Town Haul: Compromising Urban Design Work?

The notion that Town Haul is anything but urban decorating is ridiculous and [infuriating], as is the entire premise of the TV show. [“Pleasantville”] The advancement of true urban planning and design is critical at a time when suburban sprawl is rampant. The credibility of serious professionals who have dedicated their professional lives to making […]

The notion that Town Haul is anything but urban decorating is ridiculous and [infuriating], as is the entire premise of the TV show. [“Pleasantville”] The advancement of true urban planning and design is critical at a time when suburban sprawl is rampant. The credibility of serious professionals who have dedicated their professional lives to making urban places better is undermined when reality TV steps in to pave the way for urban upgrading.

The expectation that Town Haul may result in actual transformation of an urban place can be equated with hoping that Elle Woods (the ditzy lawyer in Legally Blonde) will effect change in the legal profession. I object.

Karen Skafte, ASLA
Lager Raabe Skafte Landscape Architects, Inc.
Philadelphia

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