Gordon Stephenson

Gordon Stephenson (6 June 1908 – 30 March 1997) was a British-born town planner and architect. He is best known for his role in shaping the modern growth and development of Perth, Western Australia.

Biography Stephenson was born in 1908. He studied architecture at the University of Liverpool, graduating in 1930. Following this, he studied at the University of Paris, and during this time worked in the atelier of Le Corbusier.

Early career Stephenson's early career included working with Patrick Abercrombie on the Greater London Plan. Along with Peter Shepheard, he created an influential design for Stevenage, the first post-war British new town, which incorporated a pedestrianised town centre.

In 1953, Stephenson was commissioned by the state government of Western Australia to produce a plan for the metropolitan area of Perth and Fremantle. The report formed the basis for the 1963 Metropolitan Region Scheme for Perth and Fremantle, a legal instrument for regulating land-use and development in the urban area. It remained the overarching strategic plan for the development of Perth until it was succeeded by the Corridor Plan for Perth in 1970.

In later life, Stephenson authored several books. He died on 30 March 1997.

Personal life and collaboration with Flora Crockett In 1938, Stephenson married New Jersey-born Flora Bartlett Crockett (1914–1979). She had been one of the first two women to graduate in City Planning from MIT, in 1937. The two collaborated on published work and research thereafter. Gerald Dix writes of Crockett: "She was an immense support and a sound professional collaborator upon whose judgement her relied in much of his work for 40 years. It was a great blow to him when she died in 1979." The Stephensons had three daughters: Gail, Sarah and Ann.

Legacy Following his death in 1997, the Western Australian Minister for Planning acknowledged Stephenson's contributions to the development of the state, and his vision as providing the blueprint for the growth of the metropolitan region since 1963. Stephenson Avenue in Perth's western suburbs is named in his honour.

On 28 August 2011, the WA State Government announced that the recently completed 140 William Street would be named Gordon Stephenson House.

The Planning Department at the University of Liverpool is located in the Gordon Stephenson Building.

Works

Reports Plan for the metropolitan region: Perth and Fremantle (1955) A Redevelopment Study of Halifax, Nova Scotia (1957) The design of central Perth; some problems and possible solutions : a study made for the Perth Central Area Design Co-ordinating Committee (1975). Joondalup regional centre : a plan prepared for the government of Western Australia, the Wanneroo Shire Council and the MRPA (1977). Midland Regional Centre: A plan prepared for the government of Western Australia, the Swan Shire Council and the MRPA (1977). Plan for the shire of Swan: prepared for the Swan Shire Council (1978).

Books