New Urbanism - Origins, History and Benefits

In the last few decades, cities have grown at a breakneck speed often resulting in congestion. Lack of infrastructure, increase in traffic and travel times have made urban citizens gasping for time, space and freedom. 

To enhance local quality of life and improve urban sustainability, many cities are currently exploring the possibilities to make better use of the present-day urban fabric and its infrastructure. With new urbanism, the goal is to create most livable cities and to provide answers and convenience for the quality life. New urbanism creates new urban design opportunities in the most tangible forms. 

What is New Urbanism?

What started off initially in the United States, New urbanism, is a movement that has become popular all over the world through the last few decades. It promotes walkable and diverse neighbourhoods that are environmentally friendly. Real estate planning and development along with local government planning for the neighbourhood are included in New Urbanism. The concept of New Urbanism can be adopted by real estate developers while planning a single building or an integrated development and it can be the guiding principle of planning and development of towns and cities. There are various key principles and elements that are included in the concept of New Urbanism. 

History and benefits:

As humans, we love to live in a community because we need a sense of belonging, and that sense of belonging is what connects us to the many relationships we develop. In a community, we are surrounded by people who share similar values. Perhaps, it is for this reason why new urbanism existed even during the Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa civilization and it is said that these were the perfectly planned cities during the ancient times. New urbanism changed its characteristics along with the growth in population, through the Pre-historic, early - historic and medieval periods. 

These are the benefits of a planned neighbourhood that deploys New Urbanism: 

1. Walkability:

Most things within a 10-20 minute walk of home and work.

2. Connectivity:

Interconnected street grid networks disperse traffic and ease walking for pedestrians.

3. Mixed-Use & Diversity:

A mix of commercial offices, apartments, and retail experiences inside the development along with diversity of people - of ages, cultures, and professional backgrounds.

4. Quality Architecture & Urban Design:

An emphasis on the aesthetic charm and beautification of the community infrastructure and real estate. The urban planning makes residents feel comfortable and the picturesque surroundings nourish the human spirit.

5. Smart Transportation:

Connectivity plays an important role in New Urbanism, a network of high-quality public transport facilitates human movement inside and outside the integrated development.

6. Sustainability:

The concept of walkability limits the use of cars and transport facilities that contribute to environmental protection, leading to less use of finite fuels and more energy efficiency.

7. Quality of Life:

When considered together, these factors add up to a high quality of life well worth living, and create places that enrich, uplift, and inspire the human spirit.