• To see America, get off the Interstate

    To find hidden culture and history, you must do what most Americans rarely do — travel the old thoroughfares and see towns that were bypassed by the Interstate system. For example, take Route 20 in New York State.
    If you want to see America, you have to travel the old byways that go through towns and small cities. Besides, being an urbanist means taking the scenic route (and convincing family and friends to share this experience. Start the trip early, and throw lunch into the deal). There are hundreds of old...Read more

  • With CNU’s mission unfulfilled, Mallory Baches takes co-leadership reins

    In late November CNU’s board hired Mallory Baches as the new President, to co-lead with new Executive Director Margaret Gattis. Mallory recently discussed CNU’s urgent mission.
    Public Square editor Robert Steuteville interviewed CNU's incoming President, Mallory Baches, on her aspirations and expectations for the organization. What in your background best prepares you for this position? As a practitioner of the New Urbanism, the principles of the Charter have been the...Read more

  • Twelve ways to achieve authenticity in community design

    Authenticity seems impossible today, with places and buildings that look like they could be anywhere, lacking harmony with nature and local culture. But designers can achieve authenticity through effective principles, and a dozen of them are listed here.
    Some sources of authenticity in the built environment are obvious, beginning with integrity. Is the design true to itself, and without obvious internal contradictions? Places and buildings with integrity tend to bring more joy than those laden with conflict. Is the design appropriate to the region...Read more

  • Much of its downtown gone, Hartford leads the way to parking reform

    The capital city of Connecticut tore down many buildings to store cars, but city officials have realized the error and reversed course.
    Like many industrial cities in the United States, Hartford saw dramatic population decline during the second half of the 20th century. In 1960, half of the people working in Hartford lived there, many walking or taking transit to jobs downtown; by 1980, less than a quarter of its workforce called...Read more