2. The suburban solution

Between the 1940s and 1970s, new lower-density satellite developments were made possible by transport and travel innovations. “The Suburban Solution” describes how suburbs were conceived and marketed as healthy, pleasant alternatives to industrial hubs. Some suburban developments and new towns were successful in easing the overpopulation of nearby cities and providing a quieter life. They have been criticized for their bland appearance, lack of definition, and inefficient use of land. Suburbs, satellites, and garden cities increased families’ reliance on cars, contributing to traffic. New approaches to suburbia aim to address these problems, building in healthy walks and accessible community services.