Mixed-use Neighborhoods By Benedetto Davi

(Photo credit: USDN Sustainable Consumption Toolkit)                                                                 

Mixed-use neighborhoods are only one of the principles that defines Smart growth, but perhaps the most difficult to achieve. There are various definitions of what mixed-use development means, all of which embed common characteristics:

1)blending vertical and/or horizontal uses (residential, commercial, cultural, industrial, etc.),

2)walkability

3)pedestrian, bike and child friendly environments

4)healthy and resilient communities

5)local economy improvement

Obviously not every urban area and community is set-up for mixed-use land and development.  And noise, pedestrian traffic and congestion are frequent side-effects of mixed-use neighborhoods. Therefore this is where bottom-up planning can take a step towards giving voice to those communities that suffer from the absence of diversity in land-use.

Furthermore, planning policies that point in the direction of polycentric cities, can considerably reduce pressures on public and private transportation, decreasing the number of long distance commuters and traffic congestion.

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Most Liveable City – Monocle chooses Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a city that has developed into a place for people, pedestrians and cyclists versus a city for cars. Two Emerging.City team members visited during the winter season.  Despite the cold, they agree it is a great city for its density.  It has a strong cycling culture and a mix of old and contemporary design.

Check out this video by Monocle and see if you agree.

Copenhagen, Most Liveable City

Elevating City Life