Thomas Sharp (town planner)
Thomas Wilfred Sharp (1901-1978) was a British town planner, architect, and writer, best known for his influential planning reports and publications that championed the preservation of historic towns and landscapes, while also addressing the need for modern development.
Sharp was born in Durham and trained as an architect. He became a key figure in the development of postwar British town planning, advocating for a balance between respecting the character of existing towns and adapting them to the needs of a rapidly changing society. His approach emphasized visual analysis and the importance of aesthetic considerations in urban design.
Sharp's notable planning reports included studies for Oxford (1948), Cambridge (1948), Exeter (1946), Durham (1945), and Chichester (1949). These reports typically combined a detailed survey of the town's history and character with recommendations for future development, including road layouts, housing schemes, and the preservation of historic buildings. He often stressed the importance of creating aesthetically pleasing environments that would enhance the quality of life for residents.
His publications were also significant. These include "Town and Countryside" (1932), a seminal work that explored the relationship between urban and rural areas, and "English Panorama" (1936), which celebrated the beauty of the English landscape. "The Anatomy of the Village" (1946) examined the social and architectural character of English villages, while "Town Planning" (1940) provided a concise overview of the principles and practice of town planning.
Sharp's work was influential in shaping the direction of British town planning in the mid-20th century, particularly in its emphasis on conservation and visual amenity. While his approach has been subject to some criticism for its potentially subjective aesthetic judgments, his contributions to the field remain significant, and his reports and publications continue to be studied by planners and historians. He was a fellow of the Royal Town Planning Institute.