• Living in a new urban community in the social distancing era

    Traditional neighborhood development (TND) has offered an alternative model for suburban growth starting in the late 20 th Century and continuing today. Kentlands in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is one of the oldest of these developments. Like most TNDs, it has a strong sense of community—a quality that...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

  • As we re-envision our cities, local governments take center stage

    Cities respond to the public health crisis through unprecedented immediate action; New priorities are balanced against the ongoing requirements of creating livable and sustainable communities for all citizens.
    Since long before the current crisis, local governments have been leaders in implementing concepts that New Urbanists value: complete walkable and livable neighborhoods with ample and inclusive public spaces and community institutions for gathering, working, recreating, and socializing. Over the...Read more

  • Shelter-at-home may transform office parks, downtowns, commutes, and cultures

    A shift to at-home/remote office work might reduce demand for office space—and simultaneously cut commuting and carbon emissions and promote mixed-use urban places.
    Traffic has reduced dramatically during the shelter-at-home period, resulting in reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Streets in local neighborhoods are alive with people walking, running, and biking to get fit—and merely to travel short distances within their neighborhoods now that they have...Read more