New Urbanism

Definition

New Urbanism is an urban design movement that promotes walkable, mixed-use communities with a focus on sustainability, social equity, and environmental responsibility. It aims to counter the negative impacts of suburban sprawl by creating urban spaces that foster community interaction, accessibility, and a sense of place. This movement influences zoning practices and land use policies while also redefining how public spaces, like movie theaters, are designed to enhance social experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Urbanism emerged in the early 1980s as a response to the adverse effects of suburban sprawl and car-centric urban planning.
2. The principles of New Urbanism include walkability, connectivity, mixed-use development, diversity of housing types, and public spaces designed for community interaction.
3. Communities designed with New Urbanism in mind often feature a grid street pattern that promotes pedestrian access and reduces travel time between destinations.
4. Movie theaters in New Urbanist designs are often integrated into mixed-use developments, making them accessible without the need for driving and encouraging social engagement.
5. New Urbanism promotes environmental sustainability through designs that prioritize green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and reduced reliance on automobiles.

Review Questions

• How does New Urbanism challenge traditional zoning practices and land use policies?
  • New Urbanism challenges traditional zoning practices by advocating for mixed-use development rather than segregated land uses. It promotes designs that allow residential, commercial, and recreational areas to coexist in close proximity, which leads to more vibrant communities. This approach encourages walkability and reduces the need for cars, changing how zoning laws are applied to foster interconnected neighborhoods.
• In what ways does New Urbanism influence the design and placement of movie theaters within communities?
  • New Urbanism influences the design and placement of movie theaters by integrating them into mixed-use developments where they become part of a larger community space. This positioning encourages accessibility via walking or public transport instead of relying on cars. The design typically includes inviting public spaces around theaters to promote social interactions before or after screenings, enhancing community engagement.
• Evaluate the impact of New Urbanism on urban sustainability and community health in contemporary cities.
  • New Urbanism significantly impacts urban sustainability and community health by fostering environments that reduce car dependency and promote active lifestyles. By designing walkable neighborhoods with easy access to amenities, residents are more likely to engage in walking or biking as daily activities. Additionally, the emphasis on green spaces contributes to better air quality and mental well-being. Overall, these elements create healthier communities while also addressing broader environmental concerns.

Related terms

Smart Growth: A planning approach that emphasizes sustainable land use and aims to combat urban sprawl by promoting compact, walkable communities.

Mixed-Use Development: Real estate development that blends residential, commercial, cultural, and institutional uses in a single project or area to encourage vibrant, integrated neighborhoods.

Transit-Oriented Development:

A design strategy that focuses on creating high-density neighborhoods near public transportation hubs to encourage the use of transit and reduce reliance on cars.