• ‘Pattern zone’ enables quality infill development

    The Midtown Pattern Zone in Bryan, Texas, is designed to raise the level of design for economical infill. The zone won a merit award for the Infill Group and Miller Boskus Lack Architects in the Emerging Projects category of the 2020 CNU Charter Awards.
    The fast-growing City of Bryan, Texas, located next to Texas A&M University, was experiencing problems with “stealth dorms” and low-quality, rent-by-the-room housing in the 1.6-square-mile Midtown area. The city is seeking to raise housing quality without adding to the burdens of small...Read more

  • A model of New Urbanism in Panama

    The La Fontana District, designed by Moule & Polyzoides, contrasts with sprawl and uncontrolled infill that has damaged the historic city of David, Panama. The plan won a merit award in the Emerging Projects category of the 2020 CNU Charter Awards.
    La Fontana District is a 96-acre new district located to the west of the historic city of David, Panama, on a site facing the Pan-American Highway, which stretches from Alaska to Argentina. Over the decades, uncontrolled infill development and random sprawl have eroded the urban form and ecology of...Read more

  • Urbanists keep planning through crisis

    Using online tools, urban designers conduct virtual charrettes during the coronavirus crisis. Envisioning the future of a city is a great way for all involved to stay productive and connected to the community.
    The Mullan Neighborhoods Master Plan public design charrette in Missoula, Montana, was scheduled March 23-27, just as the governor was ordering residents to stay home. The charrette went ahead as scheduled—as a virtual, online process—producing plans similar to an in-person event. Other design...Read more

  • A comprehensive guide to buildings in walkable neighborhoods

    Here’s what you need to know about a wide range of building types that make up mixed-use cities and towns, how they work, and why they matter.
    When I prepare to review a book, I highlight key passages. But I couldn’t bring myself to mark up the pages of Increments of Neighborhood: A Compendium of Built Types for Walkable and Vibrant Communities . My highlighter hovered over the first few pages, until—nah—I just put it away. There is...Read more