New urbanism

New Urbanism is an urban design movement that emerged in the 1980s, which seeks to create more sustainable, walkable, and livable communities. The movement is characterized by a focus on traditional urban design principles, mixed-use development, and a rejection of suburban sprawl.

Key principles of New Urbanism include:

  1. Mixed-use development: Combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces in close proximity to create a vibrant and diverse community.
  2. Walkability: Designing streets and public spaces that are pedestrian-friendly, with a focus on walking and cycling as primary modes of transportation.
  3. Mixed-income housing: Incorporating a range of housing types and prices to create diverse and inclusive communities.
  4. Community engagement: Involving residents and stakeholders in the planning and design process to ensure that the community reflects their needs and values.
  5. Sustainable design: Incorporating green spaces, renewable energy, and sustainable building practices to minimize environmental impact.
  6. Traditional urban design: Drawing inspiration from traditional urban forms, such as grid patterns, public squares, and historic neighborhoods.
  7. Transit-oriented development: Designing communities around public transportation hubs to reduce reliance on cars and promote more efficient use of land.

New Urbanism has been influenced by various architectural and urban design movements, including:

  1. Traditional urbanism: The study of traditional urban forms and their characteristics, such as grid patterns and public squares.
  2. New Town movement: The development of planned communities in the UK and Europe, which emphasized mixed-use development and walkability.
  3. Garden City movement: The development of planned communities in the UK and US, which emphasized green spaces and mixed-use development.

Some notable examples of New Urbanist projects include:

  1. Seaside, Florida: A planned community designed by Robert Davis and Andres Duany, which has become a model for New Urbanist development.
  2. Columbia, Maryland: A planned community designed by James Rouse, which combines residential, commercial, and recreational spaces with a focus on walkability and community engagement.
  3. The Pearl, Portland, Oregon: A mixed-use development that combines residential, commercial, and recreational spaces with a focus on sustainability and community engagement.

New Urbanism has been praised for its potential to create more sustainable, livable, and equitable communities. However, it has also been criticized for its potential to gentrify existing neighborhoods and displace low-income residents.