New urbanism

Definition

New urbanism is an urban design movement that promotes walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use development, and sustainable practices in city planning. This approach aims to create vibrant communities where residents can live, work, and play in close proximity, reducing reliance on cars and enhancing the quality of life. By emphasizing human-scale design and public spaces, new urbanism seeks to address issues of urban sprawl and environmental degradation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New urbanism emerged in the early 1980s as a response to urban sprawl and the decline of traditional downtown areas.
2. Key principles of new urbanism include walkability, connectivity, mixed-use development, and the preservation of open spaces.
3. The movement encourages the use of public transportation and cycling to reduce car dependency and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Prominent examples of new urbanist communities include Seaside, Florida, and Celebration, Florida, both designed to prioritize pedestrian-friendly environments.
5. New urbanism often involves community engagement in the planning process, ensuring that developments meet the needs and desires of local residents.

Review Questions

• How does new urbanism differ from traditional suburban development in terms of community design?
  • New urbanism focuses on creating compact, walkable neighborhoods with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, while traditional suburban development often leads to sprawling layouts with separated land uses. In new urbanism, streets are designed for pedestrians and cyclists as well as vehicles, encouraging a more active lifestyle. This approach contrasts with conventional suburbs that prioritize automobile access and can result in isolated communities lacking a sense of place or community interaction.
• Discuss the environmental implications of implementing new urbanist principles in city planning.
  • Implementing new urbanist principles can significantly reduce environmental impacts associated with urban living. By promoting walkable neighborhoods and mixed-use developments, new urbanism decreases reliance on cars, which helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Additionally, the emphasis on preserving green spaces contributes to biodiversity and enhances stormwater management. The overall goal is to create sustainable communities that are resilient to climate change while improving the quality of life for residents.
• Evaluate the potential challenges faced by cities attempting to adopt new urbanism as a framework for future development.
  • Cities aiming to adopt new urbanism may encounter several challenges, including resistance from stakeholders who prefer traditional zoning laws or fear changes in property values. Additionally, existing infrastructure may not be compatible with the new designs promoting walkability and mixed-use areas. Funding can also be a hurdle, as retrofitting existing developments requires significant investment. Overcoming these obstacles requires strong leadership and community buy-in to effectively transition towards a more sustainable urban model.

Related terms

Smart Growth: A planning philosophy that encourages sustainable development patterns, focusing on efficient land use and transportation options to minimize environmental impact.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): A type of urban development that maximizes access to public transport, promoting higher density housing and mixed-use spaces within walking distance of transit stations.

Mixed-Use Development: Real estate development that blends residential, commercial, cultural, and institutional uses, creating vibrant and functional spaces for diverse activities.