April 26, 2007

Americans Returning to Downtowns

CHICAGO — Americans are rejecting sterile, paint-by-numbers subdivisions in favor of dense, vibrant and unpredictable urban neighborhoods, according to Mark Hinshaw, FAICP, author of True Urbanism, published this month by the American Planning Association's (APA) Planners Press.

Hinshaw, the Director of Urban Design at LMN Architects, advocates for richer, more dynamic urbanism than is typical of many so-called new urbanist communities.

"Mark makes a strong case that communities lacking diversity, access to public transportation and connections to other neighborhoods are not truly urban," said APA Executive Director and CEO Paul Farmer, FAICP. "I anticipate his thesis will stimulate important discussions among planners, political and business leaders and citizens regarding a true urban option."

Hinshaw is critical of the 20th century domination of detached single-family housing, but he believes the tide is turning, and that changing demographics and the strengthening "return to the city" movement will continue to reduce anti-density sentiment. According to True Urbanism, young adults and aging Baby Boomers alike are more inclined to reside where they are not dependent on automobiles for getting around.

Hinshaw calls for regulatory reform and simplified building permits to encourage true urban neighborhoods. He also believes planners, developers and citizens will make better choices if they view streets as social networks and not just traffic conduits. Street-level environments, he asserts, need to engage residents and provide visual interest. Blank walls typical of parking garages and office buildings are "deadly." 

True Urbanism cites examples of reviving downtowns and city centers from across the U.S., including Seattle, Portland, Atlanta, San Diego, San Francisco, Vancouver, and New York City. For example, during the past decade, more than 200,000 new housing units have been built or are in the planning and permitting stages. Hinshaw points out that this phenomenon is no longer limited to big cities, but is taking place in numerous mature suburban communities and even some smaller, free-standing towns.

True Urbanism (ISBN: 9781932364293) is available for $44.95 ($35.95 for APA members) through APA's PlanningBooks.com online store or by calling 312-431-6344.

Contact

Roberta Rewers, APA Public Affairs, 312-786-6395; rrewers@planning.org