New Urbanism (Traditional Neighborhood Developments): Back to the Future
During the first part of the 20th century much of the United States was developed along the lines of European cities with small compact mixed-use neighborhoods.
This pattern changed after World-War II with the emergence of modern architecture, cheap gasoline and the automobile. The American landscape transformed as many moved to the suburbs, shopped at the strip mall, and commuted.
The result was “urban-sprawl” as the majority of US citizens now live in the suburbs built in the last 50 years.
Trend
As the population gets older most will find themselves aging in suburbia which was designed for young families with children. The challenges for older adults can be multiple:
- Restricting to mobility
- Discourage physical activity
- Socially isolating
- Limited social services
- Automobile dependent
Possible Solution to Sprawl
New urbanism or traditional neighborhood development (TND) is a growing movement based on returning to the traditional neighborhood with town centers, mixed-uses, housing of different types to accommodate families of varying sizes and circumstances; and options for transportation including walk-able communities and transit oriented environments.
These TNDs are attractive to older adults when combined with infrastructure to support community and civic life:
- Center or square to gather
- Homes within five-minute walk to the center
- Variety of dwellings; row houses, apartments, single family homes
- Multi-generational
- Permit “granny flats”
- Pedestrian friendly sidewalks
- Porches on homes
- Narrow streets slow traffic
- Self-governing organization
- Walking distance to shops
What’s TND got to do with green strategies for aging in place?
Seniors and boomers report they are planning on aging in place, which for many means the suburbs. Forward-thinking designers and planners are attempting to transform suburbia with smart-growth that includes amenities like pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods that emphasize community and independence from the automobile.
Sidewalks built close to porches encourage walking and interacting with neighbors. Markets selling fresh local products are within minutes. And dwellings are built with charm and aesthetically pleasing design to combat “placeless sprawl” and an institutional feeling.
New Urbanism can be considered green as older adults choose to form communities less dependent on the automobile, taking transit, shopping at local markets, supporting neighborhood vendors, sharing community services, and preserving country side and farm land from sprawl.