New Urbanism

UNIVERSITY OF JOS
FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING
COURSE CODE:
URP 409
COURSE TITLE:
HUMAN SETTLEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
NAME:
ABRAHAM RUTH OMOWUMI
MAT NO:
UJ/2018/EV/0576
DATE
DECEMBER,2023
New Urbanism is a planning and development approach based on the principles of how cities and towns
had been built for the last several centuries: walkable blocks and streets, housing and shopping in close
proximity, and accessible public spaces. In other words: New Urbanism focuses on human-scaled urban
design.
These design and development principles can be applied to new development, urban infill and
revitalization, and preservation. They can be applied to all scales of development in the full range of
places including rural Main Streets, booming suburban areas, urban neighborhoods, dense city centers,
and even entire regions.
New Urbanism is a movement of practices and principles that promote walkable, mixed-use, diverse,
and highly dense neighborhoods. The goal of New Urbanism design is to create places where
communities can meet and interact in public spaces or on the street. Through reduced car use, walking
and cycling to destinations can foster interaction while reducing negative environmental and traffic
effects.
New Urbanism: Sustainable City
New Urbanism is a comprehensive approach to urban planning and design that emerged in the late 20th
century as a response to the challenges posed by suburban sprawl and the deterioration of urban cores.
This design philosophy seeks to create sustainable, walkable neighborhoods that prioritize mixed land
uses, community engagement, and environmental conservation.
At its core, New Urbanism aims to counteract the negative effects of conventional urban development,
which often resulted in car-dependent communities with separated land uses. This approach advocates
for compact, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods where residents can easily access a variety of amenities,
including housing, workplaces, shops, and green spaces. The movement emphasizes a return to
traditional town planning principles, drawing inspiration from historic neighborhoods and city centers
that fostered a sense of community and social interaction.
One key aspect of New Urbanism is the concept of mixed-use development. Traditional zoning often
segregated residential, commercial, and industrial areas, leading to a reliance on cars for daily activities.
New Urbanism encourages a blend of land uses within a given area, enabling people to live, work, and
play in close proximity. This not only reduces dependence on automobiles but also contributes to the
creation of vibrant, lively neighborhoods.
The movement places a strong emphasis on the design of public spaces. Walkable streets, well-designed
parks, and public squares are integral components of New Urbanist developments. These spaces are
intended to serve as focal points for social interaction, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Additionally, New Urbanist projects often incorporate sustainable design practices, such as green
building techniques, energy-efficient infrastructure, and the preservation of natural landscapes.
New Urbanism has gained popularity across the globe, influencing urban planning policies and projects
in various cities. One notable example is the Seaside community in Florida, designed by the founders of
the New Urbanism movement, Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk. This town became a
pioneering model for walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods, setting the stage for the widespread adoption
of New Urbanist principles in subsequent urban developments.
While New Urbanism has garnered praise for its emphasis on sustainability and community engagement,
it has also faced criticism. Some argue that its focus on traditional design principles may lead to a
nostalgic idealization of the past, potentially neglecting the diverse needs of contemporary societies.
Others question the feasibility of implementing New Urbanist principles in existing urban environments,
especially in densely populated and established cities.
In conclusion, New Urbanism represents a paradigm shift in urban planning, promoting sustainable,
walkable neighborhoods that prioritize community, mixed land uses, and New Urbanism Principles
The Congress for New Urbanism, an organization that speaks for the movement, has a charter that
defines its principles. These principles are driven by smart-growth designs and can be applied at the
street, neighborhood, and regional levels.
References
Fulton, W. The New Urbanism: Hope or Hype for American Communities? Lincoln Institute of Land
Policy. 1996.
Congress for the New Urbanism. Charter of the New Urbanism. 2000.
Better Housing Together. "Middle Housing = Housing Options."

https://www.betterhousingtogether.org/middle-housing.
Ellis, C. The New Urbanism: Critiques and Rebuttals. Journal of Urban Design. 2002. 7(3), 261-291. DOI:
10.1080/1357480022000039330.

New Urbanism

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UNIVERSITY OF JOS

FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING

HUMAN SETTLEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

ABRAHAM RUTH OMOWUMI

New Urbanism: Sustainable City

Better Housing Together. "Middle Housing = Housing Options."

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