Civic buildings and spaces

Chapter 9 of the New Urbanism Best Practices Guide

Civic and religious institutions are an integral part of a community. New Urbanism urges that schools, post offices, town halls, libraries, and religious buildings be sited in dignified, prominent locations — usually on an important green, plaza, or square, at a key main street intersection, or terminating a significant axis. They should not have parking lots in front of them. Many civic buildings in new urban communities use traditional architectural styles, but some are modern in design. Others interpret traditional design ideas in new ways. Architectural control is usually exerted more lightly on civic structures than on commercial and residential buildings, giving designers substantial freedom.

Civic buildings are prized for their symbolism and their architectural possibilities, but also for their ability to serve as community anchors, attracting people who add to the liveliness and commercial viability of the main street. Examples include a renovated church (now an arts center) in CityPlace in West Palm Beach, Florida; a school, post office, city hall, and library in Fairview, Oregon; and multiple civic uses in Southlake Town Square in Southlake, Texas. Creative approaches include a town hall rented out for weddings in Haile Village Center in Gainesville, Florida, and community centers treated as civic buildings in developments such as Longleaf in New Port Richey, Florida.

This chapter looks at various types of public squares, including their “frame,” where people like to sit, hang out, eat, and watch activities in the square’s central field. Open spaces evolve from informal to formal in their patterns, plantings, and paving as they move toward the urban end of the Transect. Small parks, mid-block public spaces, dog parks, ballparks, and principles of school design are also discussed.