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Draft:Keyne (Urban Planning)

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A Keyne is a term used in urban planning to describe a purpose-built hub or node designed with specific functions in mind, forming part of an interconnected, planned network. This concept is uniquely applicable to the planned town of Milton Keynes, in Buckinghamshire, England, where the urban design emphasises modularity, self-sufficiency, and connectivity.

Definition and Characteristics

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A Keyne is a planned spatial unit that possesses the following core characteristics:

  1. Distinct Purpose or Function: Each Keyne serves a specific role within the broader town structure, whether it be residential, commercial, recreational, or infrastructural. For example, certain Keynes may be predominantly residential areas with local schools and shops, while others may house business parks or leisure facilities.
  2. Modularity: Designed as self-contained units, Keynes fit into a larger system. This modular approach allows the town to be expanded in a controlled manner without compromising the overall coherence of the urban landscape.
  3. Accessibility and Connectivity: Keynes are linked to each other through a well-planned network of roads, pedestrian paths, cycleways, and public transport. This reflects Milton Keynes’ signature grid road system, which ensures efficient movement within the town.
  4. Self-Sufficiency: Each Keyne is designed to provide essential services and amenities, such as shops, schools, healthcare, and recreational facilities, making it possible for residents to meet most of their daily needs locally.
  5. Green Integration: Keynes incorporate ample green spaces, including parks, woodlands, and lakes, which contribute to a high quality of life for residents. This is a hallmark of Milton Keynes' design, where urban development is balanced with nature.

Application in Milton Keynes

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The concept of Keynes is central to the urban planning of Milton Keynes, a town established in 1967 with the goal of alleviating housing shortages in London. Unlike organically developed towns, Milton Keynes was meticulously planned from the outset, using modernist design principles. The town was divided into distinct grid squares, each functioning as a Keyne.

Examples of Keynes in Milton Keynes

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  • Residential Keynes: Neighbourhoods such as Great Linford and Shenley Church End exemplify residential Keynes, offering housing, local shops, schools, and community centres.
  • Commercial Keynes: Areas like Central Milton Keynes and Wolverton function as commercial Keynes, hosting offices, retail centres, and cultural venues.
  • Recreational Keynes: Campbell Park is an example of a recreational Keyne, providing open green spaces, walking trails, and event venues for public use.
  • Industrial Keynes: Kiln Farm and Tongwell are industrial Keynes, designed to accommodate factories, warehouses, and distribution centres, contributing to the local economy.

Historical Context

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The idea of modular urban planning, as embodied by the Keyne, has roots in the Garden City Movement, which sought to create self-contained communities surrounded by green belts. Milton Keynes' planners drew inspiration from this movement, aiming to combine the best aspects of town and country living.

The concept of Keynes emerged as a solution to the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation, offering a way to develop towns in a manner that prioritises both functionality and quality of life. By implementing Keynes, the planners of Milton Keynes sought to avoid the overcrowding and sprawl that characterised many older cities.

Legacy and Influence

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The success of Milton Keynes' urban design has influenced other planned developments around the world. The concept of modular, self-sufficient units similar to Keynes has been adopted in various forms in cities across Europe, North America, and Asia. However, the term Keyne remains specific to Milton Keynes, reflecting its unique urban planning heritage.

See Also

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  • History of Milton Keynes
  • Hall, Peter. Cities of Tomorrow: An Intellectual History of Urban Planning and Design in the Twentieth Century. Wiley-Blackwell, 2014.[1]
  • Howard, Ebenezer. Garden Cities of To-Morrow. Faber & Faber, 1946.[2]


Note: The term Keyne as defined in this article is specific to the urban planning context of Milton Keynes and is not commonly used in other locations.

References

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  1. ^ Hall, Peter (2014). Cities of tomorrow : an intellectual history of urban planning and design since 1880. Internet Archive. Hoboken, NJ : Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-118-45651-4.
  2. ^ Howard, Ebenezer (1902). Garden cities of to-morrow (being the second edition of "To-morrow: a peaceful path to real reform"). Duke University Libraries. London, S. Sonnenschein & co., ltd.