The Narrow Base Of The New Urbanists

Michael Pyatok argues that CNU members too often serve clients who co-opt New Urbanism by simply repackaging suburban sprawl in more seductive "urbane" clothing.

1 minute read

January 27, 2003, 2:00 PM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"As an architect I can sympathize with the professional tendency of the CNU to try to solve our society’s problems within the framework of our architectural and urban design disciplines. However, it is clear that the CNU leadership needs to significantly broaden its membership so it can recognize that the creation of physical interventions is not the end, but rather the means, for building jobs, community self-sufficiency and political empowerment. Until then, we will continue to see from CNU the "sticks and bricks" interventions that merely raise property values and displace the very people we should be trying to help."

Thanks to The Practice of New Urbanism

Sunday, January 26, 2003 in Planners Network

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