• Garagescape

    The domination of the streetscape by garages is common in drive-only suburbs. There are no "eyes on the street" from inside the houses—so the connection with neighbors is tenuous. What you don't see in this photo—because it is out of the scope of the lens—is the actual street, which is wide and lit...Read more

  • The beauty of 25-foot urbanism

    These photos of Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati were taken and assembled by architect Tom Low . These 4- and 5-story masonry buildings were built circa 1900 on 25-wide lots—a standard American system of platting. They all have interesting detail on the ground floor and walk-up stairs inside as well as...Read more

  • Transect of incremental urbanism

    When you have a chicken and egg problem, have a chicken omelette.
    The term " missing middle " is widely used to describe small-scale, incremental housing development, but what about the commercial element that helps make a neighborhood attractive? Many experts advise that a certain number of "rooftops" are needed for commercial development, which leaves a chicken...Read more

  • Florida DOT hits milestone in context-based design

    As part of its Complete Streets Implementation, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recently adopted eight context classifications to guide road design decisions.
    As part of its Complete Streets Implementation , the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recently adopted eight context classifications to guide road design decisions. Under this new system, planners and engineers will consider existing and future characteristics such as land uses, building...Read more