Architects and Planners in the Middle of a Road War

Abstract

In 1966, an interdisciplinary team led by architect and planners replanned a freeway system of Baltimore to meet “the social, economic, and esthetic needs.” But staying true to their mission, they had to side with the affected residents and clash with their client in the court of public opinions, through behind-the-scenes lobbying, and with sober debates about technical details. They fought the road war on behalf of fragmented freeway opposition groups and bought them valuable time to join together. Some architect–planners violated client–consultant obligations and conducted subversive actions such as leaking information, coaching the highway fighters, and ultimately, making them strong enough to form a powerful antiroad coalition.