In this episode of The Urbanist’s Lens, hosts Drew and Andrea explore Nicholas Boys Smith’s visionary plan for Greater Cambridge, where the concept of "gentle density" could redefine urban living. They discuss how this approach—focused on medium-density, walkable neighborhoods—aims to create vibrant communities without the downsides of high-rise sprawl. The conversation highlights Boys Smith’s ambitious proposal to develop up to 214,000 new homes by 2050, seamlessly connected by a 40km tram network designed to reduce car dependency and promote sustainable growth.
The Urbanist's Lens is written and produced by Andro Madrogaba.
REFERENCES:
Boys Smith, N. (2021, November 1). Go 'deep green' with gentle density. Create Streets. Retrieved from https://www.createstreets.com/go-deep-green-with-gentle-density/
Boys Smith, N. (2025, February 14). Greater Cambridge vision. Create Streets. Retrieved from https://www.createstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Greater-Cambridge-vision_140225_compressed.pdf
Hatton, B. (2025, February 16). Trams, labs and 460,000 more homes: How Cambridge could look. The Times. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/build-towns-with-trams-and-gentle-density-mzb8rmtk7
Booth, R. (2024, December 11). England's new towns must be walkable and green, say campaigners. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/dec/11/englands-new-towns-must-be-walkable-and-green-say-campaigners