Glossary
Compact Design
A New Urbanism principle focused on creating higher-density neighborhoods that use less land, promoting efficiency and reducing the footprint of development.
Example:
Instead of sprawling single-family homes, a community with townhouses and multi-story apartment buildings clustered together demonstrates compact design.
Green Belts
Protected areas of undeveloped land around cities, established to prevent urban sprawl, preserve open space, and maintain natural habitats.
Example:
London's extensive Green Belt prevents the city from expanding indefinitely, ensuring that residents have access to countryside and limiting outward growth.
Mixed-Use Development
A planning approach that combines residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or industrial uses into a single building or area.
Example:
A building with apartments on the upper floors and retail stores or cafes on the ground floor is a perfect example of mixed-use development.
New Urbanism
A planning and design movement that aims to create walkable, mixed-use, and human-scaled communities to counteract the negative effects of urban sprawl.
Example:
A community designed with narrow streets, front porches, and a central town square where residents can walk to shops and parks exemplifies New Urbanism principles.
Sense of Place
A New Urbanism principle emphasizing the creation of unique, identifiable communities that foster social interaction and a strong connection among residents.
Example:
A historic downtown area with unique architecture, local businesses, and a vibrant public square often evokes a strong sense of place for its inhabitants.
Transect Planning
A New Urbanism concept that organizes a community into zones, from rural to urban, with density and building types increasing as one moves towards the center.
Example:
A town planned with agricultural land on the outskirts, then suburban homes, and finally dense urban core buildings, follows the principles of transect planning.
Urban Revitalization
The process of improving and renewing urban areas that have experienced decline, aiming to boost economic development, improve quality of life, and address inequalities.
Example:
Transforming an abandoned industrial waterfront into a vibrant park with restaurants and public art is a successful urban revitalization project.
Urban Sprawl
The outward expansion of cities into surrounding rural areas, characterized by low-density development and a heavy reliance on automobiles.
Example:
As a city grows, new housing developments and shopping centers spread out into previously undeveloped farmland, leading to significant urban sprawl.
Walkability
A core principle of New Urbanism that prioritizes pedestrian access through sidewalks, paths, and a design that encourages walking over driving.
Example:
A neighborhood with wide sidewalks, crosswalks, and shops within a 10-minute stroll has high walkability, making it easy for residents to get around without a car.