Smart growth
Smart growth is an urban planning and transportation policy strategy that emphasizes the development of compact, walkable, mixed-use communities. It seeks to counteract urban sprawl by promoting infill development, preserving open space, and creating a range of housing options.
Tumisang Bogwasi
Tumisang Bogwasi
What is Smart Growth?
Smart growth is an urban planning and transportation policy strategy that emphasizes the development of compact, walkable, mixed-use communities. It seeks to counteract urban sprawl by promoting infill development, preserving open space, and creating a range of housing options. This approach aims to improve the quality of life for residents while reducing environmental impact and fostering economic vitality.
This planning philosophy prioritizes a variety of development types, from revitalizing existing urban centers to developing new neighborhoods that integrate residential, commercial, and retail spaces. The core idea is to make communities more efficient, sustainable, and livable by concentrating growth and reducing reliance on automobiles. It often involves investing in public transit, cycling infrastructure, and pedestrian-friendly street design.
Smart growth principles also address issues of housing affordability, job creation, and the preservation of natural resources. By encouraging density and mixed land uses, it can lead to more efficient infrastructure use, lower transportation costs for individuals, and a stronger sense of community. The ultimate goal is to create development that is environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially equitable.
Definition
Smart growth is a development approach that concentrates growth in compact, walkable urban areas, thereby reducing sprawl and preserving open space and farmland.
Key Takeaways
- Smart growth focuses on developing compact, mixed-use, and walkable communities.
- It aims to reduce urban sprawl, preserve open space, and promote infill development.
- Key principles include transit-oriented development, diverse housing options, and pedestrian-friendly design.
- Smart growth seeks to improve quality of life, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality.
Understanding Smart Growth
Smart growth represents a paradigm shift from traditional, auto-dependent suburban development. Instead of sprawling outwards, it advocates for concentrating new development within existing urban areas or creating new, denser centers. This strategy acknowledges that the way communities are designed significantly impacts their environmental footprint, economic health, and social fabric.
Central to smart growth is the concept of mixed-use development, where residential, commercial, and retail spaces are integrated into the same neighborhoods or buildings. This reduces the need for long commutes and encourages walking, cycling, and the use of public transportation. It also fosters a more vibrant street life and can lead to greater economic opportunities within the community.
Another critical component is transit-oriented development (TOD), which emphasizes building communities around public transit hubs. TOD encourages higher-density development near train stations or bus stops, making it easier for residents to access jobs and services without relying on private vehicles. This approach is a cornerstone of sustainable urban planning and helps to create more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation networks.
Formula
Smart growth does not rely on a single mathematical formula but rather on a set of guiding principles and metrics applied during the planning and development process. These principles inform decisions about land use, transportation, housing, and infrastructure. Evaluation often involves analyzing factors such as density, mixed-use ratios, transit accessibility, walkability scores, and the amount of preserved open space.
Real-World Example
A prime example of smart growth in action is the development of the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon. Once a run-down industrial area, it was redeveloped into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood characterized by high-density residential buildings, offices, retail shops, restaurants, and parks. The area is well-connected by public transportation, including streetcars and buses, and features extensive pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, making it a highly walkable and livable urban environment.
Importance in Business or Economics
Smart growth can significantly impact businesses and economic development. By creating more desirable and walkable communities, it attracts a skilled workforce and can boost local economies through increased foot traffic for retail and service businesses. It also reduces infrastructure costs for municipalities, as denser development requires less extensive road networks and utility extensions compared to sprawl.
Furthermore, smart growth principles can lead to increased property values in well-planned, transit-accessible areas. Businesses may benefit from lower transportation costs for employees and customers, and the availability of diverse housing options can help attract and retain talent. The focus on sustainability also aligns with growing consumer and investor demand for environmentally responsible practices.
Types or Variations
While the core principles of smart growth are consistent, its application can vary. Some variations include:
- New Urbanism: A design movement that promotes walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with a strong sense of place, often emphasizing traditional town planning principles.
- Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Specifically focuses on creating denser, mixed-use development centered around public transit stations.
- Infill Development: Reuses vacant or underutilized land within existing urban areas, preventing outward expansion.
- Complete Streets: Streets designed to be safe and accessible for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities.
Related Terms
- Urban Sprawl
- Mixed-Use Development
- Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
- New Urbanism
- Walkability
- Sustainable Development
Sources and Further Reading
- Smart Growth America: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Smart Growth: https://www.epa.gov/smart-growth
- The Urban Land Institute (ULI): https://uli.org/
Quick Reference
Smart Growth: A planning strategy that concentrates development in compact, walkable urban areas to reduce sprawl, preserve open space, and create vibrant communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main benefits of smart growth?
The main benefits include reduced traffic congestion and pollution, preservation of open space and farmland, increased housing options, stronger local economies, and improved public health due to increased walkability and access to amenities.
How does smart growth differ from traditional suburban development?
Traditional suburban development often features low-density, single-use zoning, car-dependent infrastructure, and outward sprawl. Smart growth, in contrast, promotes higher-density, mixed-use developments, walkable neighborhoods, and efficient use of existing infrastructure and public transit.
Is smart growth only applicable to large cities?
No, smart growth principles can be applied to a wide range of communities, including small towns, rural areas, and existing suburban neighborhoods. The goal is to make development more efficient and livable regardless of the community’s size or current form.
