CONSERVATIVE SURGERY
Asserting that the forces of evolution are real and extend beyond Biology to affect every aspect of the city, Geddes concludes that a strict urban plan cannot adapt to the constant changes brought about by time: fluxes in migration, distribution of resources and advances in technology cause inevitable unpredictability. Evolution does not differentiate between beneficial and detrimental changes however, so Geddes called for a method to curate these changes and encourage the good, while discouraging the bad. In order to bring about a more "Eutopian" city, its organization must bring out the fullest refinement of the Work, Folk and Place. Town planning should not blindly beautify or renovate but rather praise and develop the unique character of the location, its people and the activities they engage in. Conservative surgery prioritizes reconstruction over demolition, creating civic centers and cultural institutions whilst preserving places of significant cultural or historical importance. Only the most unsanitary or dilapidated buildings beyond repair should be demolished. The resulting voids can be used to lower population density in congested slums, creating natural open spaces for leisure or agriculture, providing courtyards for those who would have no breathing room otherwise. Conservative surgery requires an enlightened, holistic approach-such as considering topography, climate and history-to fully understand the nature of the city and its inhabitants, so that the most minimal changes have the greatest impact. Without specifying particular architectural styles or cultural norms, he sought to preserve human life and happiness of all citizens, regardless of their status, while encouraging local pride.