Welcome to the New

Urbanism“The sum of human happiness increases

because of New Urbanism”Andres Duany

Objectives:

To mention the principles of New Urbanism; To give some benefits of this planning

movement; To nominate the obstacles to overcome; To find ways to implement New Urbanism.

Definition New Urbanism  is a

set of development practices to create more attractive, efficient and livable communities. It promotes the creation and restoration of diverse, walkable, compact and mixed-use communities.

“The building of cities is one of man’s

greatest achievements”

Edmund Bacon

The principles of New Urbanism Walkability - most things within a 10-minute walk of home and work

(pedestrian friendly street design, pedestrian streets free of cars in special cases);

Connectivity - interconnected street grid network disperses traffic and eases walking;

Mixed – Use & Diversity - a mix of shops, offices, apartments, and homes on site (diversity of people – of ages, income levels, cultures and races);

Mixed Housing - a range of types, sizes and prices in closer proximity;

Quality Architecture and Urban Design - emphasis on beauty, aesthetics, human comfort, and creating a sense of place;

Traditional Neighborhood Structure - discernable center and edge, public space at center;

The transect

Transect planning - the urban – to rural transect hierarchy has appropriate building and street types for each area along the continuum;

Smart Transportation - a network of high-quality trains connecting cities and neighborhoods together, pedestrian-friendly design that encourages a greater use of bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, and walking as daily transportation;

Sustainability - minimal environmental impact, eco-friendly technologies, energy efficiency, less use of finite fuels, more local production, more walking – less driving.

Benefits of New UrbanismEconomic Social Environmental

• Consumer transportation cost savings.

• Economies of agglomeration (density).

• More efficient transportation.

• Traffic safety.• Increased

property values.

• More attractive communities.

• Improved transportation choice, particularly for non-drivers.

• Improved housing choices.

• Community cohesion and interaction.

• Green-space and wildlife habitat preservation.

• Reduced air pollution.

• Reduce resource consumption.

• Reduced water pollution.

Obstacles to overcome

The restrictive and incorrect zoning codes currently in force in most municipalities (current codes do not allow New Urbanism to be built, but do allow sprawl).

The continuous road building and expansion taking place in many communities.

Ways to implement New UrbanismNew Urbanism is best planned at all levels of development:

The single building Groups of buildings The urban block The neighborhood Networks of neighborhoods Towns Cities Regions

New urbanism is created at the human scale.

Buildings are placed closer together and exteriors are designed to be safe and attractive for pedestrians.

Streets are constructed for slower speeds and traffic is dispersed through many different connections.

Walking in front of a business or around town is simply a pleasant, interesting activity.

Neighborhoods like these have survived and prospered over the centuries. New urbanism returns to these time-tested principles and adapts them for a healthy, sustainable 21st century.

Conclusion