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Additional Information on New Urbanist Design

The term new urbanism can be misleading; technically it is not a new idea. This type of land planning dates back to the Roman Empire when towns were laid out in a grid formation and citizens could easily walk from one part of town to another. The current movement known as New Urbanism started in the 1980s and is really a revival of old land planning techniques.

New Urbanism does not simply build new subdivisions; it often attempts to create new town centers. A common element of New Urbanist design is to build communities containing housing, workplaces, recreational facilities, stores, entertainment areas, and schools all within walking distance. Other elements include a variety of housing types, increased density development, public transportation, variety of transportation options, and common civic spaces. Systems of alleys behind houses allow for garages to be hidden behind houses so that the architecture of the house plays a dominant role on the streetscape. Garages on alleys also minimize the pedestrian/automotive interace, creating a safer pedestrian environment. Developments such as Seaside, Florida, and Kentlands, Maryland, are examples of New Urbanist style designs.

New Urbanism incorporates mixed-use commercial and residential structures. In neighborhood design, New Urbanist principles create walkable mixed-use commercial centers within or near residential neighborhoods. The concept works well in locations that revitalize infill in existing communities. New urbanism can also allow for greater flexibility in accommodating future growth, such as the natural progression of rural hamlet to an urban core.

Additional Resources

Congress for the New Urbanism

New Urbanism Organization

New Urban News

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