ABSTRACT
Urban regeneration and the compact city are right in line with the policy of most Western governments. They are, however, a long way adrift from the record and reality of the postwar West. If idea and reality are to be reconciled, it is vital that our towns and cities can offer a quality of life-a ‘vision’ of the liveable citywhich can compete with the rural dream in many people’s minds. This vision is not an ideal form. It is made up of practical elements which need money, attention and time, to produce better-managed and cared-for urban places.
