Six Strategies for Improving the Suburbs

In my past life, I am sure I studied urban planning and how to build communities for people. It was a joy to read “Case Studies in Retrofitting Suburbia: Urban Design Strategies for Urgent Challenges,” where authors Ellen Dunham-Jones and June Williamson illuminate how suburbia can be redesigned and redeveloped.

With over 32 case studies, Ellen Dunham-Jones and June Williamson show that with 6 key areas, suburbia can evolve:

1?? creating walkable environments. Rather than relying on cars, suburban communities should prioritize pedestrian-friendly design, such as wider sidewalks and crosswalks, to encourage foot traffic. This can be especially beneficial for retail and restaurant real estate, as it can increase visibility and accessibility for potential customers.

2??? develop mixed-use spaces. By combining retail and residential spaces in the same development, businesses can tap into a larger customer base and create a more vibrant community. Additionally, mixing different types of businesses, such as entertainment, restaurants and retail stores, can encourage customers to stay longer and spend more.

3??? add green spaces. Parks, community gardens, and other outdoor spaces can create a more attractive and enjoyable environment for customers and residents alike. Incorporating outdoor seating and dining areas can create a more inviting atmosphere and increase customer satisfaction.

4??? provide transportation options. Suburban communities should prioritize public transportation, bike lanes, and walkways to reduce reliance on cars and improve accessibility for customers. This benefits local businesses by increasing the number of potential customers who can reach them easily.

5??? embrace diversity. Suburban communities are becoming increasingly diverse, and businesses should reflect this diversity in their operations. This can include offering a range of products and services that cater to different cultural groups, as well as hiring a diverse workforce that can connect with customers from different backgrounds.

6??? rethink strip malls. Rather than relying on large, single-use commercial spaces, strip malls can be reimagined as smaller, more flexible spaces that can be easily adapted to different businesses.?

Our team at terra alma is passionate about communities built for people. To see what we’re up to, terraalma dot com.

#walkability #humancentricdesign #economicdevelopment

https://www.fastcompany.com/90616162/the-suburbs-arent-what-they-used-to-be-these-6-strategies-can-make-them-even-better?partner=rss&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss