Let them smoke ciggies because it keeps them calm
“Cul de sac layouts may be the opium of the unwary – seemingly an analgesic against high-density urbanism – but beware the risks of over-indulgence”.
Steve Morgan, founder of housebuilder Redrow, attacks high-density urbanism in today’s Building Design. He says:
“Build cul de sacs because that’s how people want to live”.
This reminds me of some other things I’ve heard:
“Give them salty food because they enjoy the taste.”
“Let them smoke ciggies because it keeps them calm.”
The backlash to Morgan’s comments has been loud and swift.
But, regardless of whether we think people do or don’t want to live in cul de sacs – or even whether people tell us they do – what is the evidence for and against them? Surely, this is where the discussion should focus.
As so often in discussions about urban planning and design, the argument around cul de sacs polarises around firmly held beliefs. But what’s the science?
Bill Hillier sets out the evidence on cul de sacs and connected street networks in Designing safer streets: an evidence-based approach.
Before you jump into one camp or the other I suggest you read it and then draw your own conclusions.
And, if you aren’t able or inclined to read it, let me try to summarise…
Like almost anything in life, a little won’t harm you. But, take too much of a seemingly good thing, and it’ll hurt you. Look what happens if you drink too much water. It’s not good.
Cities have always had the odd cul de sac, set within a larger grid of connected streets. No harm there. But 10,000 years of history hasn’t give us anything like the labyrinthine cul de sac layouts that emerged in the C20th.
And, if you don’t care for science, then just look at what people do when given the choice – ie when neither planners nor housebuilders intervene. People don’t build cul de sac networks. They build connected street networks with the occasional cul de sac. Go to any historic city. Go to any slum.
Cul de sac layouts may be the opium of the unwary – seemingly an analgesic against high-density urbanism – but beware the risks of over-indulgence.
The power of the network 
I nearly pressed your button to “be the first to like this” but then had depressing thoughts… after all, I liked it (and said so in print) even before Bill Hillier convinced me with evidence, way back in the ’70s. (When Richard Rogers was already in his Georgian terrace – see comment at BDonline)…
Oh go on, you keep saying it; thanks. You’ll not convince the floggers of salty smokes though.