Street fight: Landscape Urbanism versus New Urbanism

Blue-Green-Sponges in Urbanization – My Lifelong Engagement for ...

When Charles Waldheim and Andres Duany face off in their first meaningful conversation, the lines are drawn not over the sprawl, but over what that sprawl leads to—our streets. The debate between Landscape Urbanism and New Urbanism is not just an academic dispute; it concerns the very fabric of our living spaces and how we envision the future of urban development.

The Sprawl Defined: A Prelude to Urbanism's Rivalry

Before diving into the dueling urbanist philosophies, Kevin Klinkenberg offers clarity on the term "sprawl" in anticipation of the debate. Inspired by Chris Leinberger's dichotomy of "walkable urbanism" and "drivable suburbia," the sprawl is dissected into various forms. This sets the stage for a nuanced look at how our cities are crafted, and the sub-categories within each urban system that reflect the diverse settings—from "small-town urban" to "big-city urban."

Categories of Sprawl and Their Potential for Urban Renewal

The article breaks down four types of sprawl: Pre-Interstate suburbia, Standard subdivision suburbia, Master-planned communities, and Rural/Exurban sprawl. Each type presents unique challenges and opportunities for urbanists intent on creating walkable, sustainable living environments. Yet, the focus is placed heavily on Pre-Interstate suburbia (PIS) due to its more manageable scale and existing street networks that hint at a potential transformation into pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.

Obstacles to Overcome in Pre-Interstate Suburbia

The conversion of PIS into vibrant communities is marred by zoning challenges and ingrained political resistance. The article suggests that extensive planning and form-based codes could introduce much-needed housing diversity, fostering affordability and enriching community lives. However, the possibility of such transformation exists more on paper than in practice due to current political climates and resistance to urban-like changes.

The Predicament of Post-Pre-Interstate Sprawl Types

On the other end of the sprawl spectrum, other types of suburbia—ranging from large-scale developments to rural sprawl—offer limited, if any, opportunities for incremental change and urban improvement, according to Klinkenberg's analysis. The article signifies that most of these areas are not suited for the nuanced approach advocated by new urbanists and should be left to market forces and large-scale developers.

The Context of Urbanism Conflict

The philosophical divide between Landscape Urbanism, which emphasizes the role of ecology in city planning, and New Urbanism's advocacy for traditional neighborhood design and walkable streets, paints a picture of contrasting visions—each with implications for how we travel, interact, and live within our cities.

Landscape Urbanism vs. New Urbanism: Dialing into the Core Differences

The tension between these two ideologies surfaces in their treatment of streets and public spaces, the prioritization of ecological considerations, and the scale at which urban development should take place. Landscape Urbanists often argue for adaptive, large-scale projects that integrate natural systems into urban planning, while New Urbanists focus on human-scale development that promotes community interaction and walkability.

Travel, Hospitality, and the Future of Urban Spaces

As the debate on urban design philosophies continues, the way we plan our cities inevitably impacts the travel and hospitality industry. Walkable communities create inviting destinations for tourists, fostering local economies and expanding choices for accommodations. Conversely, car-centric designs dictate a different travel experience and influence the spatial layout of hotels and tourism infrastructure. As urbanists strive to shape our streets and towns, their work reverberates through the experiences of locals and visitors alike, ultimately influencing the many ways we journey and find rest in the world's diverse urban landscapes.