
Radburn, New Jersey1927-1930
- Masterplan
- pedestrian
- open space
- social fabric
- public space
- place making
Radburn, a seminal planned community renowned for its innovative urban design, is located within the Borough of Fair Lawn, Bergen County, New Jersey, just 12 miles from New York City. Conceived in 1928 by architects Clarence Stein and Henry Wright, Radburn was developed as a response to the rapid growth of automobile-centric cities, with the goal of rethinking suburban life for the modern mobility. Influenced by Ebenezer Howard's Garden City concept, Radburn was designed as a "town for the motor age" and stands as America's first garden community. The visionary design addressed the complexities of suburban modern life while providing amenities of open space, community service, and economic viability. The community was intended to be self-sufficient, incorporating residential, commercial, and industrial areas that would complement each other's needs. Radburn's design introduced the “superblock” concept, consolidating residential areas into large, traffic-free zones bordered by peripheral roads. This layout prioritized safety within neighborhoods while maintaining vehicle circulation outside. Central to its plan was pedestrian-centric design, with cul-de-sacs, footpaths, and underpasses separating pedestrians from vehicles, improving walkability and access to parks and shared spaces. Homes were oriented toward green spaces rather than streets, promoting a connection to nature and a sense of community. While only partially realized due to the Great Depression, Radburn's influence extends far beyond its boundaries, profoundly influencing modern urban planning. It inspired numerous planned communities worldwide, including the New Deal's "green towns" and later developments like Reston, Virginia, and Columbia, Maryland. Its principles continue to shape contemporary urban design discussions, particularly in areas of walkability, green space integration, and traffic management. For instance, the movement of New Urbanism emerged in the 1980s, incorporating many of Radburn's ideas, particularly its focus on creating walkable neighborhoods and fostering communities.
Project Leads
- Clarence Stein
- Henry Wright
Organizations
- City Housing Corporation
- The Radburn Association
- Russell Sage Foundation
- Radburn Board of Trustees
- Regional Planning Association of America (RPAA)
- Fair Lawn Borough Officials
Stages
- Construction
- Master Planning
- Design Development


Site

Typology
Community planningLand use type
Mixed UseSize
149 acresPopulation/density
20.8 people / acreCommunity Infrastructure
- public park
- sports courts
- physical mobility


