Motorisation and the City: America Leads the World

We study the causes and effects of mass motorisation in the United States of America in terms of city shape and function. First, we build up the historical context that explains how the motor car was adopted by the masses in the 1920s. Then, we study the evolution of the planning regime necessary to accommodate the motor car into the fabric of American cities throughout the twentieth century. We argue that such planning regime, characterised by complex and micromanaged ordinances imposing strict zoning, low density and minimum parking requirements, is far from the American free-market ideals. It is, however, a way to manage some externalities caused by car dependency and fits with cultural norms regarding local provision and funding of public goods. We emphasise the problematic spatial aspect of car dependency as a result of American planning. We also analyse the role of racial segregation and exclusion in the strong political choice in favour of motorisation. Finally, we discuss several contemporary schools of thought and concepts arising from the American approach to planning.