Nicholas Boys Smith is the founder of Create Streets, a social enterprise based in London that works with neighborhoods, communities, landowners, councils, and developers across the United Kingdom. Its mission is to help create and manage beautiful places, defined by gentle density, stewardship of nature, and public well-being. Boys Smith is also the author of many books, including No Free Parking, a history of London’s streets, out now in paperback.
It was a pleasure to speak with him, in no small part, because of his work as the co-chair of the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission and co-author of the 2020 report that advised the UK government on how to increase the use of high-quality design for newly built homes and how to bring beauty forward in neighborhoods. This report, also co-authored by Sir Roger Scruton, deeply influenced my graduate thesis. It has also inspired me to methodically address the Japanese context, no doubt a complex task to which I hope to contribute in at least a small meaningful way.
In our discussion, we talk about the origins of modern and post-modern architecture and how to re-introduce beauty into policy debates about city planning. We learn about how Create Streets began and what projects it is engaged in today to achieve its mission. We discuss the importance of stewardship of nature, giving voice to local residents, and how beauty satisfies our rational inclinations. Please enjoy!
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Books Mentioned In This Episode:
No Free Parking by Nicholas Boys Smith
Heart in the Right Street by Nicholas Boys Smith
Beyond Location by Create Streets
Of Streets and Squares by Create Streets
The Measure and Construction of the Japanese House by Heino Engel
Japanese Country Style by Yoshihiro Takishita
Links to More Resources:
Tavel House Museum in Geneva
Walkie Talkie Building in London
The Gherkin in London
Check out my Kobe Ikebana Workshop on TripAdvisor!
#45 Create Streets: Building Better with Nicholas Boys Smith