New UrbanismNew Urbanism

What is it?What is it? Urban design movement originating in the late

’80s – early ’90s. Aims to reform all aspects of real estate

development. Involves: new development, urban retrofits, and

suburban infill. Affects both regional and local plans. Supports the creation and restoration of diverse,

walkable, compact, mixed-use communities. Currently 500 “New Urbanist” projects in the U.S.

alone, half in urban areas.

Why do we need it?Why do we need it?

Disinvestments in central cities.

Spread of placeless sprawl.

Increasing separation of race and income.

Environmental deterioration.

Loss of agricultural lands and wilderness.

Root Causes:Root Causes:

Changing household demographics.

Land consumption without regard to natural features or physical limits.

Federal and state policies that encourage low-density sprawl.

Street standards are insensitive to human needs.

Zoning codes leave little room for individualization.

Charter of New UrbanismCharter of New UrbanismThe Region: Metropolis, city and The Region: Metropolis, city and

town.town.

On a regional scale: Finite places with geographic boundaries. Fragile relationship between urban area and hinterland. Development patterns should not blur edges of the metropolis. Infill development should be encouraged over peripheral expansion. Revenues and resources should be

shared among the municipalities to avoid destructive competition.

Charter of New UrbanismCharter of New UrbanismNeighborhood: the district and the Neighborhood: the district and the

corridor.corridor.

On a neighborhood scale: Neighborhoods should be compact,

pedestrian-friendly and mixed-use. Broad range of housing types to bring diversity. Civic, institutional and commercial activity should be embedded in neighborhoods, not isolated. Public transportation should be a viable alternative to the automobile. Parks should be a viable alternative to the

automobile.

Charter of New UrbanismCharter of New UrbanismThe block, street and building.The block, street and building.

On a block scale: Individual architectural projects

should be linked to their surroundings.

Architecture and landscape design

should grow from local climate, topography, history, and building practice.

Development must adequately accommodate automobiles whiles

being pedestrian-friendly. Streets should be safe, yet

interesting and open to the pedestrian.

Principles of New UrbanismPrinciples of New Urbanism

#1: Walkability#1: Walkability

Most errands should be accomplished within a 10-min. walk from home or work.

Pedestrian-friendly street design.

#2: Connectivity#2: Connectivity

Interconnected street grid network disperses traffic and eases walking.

#3: Mixed-use and diversity#3: Mixed-use and diversity

A mix of shops, offices, apartments and homes. Mixed-use within neighborhood, within block, within buildings.

#4: Mixed-housing#4: Mixed-housing

A range of types, sizes and prices in close proximity.

#5: Quality of architecture #5: Quality of architecture & urban design& urban design

Emphasis on beauty, aesthetics, human comfort, and creating a sense of place.

Human-scale architecture.

#6: Traditional neighborhood #6: Traditional neighborhood structurestructure

Highest density at town center; progressively less dense towards the edge. This urban-to-rural transect hierarchy has appropriate building and street types for each area along the continuum.

#7: Increased density#7: Increased density

More buildings, residences, shops and services closer together for easy walking.

To enable a more efficient use of services and resources.

#8: Transportation#8: Transportation

A network of high-quality transit connecting cities and towns together.

Pedestrian-friendly designs that encourage the use of bicycles, scooters and walking as daily transportation.

#9: Sustainability#9: Sustainability

Minimal environmental impact of development.

Less use of finite fuels.

More local production.

Benefits of New UrbanismBenefits of New Urbanism

Less traffic congestion and driving.

Healthier lifestyle: pedestrian-friendly communities.

More freedom and independence for children, the elderly and the poor.

More open space. Less tax money spent on

infrastructure.

Ways to Implement New Ways to Implement New UrbanismUrbanism

1. The single building2. Groups of buildings3. The urban block4. The neighborhood5. Networks of neighborhoods6. Towns7. Cities8. Regions

Obstacles to OvercomeObstacles to Overcome

Restrictive zoning

                                                         

Obstacles to OvercomeObstacles to OvercomeLack of design standards

Prospect, COProspect, CO Celebration, FLCelebration, FL

Obstacles to OvercomeObstacles to Overcome

Lack of truly affordable housingLack of truly affordable housing

Examples of New Urbanism: Examples of New Urbanism: Minneapolis, MNMinneapolis, MN

Located on the edge of the campus of the University of Minnesota, this new residential community will consist of more then 500 students and faculty. The housing development is complimented by a large street level retail component and a 280 stall heating parking facility.

Examples of Good New Examples of Good New Urbanism: Urbanism:

Oakland, CAOakland, CA

An infill project that consists of 92 apts. and 15,000 sq. feet of retail. A model of both racial and ethnic cooperation. 1995 Golden Nugget Award, “Best of the West.”