The new urbanism: toward an architecture of community

Abstract

The costs, problems and realities of urban sprawl are everywhere. What has worked for the past 40 years can not be sustained or expanded further. New Urbanism, dynamic new planning and design concepts, is beginning to provide some hope that past mistakes of urban development need not be repeated. There is a broad and growing trend toward the restoration of community and a preservation of environmental resources. Almost a nostalgic return to smaller and more intimate neighborhoods, new urbanism integrates housing, shops, workplaces, parks and civic facilities into close-knit communities. Walkways, public places and parks are central to the planning. A wide range of housing styles offers affordability to all economic levels of a community. Public transportation is an important part of any design proposal. This book provides 24 case studies describing projects from Seaside in Florida to Cite Internationale in Canada and is an invaluable guide for architects, urban planners, civic leaders and concerned and interested citizens.