A series of programmes in which Ian Nairn contrasts the urban civic style of Britain and the Continent.
Hereford and Bourges are both ancient market towns surrounded by countryside which is characteristic of their two countries. The pressures of a changing, increasingly urbanised society has forced them both to adapt their traditional roles.
Newcastle and Aarhus are both provincial centres. Yet they show, in their very different ways, that the provinces need not be a mere smudged carbon copy of the metropolis, and display a life style quite distinct from London or Copenhagen.
Oxford and Padua are not only among Europe's most historic centres of learning. They are also part of the booming industrial complex of the new Europe. How far can they reconcile their traditional roles with the pressures of the 1970s?
Inverness and Lulea are two of Europe's most northerly outposts. They face similar problems of geographical isolation and climate. Problems which offer the opportunity for exciting architectural solutions.
The North of England and Belgium share the same taste for chips and strong beer. They face the same problems of an industrial heritage and they have the same chance to create a lively and vigorous environment.
