During the nineteenth century many capital cities and other large towns in Europe were
subject to vast improvement and expansion programmes, which still affect their physical
appearance today. It was during this period that many features were created—such as the
avenues and boulevards in Paris or the Ringstraße in Vienna—which now seem
quintessential characteristics of the cities in question.
The aim of this study is to describe and compare planning in a number of capital cities,
and in particular to address the following questions.