• 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

  • Achievements in community design and architecture

    Some noteworthy projects show how skilled architects and urban designers are tackling mixed-use, civic, housing, and infrastructure challenges around the US.
    Designing the “architecture of community” poses endless problems, but elite new urbanists in the Urban Guild are up to the challenge. After serving on this year’s Urban Guild Awards jury, I have been reporting on many awarded projects over the last few weeks. Today, I highlight more extraordinary...Read more

  • Main Street brings New Urbanism to New York State

    Eastdale Village in Poughkeepsie crosses a US highway with a four-block Main Street, drawing visitors with a strong sense of place.
    A new four-block Main Street crosses US Route 44 about two miles east of Poughkeepsie, New York. Eastdale Village is a first-of-its-kind development in Upstate New York, which boasts some of the nation’s best old urbanism, but little New Urbanism. The development required give-and-take with the...Read more