• Best practices in land-use codes recognized

    The Driehaus Form-Based Code Award, to be announced at CNU 28 in June, is accepting nominations until April 17.
    The Richard H. Driehaus Form-Based Codes Award has recognized exemplary form-based codes for more than a decade. It’s garnered more than 100 submissions since its inception and continues to provide examples of best practices in urbanism and smart growth. One lesson we take away from this program is...Read more

  • Why we need ‘sociable distancing’

    The false duality between dense public spaces and isolated private ones misses the complexity of all the diverse—and relatively safe—urban places in between.
    One of the long-term dangers of the coronavirus pandemic is that it may well exacerbate the worst tendencies of modern sprawl: all of the encapsulated, sedentary, car-dependent habits that have left us increasingly isolated and less healthy . One of the great opportunities of this episode, however...Read more

  • First prize: Best pavement art in new streetscape

    This is Argyle Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, a downtown street known for its entertainment and dining. As part of a streetscape improvement project, the pavement was painted in an argyle pattern. Whoever had this idea should get a prize, and it lifts my spirits. This photo is from Increments of...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