New Urbanism

Definition

New Urbanism is an urban design movement that promotes walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods that prioritize community and sustainability. It emphasizes the importance of human-scale development, where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces are integrated, fostering vibrant communities and reducing reliance on cars.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Urbanism emerged in the 1980s as a response to suburban sprawl and car-centric development patterns.
2. It advocates for compact neighborhoods where homes are within walking distance of shops, parks, and schools to encourage social interactions.
3. This movement promotes green infrastructure by integrating parks and green spaces into urban design to enhance environmental quality and community health.
4. Design principles include a mix of building types and uses, walkable streets with sidewalks, and a focus on community gathering spaces.
5. New Urbanism influences comprehensive planning by integrating land use, transportation, and environmental considerations to create sustainable urban forms.

Review Questions

• How does New Urbanism encourage walkability and mixed-use development in urban areas?
  • New Urbanism encourages walkability by designing neighborhoods that feature interconnected streets, sidewalks, and accessible public spaces. This approach ensures that residential areas are located near commercial establishments, schools, and parks, allowing residents to meet their daily needs without relying on cars. By promoting mixed-use development, New Urbanism creates vibrant communities where people can live, work, and play within close proximity, enhancing both the quality of life and community interaction.
• Discuss the role of green infrastructure in New Urbanism and its impact on urban greening efforts.
  • Green infrastructure is a key component of New Urbanism as it integrates natural systems into urban design. This includes parks, green roofs, and permeable pavements that help manage stormwater while enhancing biodiversity. By prioritizing green spaces within neighborhoods, New Urbanism promotes urban greening efforts that not only improve environmental quality but also provide recreational opportunities for residents. This approach encourages a healthier lifestyle by making nature accessible within urban settings.
• Evaluate the significance of placemaking in establishing community identity within New Urbanist developments.
  • Placemaking is crucial in New Urbanist developments as it focuses on creating meaningful public spaces that reflect the local culture and foster community engagement. By involving residents in the design process, placemaking helps cultivate a sense of belonging and ownership among community members. This process contributes to establishing a unique community identity that enhances social ties and encourages participation in local events. As a result, New Urbanism not only reshapes physical spaces but also strengthens the social fabric of neighborhoods.

Related terms

Smart Growth: A planning approach that focuses on sustainable land use, promoting efficient use of resources and minimizing urban sprawl through policies that encourage compact development.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): A type of urban development that maximizes access to public transport, creating dense, walkable neighborhoods around transit stations to reduce car dependency.

Placemaking: A collaborative process that involves designing public spaces to promote people's health, happiness, and well-being by fostering a sense of community and identity.