Built Environment

Electronic ISSN: 0263-7960
Volume: 29 | Issue: 3 New Urbanism
Cover date: September 2003
Page(s): 238-252

Abstract text

New Urbanism attempts to promote ‘greener' travel through physical design: especially through the provision of compact, walkable neighbourhoods served by transit. Achieving the desired environmental benefits effectively hinges on reducing auto trips, by encouraging people who currently travel by car to switch to walking for short trips and transit for long trips. However, while these aims may be simply asserted, the extent to which they are achievable is complex. The sustainability debate now goes well beyond merely technical discussions of environmental impacts to tackle the stickier political economy of how cities can be made to work in terms of accessibility, how environmental costs and benefits are distributed, and the concept of ‘environmental justice'. Who goes where, based on where they live and work, and the land-use levers available to affect why, have become the core policy focus. In order to understand the extent to which New Urbanism can contribute to sustainable transport and development, it is necessary to consider how different social groups using different modes of transport are related to the design of the built environment.

Nothing seems right in cars

How do you "get people out of their cars" and, if you can't do that, will Smart Growth plans accomplish anything other than increasing traffic? All this week, author Robert Bruegmann and activist Gloria Ohland debate the shape of America's cities.
Times Staff Writer

Today, Bruegmann and Ohland debate modifying public behavior. Previously, they discussed Smart Growth, and the social tensions over urban sprawl. Later this week, they'll debate environmental concerns, and more.