We can still build beautifully. This is the Wintles, Shropshire...

… Savoy Circus....

… Nansledan....

… the Bourne Estate....

… Poundbury....

… Rousillon Park....

…. in fact another of Rousillon Park....

… the prize-winning Goldsmith Street....

…. Marmalade Lane...

… and there still are a few (a very few) who know how to plan streets, blocks and square that have clear backs and fronts and some life and variety in them

.. but the sad truth is that for much of the last few generations we have been despoiling our towns and cities' humanity, walkability and liveability with what we build....

… and with a profound confusion about the role of car. Here is Siena and a highway interchange at the same scale (with thanks to the brilliant @RobertKwolek )

Here's a new building for central London.

And here's a recent one

What should we do about it ? Well here are 8 key themes that we think are important in England from the #BBBBC report. You can read the full report here: http://www.createstreets.com/beauty-commission/

New development can be the cause of ugliness but it can also be the cure

To conclude, as a society we need to get better (a lot better) at creating places in which people can thrive, prosper and live connected lives of beauty and purpose