How Designing a Place Called Home Can Radically Reorder the Suburbs

The suburban landscape has long been associated with the American dream – white picket fences, spacious lawns, and a sense of safety and tranquility. However, over the years, the suburbs have faced numerous challenges, from social isolation to environmental sustainability. As we witness a shift in urban planning towards more inclusive and sustainable communities, it is crucial to rethink the design of our suburban spaces and create places that truly feel like home.

From Sprawling to Thriving Communities: Rethinking Suburban Design

In order to reimagine the suburbs, we must first understand their shortcomings. Sprawling suburban developments often lack walkability, public transportation options, and community gathering spaces. These factors contribute to social isolation and a heavy reliance on cars, leading to traffic congestion and increased carbon emissions.

As urban planners and designers dive into the challenge of reordering the suburbs, concepts like mixed-use development, compact neighborhoods, and transit-oriented design have gained momentum. These approaches aim to create vibrant communities that promote sustainability, social interaction, and a higher quality of life.

Designing a Place Called Home: Reordering the Suburbs

by Gerard de Valence (2nd Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19942 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	278 pages

FREE

Mixed-Use Development: A Catalyst for Economic and Social Growth

Mixed-use development, an approach that combines residential, commercial, and recreational spaces in proximity, has gained popularity as a solution to the shortcomings of traditional suburban design. By fostering a diverse range of activities within a walkable distance, mixed-use developments encourage social interaction, reduce reliance on cars, and promote local economic growth.

Communities designed with mixed-use development in mind feature a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to townhouses and apartments. This diversity promotes inclusivity, attracting residents from different socioeconomic backgrounds and fostering a strong sense of community.

Compact Neighborhoods: Fostering Walkability and Community

One of the key elements of reordering the suburbs is to create compact neighborhoods that prioritize walkability. Compact neighborhoods are designed to have a variety of amenities, schools, and parks within a short distance, making them easily accessible on foot or by bike.

When residents can comfortably walk or bike to nearby destinations, the reliance on cars diminishes, leading to reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality. Moreover, the availability of walkable spaces encourages outdoor activities, fostering a healthier lifestyle and enhancing the overall well-being of the community.

Transit-Oriented Design: Connecting Suburbs and Urban Centers

To truly reorder the suburbs, we must address the issue of transportation. Transit-oriented design (TOD) is an approach that aims to create communities centered around public transit hubs. By developing residential areas in close proximity to public transportation, individuals are encouraged to use alternative modes of transportation such as trains, buses, and bicycles.

TOD not only reduces the reliance on cars but also connects suburbs with urban centers. This integration allows residents to easily access job opportunities, cultural events, and services in nearby urban areas, while still enjoying the comfort and tranquility of suburban living.

Designing for Sustainability: Incorporating Green Spaces and Renewable Energy

In an era of environmental consciousness, designing sustainable suburban communities is of utmost importance. Integrating green spaces within residential areas not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes biodiversity, improves air quality, and mitigates the urban heat island effect.

Beyond green spaces, incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, can help reduce the carbon footprint of suburban communities. Generating clean energy locally not only benefits the environment but also reduces dependence on fossil fuels, making suburbs more resilient and self-sufficient.

The Power of Community Engagement in Reordering the Suburbs

In addition to innovative design concepts, community engagement plays a critical role in reordering the suburbs. Residents must have a voice in shaping their neighborhoods, ensuring that design decisions align with their needs and aspirations.

From public consultations to participatory design workshops, involving residents in the planning process fosters a sense of ownership and empowers communities to create spaces that truly feel like home. By prioritizing inclusive and collaborative approaches, the suburbs can be transformed into thriving, connected, and sustainable places to live.

Designing a place called home involves reimagining the traditional suburban landscape by incorporating concepts like mixed-use development, compact neighborhoods, transit-oriented design, sustainability, and community engagement. By embracing these principles, we have the potential to reorder the suburbs, creating vibrant communities that promote inclusivity, sustainability, and a higher quality of life. Let us reshape our perception of the suburbs and craft spaces that truly feel like home.

Designing a Place Called Home: Reordering the Suburbs

by Gerard de Valence (2nd Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19942 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	278 pages

FREE

This insightful volume shares design ideas to help builders, planners and architects create mass-produced affordable housing that pushes suburban development in more sustainable, liveable directions. The author argues that improving the quality of design in our new homes and communities for greater resiliency, sustainability, and equality, we can build neighborhoods and communities where residents feel more connected t their homes and to one another. Through text, photographs and illustrations, the book reviews prototypical American housing design, then suggest ways to both learn from the past as well as adapt for new environmental imperatives, demographic changes and lifestyle needs. Written by a practicing architect with 25+ years of experience optimizing residential design, this pioneering approach to suburban building will inspire readers to view mass produced housing through a new, modern lens.