New urbanism

Definition

New urbanism is an urban design movement that promotes walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use development, and sustainable communities as a response to the challenges of urban sprawl. It seeks to create vibrant communities where residents can live, work, and play in close proximity, thereby reducing reliance on cars and encouraging public transportation and cycling. This approach addresses the adverse effects of traditional zoning regulations and suburban development by fostering a sense of community and enhancing the quality of urban life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New urbanism emphasizes the importance of designing cities that prioritize pedestrians over vehicles, promoting walking and cycling as primary modes of transportation.
2. The movement advocates for mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces to foster a sense of community.
3. New urbanism encourages the preservation of green spaces and parks within urban areas to enhance the livability and aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods.
4. The principles of new urbanism often lead to reduced infrastructure costs because compact communities require fewer roads and utilities than sprawling developments.
5. This movement has gained traction in urban planning discussions as a solution to combat the negative impacts of urban sprawl, such as traffic congestion and environmental degradation.

Review Questions

• How does new urbanism propose to address the issues caused by urban sprawl?
  • New urbanism addresses urban sprawl by promoting walkable neighborhoods that encourage residents to engage in their local community rather than relying on cars for transportation. By integrating mixed-use developments, it creates vibrant spaces where people can live, work, and socialize within close proximity. This not only reduces the environmental impact associated with long commutes but also fosters stronger community ties through accessible public spaces and amenities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of zoning regulations in supporting or hindering the goals of new urbanism.
  • Zoning regulations can either support or hinder new urbanism depending on how they are structured. Traditional zoning often separates residential, commercial, and industrial uses, which contradicts new urbanism's goal of mixed-use developments. However, when zoning laws are updated to promote higher density, mixed-use areas, they can facilitate the creation of walkable neighborhoods that align with new urbanist principles. Thus, thoughtful revision of these regulations is crucial for fostering sustainable urban growth.
• Analyze the broader implications of adopting new urbanism principles on urban planning practices and community development.
  • Adopting new urbanism principles has significant implications for urban planning practices by challenging conventional development models centered around car dependency. It encourages planners to prioritize human-scale design and environmental sustainability in community development. This shift not only enhances quality of life by creating accessible public spaces but also addresses pressing issues like climate change by reducing carbon footprints associated with transportation. As more cities embrace these principles, there is potential for a paradigm shift towards healthier, more connected communities.

Related terms

urban sprawl:

Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into rural land, leading to car-dependent communities and a loss of natural habitats.

zoning regulations:

Zoning regulations are laws that govern land use and development in specific areas, determining how land can be utilized for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes.

smart growth: Smart growth is a planning approach that aims to curb urban sprawl by promoting sustainable land use practices, including dense housing, mixed-use developments, and efficient public transport.