key term - New Urbanism

Definition

New Urbanism is an urban design movement that promotes walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use developments, and sustainable practices to create livable and community-oriented spaces. This approach emphasizes the importance of human-scale design, public spaces, and transportation options that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists over automobiles. By fostering a sense of community and environmental responsibility, New Urbanism seeks to counteract the negative impacts of suburban sprawl and urban disconnection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Urbanism emerged in the 1980s as a response to the issues of suburban sprawl and the decline of traditional urban centers.
2. Key principles of New Urbanism include promoting walkability, creating a strong sense of place, and designing neighborhoods with a variety of housing types and public amenities.
3. The movement encourages the integration of green spaces, parks, and pedestrian pathways to enhance community connectivity and environmental sustainability.
4. New Urbanist communities often feature a mix of residential, commercial, and civic buildings to foster social interaction and economic diversity.
5. Notable examples of New Urbanism in practice include Seaside, Florida, and Celebration, Florida, both designed with an emphasis on walkability and community engagement.

Review Questions

• How does New Urbanism address the challenges posed by suburban sprawl?
  • New Urbanism addresses suburban sprawl by promoting walkable neighborhoods that prioritize human-scale design over car-centric planning. This approach encourages mixed-use developments where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces are integrated, making it easier for residents to access amenities without relying on vehicles. By fostering vibrant public spaces and community engagement, New Urbanism seeks to counteract the isolation often associated with traditional suburbs.
• Discuss the role of public transportation in New Urbanism and its impact on urban development.
  • Public transportation plays a vital role in New Urbanism by supporting transit-oriented development that connects neighborhoods with efficient transport options. This focus on accessibility encourages people to use public transport instead of personal vehicles, reducing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions. Integrating public transportation into urban planning promotes denser development patterns that enhance livability while making it easier for residents to access jobs, services, and recreational areas.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of New Urbanism on urban planning policies in relation to environmental sustainability.
  • The long-term implications of New Urbanism on urban planning policies include a shift towards more sustainable practices that prioritize environmental health and social equity. By advocating for walkable communities, mixed-use developments, and green spaces, New Urbanism influences policy decisions that aim to reduce urban sprawl and its associated environmental impacts. As cities increasingly adopt these principles, they can create healthier living environments that promote active lifestyles while addressing climate change through reduced reliance on cars and improved land use strategies.

Related terms

Smart Growth: A planning approach that focuses on sustainable land use practices to limit urban sprawl and promote community development in existing urban areas.

Transit-Oriented Development: A development strategy that focuses on creating compact, walkable communities centered around high-quality public transportation systems.

Mixed-Use Development: A type of urban development that blends residential, commercial, and recreational spaces into a single area to promote vibrant, diverse neighborhoods.