The concept of New Urbanism's "transect" approach to development is rooted in the idea of creating balanced and walkable communities that accommodate a range of human activities and foster a sense of place. The transect is a planning tool that organizes the built environment along a spectrum or gradient, ranging from natural and rural areas to more urban and densely built-up areas.
The transect approach recognizes that different areas within a community have different purposes and characteristics, and therefore should be designed and developed accordingly. It divides the built environment into several distinct zones or transect zones, each with its own set of rules and criteria for development.
The transect typically includes six main zones, which can vary in scale and design depending on the context and specific community needs:
1. Natural: This zone represents undeveloped and ecologically sensitive areas, such as forests, wetlands, or conservation areas. It aims to protect and preserve the natural environment.
2. Rural: This zone includes low-density residential areas, agriculture, and open spaces. It often consists of large lots, farms, or rural settlements.
3. Suburban: This zone features moderately dense residential areas with a mix of housing types, along with some commercial and institutional uses. It aims to provide a transition between rural and more urban areas.
4. General Urban: This zone represents the traditional notion of a bustling city or town center, with a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional uses. It typically has a grid-like street pattern, higher building densities, and a vibrant street life.
5. Urban Center: This zone is characterized by high-density development, often including tall buildings and a wide array of uses such as offices, retail, entertainment, and cultural facilities. It is usually the focal point of the community.
6. Urban Core: This zone represents the densest and most intense part of the urban area, offering a mix of high-density residential and commercial uses, often with a significant concentration of employment, cultural institutions, or civic buildings.
The transect approach encourages the creation of complete and inclusive communities by promoting walkability, mixed-use development, public spaces, and connectivity. It aims to reduce automotive dependency, enhance public transit options, and provide a diversity of housing types and land uses.
By organizing communities along the transect, New Urbanism seeks to create places that are environmentally sustainable, socially vibrant, and economically resilient, while respecting the existing context and incorporating the principles of traditional towns and neighborhoods.
Publication date: