introduction In the current world of vast political and social diversity, it is hard to find a matter whose importance is agreed upon by all people irrespective of these disparities. However, one such subject which has unanimously been discouraged world over is the migration of people from the country to the already crowded towns. Although this is a matter of grave significance to all, it would be misinformed to assume that everybody would appreciate the value of a given remedy to the problem. Nevertheless, it is desirable that people should be united in their opinions towards solutions to such a matter whose impact is universal.
It is important to first understand the cause of the migration before attempting to provide a remedy. These causes, whatever they may be, can be termed as attractions. Thus, to counter this problem, it is required that better attractions be created in the country to lure people there. Take the analogy that the cities are magnets and people needles, to distribute people, it requires that stronger magnets than the cities be created. The country is associated with agricultural activities while the town with industrial activities. This has created a belief among people that there exists only two alternatives; the town and country. This is however, not true because a third alternative, that is a fusion of all the good qualities of town and country, exist and is the very solution that will pull people from the congested towns.
The three magnets
Consider the town and country as two magnets each striving to attract people. Town has its advantages and disadvantages as does the country. Town-country is a marriage of the good qualities of town and country and thus does not have disadvantages. Town boasts better wages, comfortable homes, social amenities but with high rents and prices together with pollution. The country on the other hand is characterized by low rents, natural beauty and plentiful water but with a dull lifestyle, poor drainage and slum-like life where people huddle at one place leaving the rest deserted.
Town and country need to be married to take advantage of their positive qualities. The combination enables the human society to be enjoyed together with beauty of nature. Town represents the society – man to man interaction through science, art and religion. Country represents God’s love for man – the source of life, the resource that drives industries and an inspiration for art and music. The fusion of town and country is therefore the main ingredient that will see rise of new hope, new life and new civilization.
Town-country magnet
In town-country magnet the benefits of social interaction can be utilized than in any congested city while still maintaining the natural beauty. High wages, reduced rents, employment opportunities, improved sanitary conditions and beautiful homes can be attained to make dwellers generally happier.
A city, Garden City is explained that implements and verifies applicability of the principle of town-country magnet. Six boulevards traverse the city and terminate at a five acre Central Park with larger public buildings surrounding it. An arcade, Crystal Palace surrounds the Central Park, well sheltered all weather where manufactured goods are sold. Moving towards the outer ring of the city are posh houses built with fine architecture facing the avenues and form the residential. The outer ring consists of factories, warehouses, dairies, markets, coal yards, timber yards connected to a railway line that traverses the estates too. Agricultural activities take place at the outermost region of the city. This demonstrates to readers how the concept can be utilized to create a balanced town-country environment that will draw people from towns.
Work Cited
Howard, Ebenezer. Garden Cities of Tomorrow. London, 1898. 45-57