Jeremy Bentham: the father of utilitarian town planning

Mr Loudon remarked that ‘Whenever possible, I aim to contribute to The greatest happiness of the greatest number. It is puzzling that governments do not do the same.’ This is a quote from The Claudians: gardens, landscapes, reason and faith: John Claudius Loudon and Claudius Buchanan, Tom Turner (Kindle, 2024).

Utilitarian urban design and planning

Utilitarianism has many roots but its formulation and popularity owe much to Jeremy Bentham. He is widely regarded as 'the father of utilitarianism.' It is a philosophical theory that argues that the morally right action is one that maximizes the overall happiness or well-being of the greatest number of people. Bentham's work, particularly his book Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation laid the foundation for this ethical framework. Bentham's ideas centered around efficiency, utility, and minimizing harm, which shaped approaches to public health, sanitation, and infrastructure in cities. His philosophy emphasized that urban environments should meet the practical needs of people to ensure their well-being. Bentham was a keen gardener and his house overlooked St James's Park. It was a 2.7 miles walk, through St James Park, Green Park and Hyde Park, to Loudon's house  in Porchester Terrace. They could have walked to visit each other's houses but it is more likely that Bentham used his own carriage and that Loudon hired a cab.

John Stuart Mill was Bentham's friend, tenant and neighbour. He built upon Bentham’s ideas, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of "utility." For Mill, happiness encompassed more than just physical pleasure and included intellectual and emotional well-being. His ideas influenced town planning to prioritize not just basic amenities like sanitation but also access to education, green spaces, and cultural activities that could elevate the human experience in urban areas.

John Claudius Loudon, having studied at the University of Edinburgh, is likely, before he moved to London, to have been familiar with the work of the philosophers who are seen precursors of Bentham.

Francis Hutcheson (1694–1746), a moral philosopher who emphasized that the best actions are those that promote 'the greatest happiness for the greatest number.'

David Hume (1711–1776) laid the groundwork for utilitarian thought through his focus on human emotions and the empirical study of morality.

Adam Smith (1723–1790): made significant contributions to moral philosophy, especially in "The Theory of Moral Sentiments." Although Smith did not explicitly formulate a utilitarian system, his idea that moral behavior arises from sympathy and that society benefits from actions that promote the common good aligns with utilitarian principles. 

The principles of utilitarianism had a significant impact on the urban reform movements of the 19th century, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, when cities in Britain and across Europe experienced rapid growth. Utilitarian thinkers argued for reforms that would alleviate the harsh conditions of overcrowded industrial cities. This gave rise to ideas such as:

Public Health and Sanitation:

Utilitarian town planners pushed for the construction of sewer systems, clean water supplies, and waste management to improve public health. Figures like Edwin Chadwick, a follower of Bentham, played key roles in these reforms, linking public health improvements to the broader utilitarian goal of reducing suffering and promoting well-being.

Green Spaces:

Public parks and green spaces were introduced in cities like London and New York as part of a utilitarian approach to enhancing the quality of life. Parks provided citizens with areas for recreation, relaxation, and fresh air, contributing to their overall happiness.

Efficient Street Layouts:

Utilitarian ideas also influenced the rational planning of cities. Street layouts, such as the grid system, were designed for efficient transportation, commerce, and communication, aimed at reducing travel time and enhancing productivity.