Some key elements of New Urbanism design include:
1. Walkability: Emphasizes making communities more pedestrian-friendly, with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational areas within a short distance, reducing the need for cars.
2. Mixed-use development: Encourages integrating a variety of land uses in a compact and connected manner, such as residential, commercial, and institutional spaces, facilitating a live-work-play environment.
3. Smart transportation: Promotes the use of public transportation, biking, and walking, reducing the reliance on individual cars and creating an efficient and sustainable transportation system.
4. Traditional neighborhood design: Focuses on creating compact, diverse, and well-defined neighborhoods, with a central core, often featuring a town square or main street, and easy access to parks and public spaces.
5. Higher density: Advocates for higher-density development, allowing for more efficient land use and a greater mix of uses, while also supporting affordable housing and reducing sprawl.
6. Conservation of natural resources: Prioritizes environmental sustainability, including the protection and restoration of natural systems, energy-efficient buildings, and the preservation of green spaces and public parks.
7. Design for social interaction: Seeks to create spaces that encourage social interaction and community engagement, whether through public plazas, parks, or well-designed streetscapes.
8. Encouragement of local economy: Encourages support for local businesses and promotes the development of a diverse and vibrant local economy, reducing dependence on larger corporate chains.
9. Preservation of historic context: Values the preservation and enhancement of historic elements within communities, integrating new development while maintaining a sense of place and identity.
10. Collaborative planning and design process: Involves community engagement and participation in the planning and design process, ensuring that the needs and desires of residents are considered and incorporated into the development.
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