The Basics of New Urbanism - Crafting Our Built Environment

Some people have asked me for an overview of just what New Urbanism looks like, so I figured I’d show you.

New Urbanism guides development at all scales, from the building to the region. It includes sizable infill projects within existing urban areas, such as Museum Place or West 7th in the Cultural District or the Trinity River Vision.

New Urbanism can also be small projects on individual blocks, like the Sundance East and Sundance West developments downtown.

It can also apply to redeveloped neighborhoods like Fairmount and Magnolia Village in Fort Worth South.

Indeed, New Urbanism is not about cramming people into skyscrapers. New Urbanism provides all sorts of housing options, from single-family homes…

To townhomes…

To low/midrise apartments, condos, and lofts over retail…

To homes in towers.

Diverse, walkable neighborhoods are what distinguish New Urbanism from other modern development styles.

If there is one thing that reduces the livability of most postwar suburbs, it is the fact that streets do not feel like pleasant, shared spaces. In New Urbanism, streets are safe, comfortable, interesting places for people to walk and meet. Buildings open onto sidewalks, rather than parking lots. Parking is set to the rear or in interiors of blocks. Windows and doors facing the sidewalk make streets safer, and more interesting, for everyone.

By setting buildings right up against the streets and sidewalks, encouraging mixed-use development, and keeping parking out of sight, streets are crafted as beautiful, safe, vibrant places of shared community use.