What does urban density look like? When we hear the “D” word, our first thoughts are often of high-rises and sunless streets. But in point of fact, density’s appearance might surprise you.
Mumbai is the most densely populated city in the world. Its 14,350,000 inhabitants are packed into 484 square kilometers. This works out to 120 people per acre.
But check this [...]
Archive for February, 2009
Looks can be Deceiving
Posted in The next city, The next city: urbanism, tagged density, The next city, urbanism on February 27, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Density and Use, Part III
Posted in The next city, The next city: urbanism, tagged Density and use, MAD architects, The next city, urbanism on February 25, 2009 | 2 Comments »
I posted a proposal here yesterday that examined a way to make the existing city dense enough, and with a sufficient mixture of uses, to become a possible next city. My ideas have our readers stirred up. So, as usual, I will say more.
As a preface, let me acknowledge that many architects and urbanists are thinking about and [...]
A Crazy Idea. Or Maybe Not. Density and Use, Part II
Posted in The next city, The next city: urbanism, tagged Albert Beers, Capitol Hill, Harry Wardman, The next city, urbanism on February 24, 2009 | 4 Comments »
Our neighborhood, from about 650 feet. We live on the long rectangular block, and it features 57 rowhouses. We live on the south face of the block. It was designed in 1909 by Albert Beers, and was developed by notable DC developer Harry Wardman (he built something like 80,000 units of housing here during his career). [...]
Out and About
Posted in The next city on February 13, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Photo by Kelly Hoffart.
We’re traveling again this week, so feel free to sit in the shade and have a look around. Back next week.
Beyond Zoning
Posted in The next city, The next city: urbanism, tagged 1909 Plan of Chicago, beyond zoning, Charles Wacker, Jane Jacobs, urbanism, Wacker Manual, zoning ordinance on February 5, 2009 | 2 Comments »
Okay, so you read the last post here, on the idiocy of the functional zoning laws that grip almost all American cities, and you said: “This guy is really with it – Jane Jacobs was saying more or less the same thing almost 50 years ago.” True. 1961, to be precise.
Urban cyclist Jane Jacobs.
Jacobs called for a [...]
The End of Zoning
Posted in The next city, The next city: urbanism, tagged urbanism, zoning on February 3, 2009 | 9 Comments »
“Our existing ordinance is rather antique.” Elwood Taylor, former chairman of the Planning Commission, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Pennsylvania.
“There are some people that if they don’t know, you can’t tell them.” Louis Armstrong.
Most cities have zoning ordinances. Zoning ordinances create zones in cities. Okay so far.
The zones that ordinances create are zones that legally limit allowable uses (residential, [...]
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A Motto for the Next City
"We stand here confronted by insurmountable opportunity." PogoA Working Definition
A sustainable city is one that finds the means (forms, shapes, structures and activities) to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.The Shock of the New…
"But an architect intent on being different may in the end prove as troubling as an over-imaginative pilot or doctor." Alain de BottonHow to Make the Right Choice
"A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise." Aldo LeopoldComplications
"There is always an easy solution to every human problem - neat, plausible, and wrong." H. L. MenckenA New Chapter Begins
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