New urbanism works for livable urban, mixed use spaces

New Urbanism

New Urbanism is an urban design movement that burst onto the scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s. New Urbanists aim to reform all aspects of real estate development. Their work affects regional and local plans. They are involved in new development, urban retrofits, and suburban infill.

In all cases, New Urbanist neighborhoods are walkable, and contain a diverse range of housing and jobs. New Urbanists support regional planning for open space, appropriate architecture and planning, and the balanced development of jobs and housing. They believe these strategies are the best way to reduce how long people spend in traffic, to increase the supply of affordable housing, and to rein in urban sprawl.

Many other issues, such as historic restoration, safe streets, and green building are also covered in the Charter of the New Urbanism, the movement's seminal document.

The two best resources for finding a new urbanist project are the online database provided on this Web site, and the printed list of projects that New Urban News releases annually in September. CNU's site currently includes projects that are still in planning phases, while NUN limits their listings to projects that have already broken ground. To locate professionals competent in New Urbanism, use the CNU Member Search. New Urbanism Member Search