New urbanism

Definition

New urbanism is an urban design movement that promotes walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use development, and sustainable communities. This approach emphasizes the importance of community interaction and the design of spaces that encourage social connections while reducing reliance on automobiles. It seeks to create vibrant, diverse environments that integrate residential, commercial, and recreational areas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New urbanism originated in the 1980s as a response to suburban sprawl and the negative impact it has on communities and the environment.
2. Key principles of new urbanism include designing neighborhoods that are pedestrian-friendly, promoting public spaces, and providing diverse housing options.
3. New urbanist communities often feature compact layouts, tree-lined streets, parks, and facilities that are within walking distance to enhance community interaction.
4. This movement advocates for a mix of uses in buildings and neighborhoods to reduce the need for driving and support local economies.
5. New urbanism has influenced many contemporary urban planning initiatives and zoning laws aimed at fostering sustainable growth and revitalizing urban areas.

Review Questions

• How does new urbanism address the challenges posed by suburban sprawl?
  • New urbanism addresses suburban sprawl by promoting compact, walkable neighborhoods that integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. This design encourages community interaction and reduces reliance on cars by ensuring essential services and amenities are within easy reach. By focusing on creating vibrant environments where people can live, work, and play, new urbanism counters the isolation often associated with sprawling suburban developments.
• What role do mixed-use developments play in the new urbanism movement?
  • Mixed-use developments are central to the new urbanism movement as they facilitate a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within the same area. This approach not only fosters a sense of community by encouraging social interactions among residents but also supports local businesses by providing them with a steady customer base. By integrating various uses into one space, mixed-use developments help to create dynamic neighborhoods that promote sustainability and reduce dependency on automobiles.
• Evaluate the impact of new urbanism on contemporary urban planning practices in relation to sustainability and community well-being.
  • New urbanism has significantly impacted contemporary urban planning practices by emphasizing sustainability and community well-being through its design principles. By advocating for walkable neighborhoods and mixed-use developments, new urbanism encourages reduced vehicle use, which leads to lower emissions and a healthier environment. Additionally, this approach fosters social connections among residents by creating vibrant public spaces where people can interact. The movement has inspired cities to adopt zoning reforms and planning initiatives that prioritize human-scale development and sustainable growth, shaping the future of urban living.

Related terms

Smart Growth: A planning theory that encourages sustainable urban development through efficient land use, transportation options, and preservation of open spaces.

Mixed-Use Development: A type of urban development that blends residential, commercial, cultural, and institutional uses in a single space to promote a more vibrant community.

Transit-Oriented Development: An approach to urban planning that focuses on creating dense, walkable communities centered around public transportation hubs to reduce car dependency.