Architectural styles and building types

Chapter 16 of the New Urbanism Best Practices Guide

What kind of architecture to use, and where to use it, have been intensely debated among new urbanists. This chapter looks at questions of architectural style, arguing that either a traditional or a modernist mode of design can, when properly handled, produce a satisfying community environment. A key factor is the need for buildings that interest pedestrians, who move slowly enough to notice architectural details.

This chapter examines traditionalist-modernist contention, the Classical roots of vernacular design, lessons from pre-1920s buildings, and how Vancouver, British Columbia, and Toronto, Ontario, have encouraged Modern buildings while emphasizing human scale, appealing views, a mixture of uses, and provisions for neighborhood life, such as parks within walking distance of homes. This chapter argues that Modern design is more suited to some Transect zones than to others.

Also covered are treatment of civic buildings and how to punctuate a site plan. Building types and arrangements are explored, including live-work structures, accessory dwellings, a three-generation house, flex space, podium buildings, liner buildings, parking garages “buried” in the block, maisonettes, townhouses, “Carpet Cottages,” a back-to-back duplex, courtyard housing, and the making of a transition from one setting to another. A Modern house in a historical setting — Jeff Speck’s home for his family in Washington, DC — is discussed. Stephen Mouzon examines the evolution of styles in Seaside, Florida, through text and photos.