Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
development process. The urban-rural transect applies the ecological
framework of the natural transect to describe human settlements across
a spectrum of intensity ranging from wilderness to dense urban centres.
The smart code is a transect-based, form-based code that seeks to replace
existing zoning codes with new codes that are simple and clear and that
can be calibrated locally [21].
The principles of urbanism can be applied increasingly to projects at the
full range of scales from a single building to an entire community. These
principles are as follows [29,30]:
1. Walkability: Implying that (a) most things are within a 10-minute
walk of home and work; (b) pedestrian-friendly street design
(buildings close to street; porches, windows, and doors; tree-lined
streets; on street parking; hidden parking lots; garages in rear lane;
narrow, slow speed streets); and (c) pedestrian streets free of cars in
special cases.
2. Connectivity: Having (a) an interconnected street grid network that
disperses traffic and eases walking; (b) a hierarchy of narrow streets,
boulevards, and alleys; and (c) a high-quality pedestrian network
and public realm that makes walking pleasurable.
3. Mixed-use and diversity: Having (a) a mix of shops, offices, apart-
ments and homes on site; mixed-use within neighbourhoods, within
blocks and within buildings; and (b) diversity of people—of ages,
income levels, cultures and races.
4. Mixed housing: With a range of types, sizes and prices in closer
pr ox i m it y.
5. Quality architecture and urban design that emphasise beauty, aes-
thetics and human comfort; create a sense of place; and advocate
special placement of civic uses and sites within the community.
Moreover, the human scale architecture and beautiful surroundings
nourish the human spirit.
6. Traditional neighbourhood structure, where there is (a) a discern-
ible centre and edge with public space at the centre; (b) impor-
tance of quality public realm; public open space designed as civic
art; (c) a range of uses and densities within a 10-minute walk; and
(d) transect planning—highest densities at town centre and pro-
gressively less dense towards the edge. This urban-to-rural transect
hierarchy has appropriate building and street types for each area
along the continuum.
7. Increased density where more buildings, residences, shops and
services are closer together for ease of walking, enabling a more
efficient use of services and resources, and creating a more conve-
nient, enjoyable place to live.
