The Jump from New Urbanism to Urbanism
Kris Bryant asked the key question Sunday as I finished up the Planning for the Future series (actually, it’s not quite over…
How is there any relationship between the lengthy discussions we’ve had on urban development with the introduction of New Urbanism?
For me, the tie is quite simple. New Urbanism reintroduces the idea of density and community in the suburbs. Remember, when we started this series, we saw how everyone was being taught that density was bad, that indeed, community was bad.
Reverse that thinking in the suburbs, re-introduce mixed-use development, walkable neighborhoods and eliminate rows and rows of identical Dallas-style homes with driveways in each front yard and maybe, just maybe, the concept of living in an urban environment won’t be so foreign to upcoming generations.
Sure, there are a lot of other issues to consider here. And yes, I’m simplifying it all qutie a bit with this post. But is that so bad?
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Comments
I read an article in TIME (Recycling the Suburbs by Bryan Walsh) that mentioned a study by The Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech. The study predicts “… that by 2025 there will be a surplus of 22 million large-lot homes (on one-sixth of an acre or more) in the U.S.”
The author says this is in part because of “… changing demographics including a steady decline in the percentage of households with kids and a growing preference for urban amenities…”
Since I recently read the Harry Dent book and also attended his recent lecture in Oklahoma City, I find this article especially interesting.
I also laughed when it defined large-lot as one-sixth acre or more.
I am inclined to severe skepticism but it is an interesting article.
I’d be careful believing in Harry Dent. I’ve yet to see his prediction of a 30,000 point Dow come true yet.
Steve – I like where your heads at. I think everyone could spend less time choosing sides – urban vs. suburban – and more time searching for solutions to improve the quality of life in both.
Somewhat related:
Recycling the Suburbs