Regular Planetizen contributors Nikos Salingaros and Michael Mehaffy get deep into the importance of network connectivity in cities and the reasons why sprawl is incredibly ineffective.
Writing in Metropolis, Salingaros and Mehaffy explain there theory that "[a] city comes alive only when it is a network that connects many different types of urban activities and nodes.":
"This means that the traditional, mixed-use city is alive, precisely because of its inclusivity of distinct functions, different scales, and different dynamics - which holds as long as one of them doesn't destroy the others. Every diverse place and function should catalyze other essential urban functions, and this is what keeps the network connected and keeps its flows going."
Sprawl, on the other hand, "because of its stretched and fragmented network geometry, requires enormous expenditures of energy: it is, in fact, the most energivorous urban invention in history."
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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