New Urbanists

Definition

New Urbanists are advocates of a planning movement aimed at creating walkable, mixed-use communities that prioritize sustainability, public transportation, and community engagement. This approach promotes the idea of developing urban areas in a way that reduces reliance on cars, encourages social interaction, and integrates green spaces, making cities more livable and environmentally friendly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Urbanism emerged in the late 20th century as a response to suburban sprawl and the negative impacts it has on community interaction and environmental sustainability.
2. Key principles of New Urbanism include mixed-use development, higher density housing, and pedestrian-friendly environments that foster community engagement.
3. The movement emphasizes the importance of public spaces, such as parks and squares, where residents can gather and interact with one another.
4. New Urbanist designs often include features like narrower streets, reduced parking lots, and buildings located closer to the street to create a more inviting atmosphere for pedestrians.
5. Cities influenced by New Urbanist principles have seen improvements in air quality, reduced traffic congestion, and enhanced social cohesion among residents.

Review Questions

• How do New Urbanists address the challenges posed by suburban sprawl?
  • New Urbanists tackle the issues of suburban sprawl by promoting compact, walkable communities that integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. By encouraging mixed-use development and higher density housing, they aim to reduce car dependency and create environments that foster social interaction. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances the overall quality of life for residents.
• Discuss the role of public spaces in New Urbanism and their impact on community engagement.
  • Public spaces are vital in New Urbanism as they serve as communal hubs where residents can gather, socialize, and engage in recreational activities. By designing parks, plazas, and streetscapes that prioritize pedestrian access and comfort, New Urbanists create environments that encourage people to spend time outdoors and connect with their neighbors. This emphasis on community interaction fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens social ties within neighborhoods.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of New Urbanism in promoting urban sustainability compared to traditional urban planning methods.
  • New Urbanism is often seen as more effective in promoting urban sustainability than traditional planning methods because it directly addresses issues like environmental degradation, social isolation, and transportation inefficiencies. By focusing on walkability, public transport integration, and mixed-use developments, New Urbanist projects tend to reduce carbon footprints and enhance the livability of cities. However, the success of these initiatives can vary based on local context and implementation challenges, highlighting the need for adaptive strategies in urban planning.

Related terms

Smart Growth:

An urban planning approach that focuses on sustainable development and responsible land use to combat urban sprawl.

Transit-Oriented Development: A design strategy that encourages higher-density development near public transport hubs to promote the use of mass transit.

Walkability:

The measure of how friendly an area is to walking, which includes factors like pedestrian pathways, safety, and accessibility to amenities.