What is New Urbanism AP Human Geography (2024)?

New Urbanism, as a pivotal concept within the AP Human Geography curriculum, represents a significant shift in urban planning principles, and its understanding is crucial for students preparing for the 2024 exam. The Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), an organization advocating for these principles, champions walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods as sustainable alternatives to suburban sprawl. Andrés Duany, a prominent architect and urban planner, is closely associated with the movement and its emphasis on traditional neighborhood design. Contrasting sharply with urban sprawl, which often leads to environmental degradation and social isolation, New Urbanism seeks to create vibrant, interconnected communities. Analyzing what is new urbanism AP Human Geography requires a thorough examination of its core tenets and its practical applications in reshaping contemporary urban landscapes.

New Urbanism stands as a significant planning and design movement, offering a contemporary lens through which to envision and construct our living spaces. It’s a direct response to the sprawling, auto-centric development patterns that have dominated much of the 20th and 21st centuries.

At its heart, New Urbanism champions the creation of vibrant, mixed-use communities. These are environments where residential, commercial, and civic spaces intertwine, fostering a sense of place and belonging.

Defining New Urbanism: A Return to Community

New Urbanism seeks to recapture the essence of traditional town planning, emphasizing human-scale design and social interaction. It promotes a more connected and sustainable way of life.

Unlike conventional suburban sprawl, which often isolates residents in single-use zones accessible only by car, New Urbanism aims to create complete communities. These communities offer a diverse range of housing options, employment opportunities, and recreational amenities all within a walkable or bikeable distance.

Core Tenets: Walkability, Mixed-Use, and Community

The foundation of New Urbanism rests upon three key principles:

• Walkability: Designing neighborhoods where daily needs are easily accessible on foot.

• Mixed-Use Development: Integrating various land uses to create dynamic and self-sufficient communities.

• A Strong Sense of Community: Fostering social interaction and civic engagement through public spaces and community events.

These tenets work in concert to create environments that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and socially enriching.

Thesis Statement: Navigating the Complexities of Implementation

While New Urbanism offers a compelling vision for more sustainable and livable communities, its implementation is not without its challenges. This blog post will explore both the benefits and potential drawbacks of New Urbanism, specifically addressing:

• Its effectiveness in curbing urban sprawl.

• Concerns surrounding gentrification and displacement.

• The imperative for affordable housing within New Urbanist developments.

• The practical implementation challenges faced by planners and developers.

By critically examining these issues, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of New Urbanism's potential and its limitations in shaping the future of our cities and towns.

A Look Back: The Historical Roots and Key Influencers of New Urbanism

New Urbanism stands as a significant planning and design movement, offering a contemporary lens through which to envision and construct our living spaces. It’s a direct response to the sprawling, auto-centric development patterns that have dominated much of the 20th and 21st centuries.

At its heart, New Urbanism champions the creation of vibrant, mixed-use communities designed to foster walkability, social interaction, and a strong sense of place. However, to fully appreciate its ambition and scope, it is essential to understand the historical forces that shaped its emergence, as well as the key thinkers and practitioners who laid its foundation.

The Disenchantment with Modernist Planning

The seeds of New Urbanism were sown in the growing dissatisfaction with the tenets of Modernist planning, which reached its peak in the mid-20th century. Modernist planning, characterized by its emphasis on functional zoning, large-scale infrastructure projects, and separation of land uses, often resulted in fragmented urban landscapes.

These landscapes were dominated by sprawling suburbs dependent on automobiles and devoid of a cohesive sense of community. The emphasis on efficiency and functionality frequently came at the expense of human-scale design and social interaction.

Critiques of Modernist planning often centered on its negative impacts on urban life, contributing to social isolation, environmental degradation, and economic disparities. The sterile, homogenous environments created by Modernist principles were increasingly seen as antithetical to the qualities that make cities vibrant and livable.

Jane Jacobs: A Voice for the Human Scale

One of the most influential voices in the critique of Modernist planning was Jane Jacobs. Her seminal work, The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961), offered a scathing indictment of urban renewal projects that prioritized large-scale development over the needs of local communities.

Jacobs championed the principles of mixed-use development, density, and pedestrian-friendly streets, arguing that these elements were essential for creating vibrant and safe urban neighborhoods. Her emphasis on the "sidewalk ballet" – the constant interaction of people on the streets – highlighted the importance of social capital and spontaneous encounters in fostering a sense of community.

Jacobs's ideas resonated deeply with those who felt that Modernist planning had failed to create livable and equitable cities. Her work provided a powerful intellectual framework for rethinking urban design and prioritizing the needs of people over those of automobiles and large-scale institutions. She is considered a foundational figure in the intellectual lineage of New Urbanism.

The Founders: Duany and Plater-Zyberk

While Jacobs provided the theoretical underpinnings for a more humanistic approach to urban design, it was Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk who translated these ideas into a practical design movement. As architects and urban planners, they were deeply influenced by Jacobs's work and sought to create communities that embodied her principles.

In the early 1980s, Duany and Plater-Zyberk began developing a set of design guidelines that emphasized traditional neighborhood development (TND). TND sought to recreate the best elements of traditional towns and villages, such as walkable streets, mixed-use centers, and a variety of housing types.

Their groundbreaking work in Seaside, Florida, a master-planned community designed according to TND principles, brought New Urbanism to the forefront of architectural and planning discourse. Seaside became a highly visible example of how traditional design principles could be applied to create a vibrant and livable community.

Duany and Plater-Zyberk established the firm DPZ, which became a leading proponent of New Urbanism, working on projects around the world. Their influence extended beyond individual projects, as they played a key role in shaping the intellectual and organizational framework of the movement.

Other Key Figures and Their Contributions

While Duany and Plater-Zyberk are widely recognized as the founders of New Urbanism, many other individuals have played important roles in shaping its principles and practices. Peter Calthorpe, for instance, has been a leading voice in the promotion of transit-oriented development (TOD).

Calthorpe's work emphasizes the importance of creating walkable, mixed-use communities around public transportation hubs, reducing reliance on automobiles and promoting sustainable development. His concept of the pedestrian pocket has become a widely adopted model for TOD.

Another influential figure is Stefanos Polyzoides, who has focused on the design of complete communities that offer a range of housing options, employment opportunities, and civic amenities. His work emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of place through careful attention to architectural details and public spaces.

These and other figures have contributed to the ongoing evolution of New Urbanism, adapting its principles to meet the challenges of contemporary urban development. Their collective efforts have helped to establish New Urbanism as a significant force in shaping the future of our cities and towns.

Core Principles: The Building Blocks of New Urbanist Design

A Look Back: The Historical Roots and Key Influencers of New Urbanism New Urbanism stands as a significant planning and design movement, offering a contemporary lens through which to envision and construct our living spaces. It’s a direct response to the sprawling, auto-centric development patterns that have dominated much of the 20th and 21st centuries. The subsequent section will delve into the key principles that define New Urbanism, exploring the elements that make it a distinct and influential approach to community design.

Walkability: Designing for the Pedestrian Experience

Walkability is arguably the cornerstone of New Urbanism. It prioritizes the pedestrian experience, aiming to create environments where people can easily and safely walk to various destinations.

This involves several design considerations, including:

• Short Blocks and Interconnected Streets: These create more direct routes for pedestrians.

• Sidewalks and Pedestrian Crossings: Ensuring safe and comfortable passage.

• Traffic Calming Measures: Such as narrower streets and speed bumps, to reduce vehicle speeds.

• Street Trees and Landscaping: Providing shade and visual appeal, making walking more pleasant.

The goal is to reduce reliance on automobiles and promote a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Mixed-Use Development: Integrating Diverse Functions

Mixed-use development is another fundamental principle, advocating for the integration of residential, commercial, and civic spaces within close proximity. This approach diverges sharply from traditional zoning practices that segregate different land uses.

The benefits of mixed-use development are numerous:

• Reduced Travel Distances: Allowing residents to live, work, and shop within the same neighborhood.

• Increased Social Interaction: Creating opportunities for chance encounters and community building.

• Vibrant Street Life: With activity throughout the day and evening.

• Economic Diversity: Supporting a wider range of businesses and employment opportunities.

Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND): Reimagining the Classic Town

Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) seeks to recreate the best qualities of traditional towns and villages. This involves designing complete neighborhoods with a defined center and edge.

Key characteristics of TND include:

• A Variety of Housing Types: Accommodating diverse residents.

• Civic Spaces: Parks, squares, and community centers that serve as focal points.

• Local Retail and Services: Meeting the daily needs of residents.

• A Pedestrian-Friendly Street Network: Encouraging walking and cycling.

TND aims to foster a strong sense of community and provide residents with a high quality of life.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Leveraging Public Transportation

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) focuses on creating dense, mixed-use communities around public transportation hubs. This approach aims to reduce reliance on automobiles and promote the use of public transit.

Key elements of TOD include:

• High-Density Housing and Employment: Located within walking distance of transit stations.

• A Mix of Land Uses: Integrating residential, commercial, and civic spaces.

• Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure: Providing safe and convenient access to transit.

• Reduced Parking Requirements: Discouraging automobile use.

TOD can help to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and create more sustainable communities.

Connectivity: Weaving a Seamless Urban Fabric

Connectivity, in the context of New Urbanism, refers to the degree to which a street network provides direct and multiple routes between destinations. This is typically achieved through a well-connected grid pattern, in contrast to the cul-de-sacs and hierarchical street systems often found in suburban developments.

A highly connected street network offers several advantages:

• Reduced Travel Distances: Providing more direct routes for both pedestrians and vehicles.

• Improved Traffic Flow: Distributing traffic more evenly and reducing congestion.

• Increased Walkability: Creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

• Greater Resilience: Providing alternative routes in case of road closures or emergencies.

Density: Enabling Walkability and Transit Use

Density plays a crucial role in supporting walkability and transit use. Higher densities concentrate people and activities, making it easier to provide public transportation, support local businesses, and create vibrant public spaces.

However, density must be carefully managed to ensure that it enhances, rather than detracts from, the quality of life. This involves:

• Appropriate Building Heights and Massing: Respecting the character of the surrounding neighborhood.

• Providing Adequate Open Space: Parks, squares, and green spaces.

• Managing Traffic and Parking: To minimize congestion and ensure pedestrian safety.

Sense of Place: Cultivating Unique Community Identities

Creating a strong sense of place is a key objective of New Urbanism. This involves designing communities that are distinct, memorable, and reflective of their local context.

Elements that contribute to a sense of place include:

• Architectural Style: Drawing inspiration from local building traditions.

• Public Art and Monuments: Celebrating local history and culture.

• Landscaping and Streetscaping: Using native plants and materials.

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• Community Events and Festivals: Fostering a sense of belonging.

By creating a strong sense of place, New Urbanism aims to foster community pride and create environments that people are proud to call home.

New Urbanism in Action: Examining Real-World Case Studies

New Urbanism stands as a significant planning and design movement, offering a contemporary lens through which to envision and construct our living spaces. It’s a direct response to the sprawling, auto-centric development patterns of the mid-20th century.

To truly understand its impact, we must examine real-world examples. These case studies illuminate the principles, successes, and challenges inherent in translating theoretical ideals into tangible communities.

Seaside, Florida: A Pioneer of New Urbanist Ideals

Seaside, Florida, stands as a seminal project in the New Urbanist movement. Conceived in the early 1980s by Robert Davis, it embodies many of the core tenets of the philosophy.

Its meticulously planned layout prioritizes pedestrian access. Mixed-use zoning allows for a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and residences within easy walking distance.

The architectural design, with its emphasis on vernacular styles and human scale, contributes to a strong sense of place. Seaside's success, however, has also drawn criticism regarding affordability and accessibility, pointing to challenges in translating New Urbanist ideals into inclusive communities.

Celebration, Florida: Disney's Experiment in Community Building

Celebration, Florida, offers a fascinating, if somewhat controversial, case study. Developed by The Walt Disney Company in the 1990s, it aimed to create a quintessential small-town atmosphere.

Celebration incorporates many New Urbanist principles, including:

• Compact, walkable neighborhoods.
• A mix of housing types.
• Civic spaces designed to foster community interaction.

Critics, however, have questioned the authenticity of Celebration's design, arguing that its carefully curated aesthetic feels artificial and lacks genuine organic growth. The project illustrates the tension between planned communities and the spontaneous evolution of traditional towns.

Poundbury, England: A Royal Experiment in Urban Extension

Poundbury, an urban extension to Dorchester, England, is notable for its royal patronage and its commitment to traditional architectural styles. Championed by Prince Charles, it reflects a desire to create a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to conventional suburban development.

Poundbury's design emphasizes walkability, mixed-use development, and a strong sense of place. Its reliance on traditional materials and architectural forms, however, has been a source of both praise and criticism.

Some argue that it provides a valuable model for creating human-scaled environments. Others contend that its architectural style is overly prescriptive and lacks contemporary relevance.

Kentlands, Maryland: Balancing Density and Community

Kentlands, Maryland, offers a compelling example of how New Urbanist principles can be applied to create a more sustainable and livable suburban environment. Developed in the late 1980s, it was one of the first large-scale attempts to implement New Urbanist ideas in a suburban context.

Kentlands features a diverse mix of housing types, from single-family homes to apartments, all within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and community amenities.

The project's success in fostering a sense of community and providing residents with a high quality of life demonstrates the potential of New Urbanism to transform suburban landscapes.

Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs): Leveraging Public Transportation

Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) represent a crucial application of New Urbanist principles. TODs focus on creating compact, walkable, mixed-use communities centered around public transportation hubs.

These developments aim to reduce reliance on automobiles, promote sustainable transportation options, and create more vibrant and accessible urban environments.

Successful TODs demonstrate the potential to integrate land use and transportation planning, creating communities that are both environmentally responsible and socially equitable. However, challenges remain in ensuring affordability and preventing displacement in rapidly developing transit corridors.

Tools of the Trade: Planning and Implementation Approaches

New Urbanism stands as a significant planning and design movement, offering a contemporary lens through which to envision and construct our living spaces. It’s a direct response to the sprawling, auto-centric development patterns of the mid-20th century.

To truly understand its impact, we must examine the practical tools and strategies employed to translate its theoretical ideals into tangible realities.

The Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU): Championing the Cause

At the forefront of the New Urbanist movement stands the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU). This organization serves as a vital hub for professionals, academics, and advocates dedicated to promoting New Urbanist principles.

The CNU plays a multifaceted role: a convener of thought, a disseminator of best practices, and an advocate for policy changes that support walkable, mixed-use communities.

Through its annual Congress, publications, and local chapters, the CNU facilitates the exchange of knowledge and fosters collaboration among individuals and organizations working to advance New Urbanism.

Furthermore, the CNU has been instrumental in developing and promoting model codes and guidelines, providing practical resources for planners and policymakers seeking to implement New Urbanist principles.

Transect Planning: Zoning for Ecological and Development Harmony

Transect planning offers a nuanced approach to zoning that moves beyond traditional Euclidean zoning, which often separates land uses into distinct, isolated districts.

Instead, transect planning divides regions into a series of zones, or transects, that range from the most rural and natural areas to the most urban and intensely developed centers.

Each transect is characterized by specific building types, streetscapes, and land use patterns, creating a gradient of development intensity that responds to both ecological and human needs.

This approach allows for a more integrated and context-sensitive approach to planning, recognizing that different areas require different design and regulatory approaches. By acknowledging the interdependence of natural and built environments, transect planning promotes sustainable development patterns that minimize environmental impact and maximize community benefits.

Form-Based Codes: Shaping the Physical Landscape

Form-based codes represent a paradigm shift in zoning regulations, moving away from a primary focus on land use to a more direct emphasis on the physical form of buildings and streetscapes.

Unlike conventional zoning codes that dictate what can be built on a particular site, form-based codes regulate how buildings should look and interact with their surroundings.

These codes typically include detailed standards for building height, setbacks, facade materials, and streetscape design, creating a predictable and harmonious built environment.

By prioritizing the physical form, form-based codes aim to create walkable, attractive, and pedestrian-friendly environments. They allow for greater flexibility in land use, encouraging mixed-use development and reducing the need for strict separation of residential, commercial, and civic spaces.

The Upsides: Benefits of Embracing New Urbanism

New Urbanism stands as a significant planning and design movement, offering a contemporary lens through which to envision and construct our living spaces. It’s a direct response to the sprawling, auto-centric development patterns of the mid-20th century. To truly understand its impact, we must examine its potential benefits, focusing on the environmental, social, and personal gains it can offer.

Curtailing Urban Sprawl Through Compact Development

One of the most compelling arguments for New Urbanism is its ability to mitigate urban sprawl. Traditional suburban development often results in low-density housing far from employment centers, retail, and services. This necessitates near-universal car dependence and the consumption of vast tracts of land.

New Urbanism, conversely, champions compact, mixed-use development, placing residences, workplaces, and amenities in close proximity. This reduces the need to travel long distances and promotes more efficient land use. By concentrating development, we can preserve natural landscapes and reduce infrastructure costs.

Promoting Sustainability and Reduced Car Dependence

Sustainability lies at the heart of New Urbanist principles. By prioritizing walkability and alternative transportation options, these developments significantly reduce reliance on automobiles. This leads to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and improves air quality.

Mixed-use zoning also encourages shorter trips, as daily needs can be met within the neighborhood. Furthermore, integration with public transportation networks – a key element of transit-oriented development – offers convenient and efficient travel alternatives.

These elements combine to create a more environmentally responsible and sustainable urban fabric.

Fostering Community Interaction and Social Cohesion

Beyond environmental benefits, New Urbanism seeks to cultivate strong social connections within communities. The design of walkable neighborhoods encourages residents to interact with one another. Front porches, shared green spaces, and public gathering places provide opportunities for chance encounters and planned events.

The variety of housing types within New Urbanist developments aims to create socially diverse communities. By offering options for people of different ages, income levels, and lifestyles, these neighborhoods foster a sense of inclusivity and belonging.

Enhancing Quality of Life Through Walkable, Mixed-Use Environments

Ultimately, New Urbanism strives to improve the quality of life for residents. Walkable, mixed-use environments offer a variety of benefits, including increased physical activity, reduced stress levels, and greater access to amenities.

The ability to walk to shops, restaurants, and parks creates a more vibrant and engaging lifestyle. It promotes a sense of place and encourages residents to connect with their surroundings. This can lead to increased community pride and a stronger sense of well-being.

Access to diverse housing options, employment opportunities, and recreational spaces directly contributes to a better standard of living and overall satisfaction.

In conclusion, the advantages of embracing New Urbanism extend beyond mere physical design. They encompass a vision of sustainable, socially connected, and vibrant communities that enhance the quality of life for all residents. By prioritizing walkability, mixed-use development, and a strong sense of place, New Urbanism offers a powerful alternative to the sprawling, auto-dependent patterns of the past.

Facing the Challenges: Criticisms and Concerns Surrounding New Urbanism

New Urbanism stands as a significant planning and design movement, offering a contemporary lens through which to envision and construct our living spaces. It’s a direct response to the sprawling, auto-centric development patterns of the mid-20th century. To truly understand its impact, we must examine not only its potential benefits but also the criticisms and concerns it faces.

This section delves into the challenges leveled against New Urbanism, providing a balanced perspective on its potential drawbacks and complexities.

The Specter of Gentrification

One of the most persistent criticisms of New Urbanism revolves around the issue of gentrification. As New Urbanist developments aim to create attractive, walkable, and amenity-rich neighborhoods, they often lead to increased property values.

This can, unfortunately, displace existing residents who can no longer afford to live in the area, particularly low-income families and vulnerable populations.

The creation of desirable urban spaces can unintentionally exacerbate existing inequalities, leading to the erasure of cultural heritage and the fragmentation of established communities. Addressing this unintended consequence is paramount.

The Affordable Housing Imperative

Closely linked to gentrification is the critical need for affordable housing within New Urbanist developments. For New Urbanism to be truly inclusive and equitable, it must actively address the housing needs of all income levels.

Simply creating attractive neighborhoods is insufficient if those neighborhoods are inaccessible to a significant portion of the population.

Inclusionary zoning policies, density bonuses for developers who include affordable units, and public subsidies are crucial tools to ensure that New Urbanist communities are economically diverse and representative of the broader population. Without proactive measures, New Urbanism risks becoming an exclusive enclave for the privileged.

Implementation Hurdles and Community Resistance

While the ideals of New Urbanism are compelling, the path to implementation is often fraught with practical challenges. Regulatory hurdles, such as outdated zoning codes that prioritize single-use development and automobile dependency, can impede the creation of mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods.

Furthermore, community resistance can arise from concerns about increased density, traffic congestion, or changes to the existing character of a neighborhood.

Effectively communicating the benefits of New Urbanism, addressing community concerns through participatory planning processes, and advocating for regulatory reforms are essential to overcome these implementation barriers. Balancing the ideals of New Urbanism with the realities of local context is critical for successful implementation.

Moreover, a one-size-fits-all approach is not suitable when implementing New Urbanism. Designs should be tailored to the communities they are built in.

New Urbanism in Context: Connections to Broader Planning Initiatives

New Urbanism stands as a significant planning and design movement, offering a contemporary lens through which to envision and construct our living spaces. It’s a direct response to the sprawling, auto-centric development patterns of the mid-20th century. To truly understand its place in contemporary urban planning, it is essential to examine its connections to broader initiatives like Smart Growth and its overall influence on current planning practices.

New Urbanism and Smart Growth: Converging Paths

New Urbanism and Smart Growth are often viewed as complementary approaches to urban planning, sharing a common goal of creating more sustainable, livable, and equitable communities.

While New Urbanism focuses primarily on the physical design of neighborhoods and communities, Smart Growth encompasses a broader range of policy and planning strategies that aim to guide development in a more responsible manner.

Despite their different focuses, both movements advocate for principles such as mixed-use development, walkability, increased density, and a greater emphasis on public transportation.

The convergence of New Urbanism and Smart Growth is evident in many contemporary planning projects, where the design principles of New Urbanism are often integrated into larger Smart Growth frameworks. This synergy allows for the creation of communities that are not only physically well-designed but also supported by policies that promote sustainable development patterns.

Shared Goals and Complementary Approaches

One of the primary shared goals between New Urbanism and Smart Growth is the reduction of urban sprawl. Both movements recognize the negative impacts of sprawling development patterns, including increased automobile dependence, environmental degradation, and social isolation.

By promoting compact, mixed-use development, New Urbanism and Smart Growth aim to create communities where residents can live, work, and play without relying heavily on automobiles.

Another common goal is the promotion of sustainable transportation options. Both movements advocate for investments in public transportation, bicycle infrastructure, and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes.

This emphasis on alternative transportation not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also creates more livable and accessible communities for all residents.

Furthermore, both New Urbanism and Smart Growth recognize the importance of community engagement in the planning process. Both movements emphasize the need to involve residents and other stakeholders in shaping the future of their communities.

New Urbanism's Influence on Contemporary Planning Practices

New Urbanism has had a significant impact on contemporary urban planning discourse and practices. Its principles have been widely adopted by planners, developers, and policymakers seeking to create more sustainable and livable communities.

The movement has also influenced the development of new planning tools and techniques, such as form-based codes and transect planning.

These tools provide a more flexible and context-sensitive approach to zoning and land use regulation, allowing for the creation of more diverse and vibrant communities.

The legacy of New Urbanism can be seen in the growing number of communities across the country that are embracing its principles. While the movement is not without its critics, its influence on contemporary planning practices is undeniable.

Navigating Future Planning

As cities continue to grow and face new challenges, such as climate change and increasing inequality, the principles of New Urbanism remain highly relevant. By promoting sustainable development patterns, fostering community engagement, and creating more livable and equitable communities, New Urbanism can play a vital role in shaping the future of our cities.

So, there you have it – a quick rundown of what is new urbanism AP Human Geography students need to know. Hopefully, this makes tackling those FRQs and multiple-choice questions a little easier! Good luck with your studies!