Changing How We Imagine Living in Community

Artist and community planner Milenko Matanovic of the Pomegranate Center shares his thoughts on working towards the "ideal community."

1 minute read

August 3, 2005, 2:00 PM PDT

By Michael Dudley


"Mission accomplished will be cities compressed into a series of villages and towns, each with a distinct identity. These cities will combine the best of traditional urban design (old medieval European towns and traditional villages) with modern mass transit and communication technologies. They will have a visible and clear center surrounded by city hall, a library, offices, stores and restaurants, high-density housing, and parks and open spaces scattered within walking distance of all community members. Tentacles of wilderness celebrating watersheds, riverbanks, ravines, and hills will reach into the heart of the city and clear boundaries will exist outside it, beyond which farms and wild lands will flourish. The architecture, cuisine, and arts scenes will develop regional styles and celebrate local choices, materials, and sensibilities. In this future, the differences between cities will be apparent and delightful. The joy of walking and convenience of alternative transportation modes will displace daily use of the single-passenger automobile. In the very center will be a gathering place, a place dedicated to -- and created by -- the community."

Thanks to Michael Dudley

Tuesday, August 2, 2005 in Grist Magazine

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog