The Role of New Urbanism in Enhancing Neighborhood Urban Planning Policies Inspired by Jane Jacobs

Introduction

New Urbanism, a modern approach to neighborhood urban planning inspired by the writings of Jane Jacobs, focuses on creating vibrant, livable communities. Density, while important, is often misunderstood and can lead to misguided policies. This article explores how density, or rather the redefinition of density through concepts like occasion opportunity density, can enhance urban environments, adhering to the principles espoused by Jane Jacobs.

Density and Urban Livability

Density, defined as the number of people per unit of area, alone does little to enhance urban livability if it results in a monocultured environment. Jane Jacobs advocated for diverse, mixed-use neighborhoods where a variety of people and activities coexist. This requires a more nuanced approach to density, emphasizing the presence and frequency of experiences rather than just population figures.

Reimagining Density: Occasion Opportunity Density

A new measure, occasion opportunity density, considers the number of different possible experiences per unit of area, and the frequency with which visitors engage with these experiences. This shift in perspective leads to the formulation of several rules of thumb to guide urban revitalization efforts, particularly in downtown areas.

Preserving and Enhancing Street Profiles

Street profile should reflect the perceived 'old' character of an area while maintaining consistency in the street profile. This can be achieved through a stepback method where structures rise gradually from the property line, creating a harmonious profile. Instead of rigid height restrictions, this approach allows for the creation of more varied and inviting streetscapes. Suggested regulation: Implement stepbacks rather than strict height limitations.

Creating an Engaging 'Small Grain' Network

A small grain sequence of elements at the sidewalk level can significantly enhance the liveliness of the area. Each destination should offer unique experiences, encouraging visitors to engage with the street level, thereby supporting local businesses and fostering community interaction. Suggested regulation: Provide incentives for high visitor frequency uses of the ground floor and encourage alternative means of alerting the public to entities on higher levels, such as showing cases on the sidewalk.

Continuous Destinations and Opportunities

A continuous string of appealing destinations, each offering different experiences, can transform a neighborhood into a vibrant community. Interruptions in this sequence, such as blank walls or large parking garages, should be minimized. Suggested regulation: Encourage continuous arcades and awnings to protect against the elements, and design sidewalks with different 'zones' for various activities.

Designing an Authentic Image

A proper image of the designed environment reflects authenticity and realism. This means avoiding superficial designs that lack coherence and reality. For example, cities should avoid design guidelines that result in fake, disneyesque towns with plastic gimmicks. Instead, they should aim for a design that feels true to the period and context, reflecting the history and culture of the place.

Conclusion

New Urbanism, inspired by the principles of Jane Jacobs, offers a holistic approach to urban planning that emphasizes density, livability, and authenticity. By redefining density through the concept of occasion opportunity density, and by adhering to the rules of thumb outlined above, cities can create environments that are both functional and engaging for residents and visitors alike.

Footnotes

Footnotes

Note 1: The term 'monocultured' is used to describe a homogeneous and unvaried urban environment, often lacking diversity in terms of land use, population, and activities. This concept contrasts with the mixed-use, diverse neighborhoods advocated by Jane Jacobs.

Note 2: A stepback method involves structures rising from the property line in a stepped or gradual manner, creating a more harmonious and inviting street profile. This technique is often employed to preserve existing architectural styles and create a visually appealing urban space.

Note 3: An artificial 'small grain' network refers to a series of small, engaging elements at the sidewalk level, such as cozy cafes, boutique shops, and public art installations. These elements contribute to the overall livability and charm of the area.