• The Art of the New Urbanism

    Fine art helped to drive the New Urbanism trend toward walkable communities.
    A coming book on the New Urbanism that will blow a lot of socks off. The Art of the New Urbanism Volume 1, highlights an aspect of the movement that is long overdue for examination: The works of the talented artists who have drawn renderings and plans for countless projects. Explains co-author...Read more

  • Six-point visual check for a better downtown

    When looking at façades, six questions asked together can point you toward new buildings that increase downtown vibrancy.
    Our downtowns are seeing more and more podium buildings (4 over 1’s, 5 over 1’s, pedestal buildings). Given building codes, the demand for housing, and financing it is easy to see why. The problem with a vast majority of what we are seeing is that the buildings are needlessly underperforming. They...Read more

  • How urban designers came full circle

    A profession that began by designing complete, traditional neighborhoods in the 19th Century, then soundly rejected that philosophy, has now returned to the walkable neighborhood model in this century.
    I have been reading a fascinating document—an AIA continuing education course that includes the most lucid history of urban design that I have read. The history is Unit 1 of a four-part course, Urban Design For Architects: Space, Place, And Urban Infrastructure , written by David Walters ,...Read more

  • Learning from Savannah

    A few days of walking and observing reveal the benefits that endure over three centuries of great urban design.
    Last week CNU staff gathered in Savannah, Georgia, one of the greatest small cities in America. Among other things, this was an opportunity to learn about urbanism by walking and observing. In just three days, we saw much of the city and also nearby Beaufort, South Carolina, and Habersham—a new...Read more