This criticism seems appropriate again today, given the number of “new city” projects which in many regions seem to emulate the modernist designs of Le Corbusier, i.e. “vertical" cities of skyscrapers and urban highways. Rather, lessons from several decades of policy practice and programme assistance should be reflected in the design of urban extensions and infill projects in existing cities and towns. In this respect, public authorities can learn from the experience of international development assistance and, more positively, carefully selected best practice.