Central Milton Keynes
I’ve been documenting the central district of my hometown, Milton Keynes. Although the city only received its city status in 2022, it has been established for nearly 60 years. The infrastructure was originally designed to be car-friendly, reflecting the era when the automotive industry was booming. While this approach efficiently moves traffic, I feel it has affected how people perceive the city centre.
The early buildings were designed at a low level, and the well-known myth that no building can be taller than the tallest tree seems to hold some truth. As people drive along the boulevards, the architecture is often hidden by the trees. While it's wonderful to feel surrounded by nature, this design concept prevents people from seeing and appreciating the architecture behind it. As a result, there's a common assumption that there aren't many interesting buildings in Central Milton Keynes.
My work aims to raise awareness of the city’s unique architectural identity, encouraging people to explore it more—whether by walking, cycling, or even using electric scooters in this modern age. New towns or cities today wouldn't be designed like this, with their grid infrastructure, low-level buildings, and expansive green spaces. It's special to be part of a place with such early history.
I know people have mixed opinions about Milton Keynes, but after 50 years, it eventually achieved city status, proving that its development has been a success.
