Types of Residential Neighborhoods Planning - Research Proposal Example

Types of Residential Neighborhoods Planning Name: University: Date: Table of Contents Types of Residential Neighborhoods Planning 1 Abstract 5 Introduction 6 Literature Review 7 Methodology 13 The study will use case studies city of Saskatoon and the Woodlands and will emphasize detailed contextual analysis of the type of neighborhood planning used by these cities as well as their relationships. The case study research technique was used because of its applicability benefit to contemporary, real-life, human situations as well as its accessibility through previous conducted studies. In this case, the results of the case studies will directly associate with the reader’s normal day-to-day experience as well as promote a comprehension of multifaceted real-life situations. The case studies focuses on Local Area Planning (LAP) used in the city of Saskatoon, Cul-de-Sacs applied in the Woodlands, and residential neighborhood unit as reviewed in Bajunid, Abbas, and Nawawi (2012) study. 13 Discussion 14 In the city of Saskatoon, Local Area Planning (LAP) offers the local community a role in defining their neighborhood future. In this case, the residents and other stakeholders such as community groups, property owners and business owners collaborate with the City of Saskatoon in developing strategies and goals intended for improving their community long-term success. LAPs are considered effective because they allow participation in the development of all-inclusive neighborhood plans, which enable everyone to directly participate in determining their community future. LAPs outline policies as well as objectives guiding the development and growth of neighborhoods in Saskatoon. The figure below shows an example of a LAP in the City of Saskatoon. 14 14 Fig 7: Mayfair & Kelsey-Woodlawn neighborhood in the City of Saskatoon (source; saskatoon.ca) 15 While developing the LAP, partakers collaborate in identifying issues, coming up with strategies and developing goals with the intention of ensuring lasting success of their neighborhood. By collaborating with the City of Saskatoon, recommendations are made by the participants to City Council and City Administration involved in the Local Area Planning. In this type of planning, neighborhood Safety is considered crucial (Saskatoon.ca, 2015). The figure below show Mayfair & Kelsey-Woodlawn Local Area Plan in the City of Saskatoon: 15 15 Fig 8: Mayfair & Kelsey-Woodlawn Local Area Plan (source; saskatoon.ca) 15 Therefore, through Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) as well as Safe Growth principles, community-centered approach to safety perception and crime is developed by the LAP Safety section. Besides that, the members of the community with local experience and knowledge collaborate with the City in developing strategies to reduce crime opportunity as well as improve safety perception. The figure below show safe areas and sites in Mayfair and Kelsey-Woodlawn neighborhood: 16 16 Fig 9: Mayfair and Kelsey-Woodlawn neighborhood LAP showing safe areas and sites (source; saskatoon.ca) 16 Neighborhood cul-de-sac is one of The Woodlands’ unique design features; the land plan design is aimed at limiting traffic, maximizing green space, facilitating public safety as well as at offering neighbors opportunities to become familiar with each other. In The Woodlands there are over 1,300 cul-de-sac islands, which are maintained 11 times annually by The Woodlands Township. This involves trash pick-up, trimming, mowing as well as blowing (The Woodlands Township, 2014). The figure below show houses in The Woodlands nested in cul-de-sac: 17 18 19 20 20 21 Fig 10: cul-de-sac neighborhood in The Woodlands (source: har.com) 21 In most villages within the town, neighbors care for the cul-de-sac through organizing themselves; therefore, this results in the growth of the sense of community. In the local setting, neighborly atmosphere is promoted by the housing layouts, and the cul-de-sac type of neighborhood planning builds relationships. Basically, landscaping elements that require high maintenance such as manicured shrubs and seasonal flowering plants are not planted in the cul-de-sac islands because they detract swiftly from the neighborhood when poorly maintained. Generally, cul-de-sacs both jumbo as well as small serve different purposes within The Woodlands’ community; thus, making the town a special place. Even though come cities have limited the use of cul-de-sac neighborhood planning, cul-de-sacs in the residential context are beneficial because they limit traffic close to homes; thus, offering the homeowners a quieter environments. But this is not the case in the commercial setting because it creates inconvenience for drivers as well as pedestrians. The fig below is a clear indication how cul-de-sacs, a type of neighborhood planning can make an area look attractive. 21 22 Fig 11: Example of cul-de-sacs real estate (source; culdesac.org) 22 Normally, the phrase ‘neighborhood’ is utilized to describe the urban or rural settlements’ sub-divisions. Therefore, a neighborhood from residential neighborhood unit context can be defined as locality wherein people live. Arguably, residential neighborhood unit bring about higher neighborhoods satisfaction as well as stability. Citing a study on the neighborhoods in California, Bajunid, Abbas, and Nawawi (2012) posits perceived safety as well as attractive appearance on neighborhoods brought about by residential neighborhood units proves why this type of planning is more desirable in both traditional as well as suburban neighborhoods. An example if residential neighborhood unit is the Calthorpe's TOD Neighborhood Unit and Perry's Neighborhood Unit as shown in figure 12 and 13 respectively: 22 23 Fig 12: Calthorpe's TOD Neighborhood Unit (source; bettercities.net) 23 23 Fig 13: Perry's Neighborhood Unit (thecityecosystem.com) 24 In many cities across the globe, investors as well as private developers are using Residential neighborhood units planning to construct as well as finance planned groups because of the consumer demand for the uncompromising community relationship related to living with neighbors of the same socioeconomic status. The figure below shows Valley West Neighborhood units: 24 24 Fig 14: Valley West Neighborhood units (source; intrinsikarchitecture.com) 24 From the discussion above it can be concluded that residential neighborhood unit can be considered the most effective type of planning because results in both attractiveness and safety, unlike cul-de-sac planning that focuses more on attractiveness. On the other hand, LAP enables the community to plan for their neighborhood future through participation. LAP is an effective type of neighborhood plan from small neighborhoods while cul-de-sac and residential neighborhood unit are effective for large neighborhoods. 24 Conclusion and Recommendation 25 In conclusion, Neighborhoods are crucial inner-city tissues that have both social and physical effects on the residents and the stakeholders. The neighborhood concept is well recognized as a basic planning unit for cities. Still, neighborhood is an accepted and widespread element of physical as well as social organization in many people’s mind. Therefore, neighborhood planning is the only way of preserving the socio-cultural values of the historic way of life in the current urban centers. In consequence, this results in the improvement of social-cultural bonds that can lead to a direct improvement outcome in the neighborhood physical conditions. Undeniably, neighborhood planning is important because it offers a voice to different people in the community, confidently generating a sense of ownership. Through Local Area Planning (LAP) communities converge with sound working relationships, which as a result enable them to just to make plans and clearly understand how the planning works, but as well to achieve other new knowledge and skills. In recommendation, the best neighborhood design may be realized through understanding landscape designs as well as their significance in creating a quality environment for living. Besides that, neighborhood design as well as zoning through hard work may result in a neighborhood plan that influences how the local communities utilize and live in their neighborhood. Three types of neighborhoods planning have been discussed: Local Area Planning, Cul-de-Sacs, and residential neighborhood unit. There exists gap in literature concerning the type of neighborhood planning, and even though this study tries to fill the gap, there is need for future study that will analyses the existing neighborhood plans and recommend those which are most suitable. No scholarly study exists about Local Area Planning; therefore there is need for future study to examine its feasibility and suitability. 25 References 26 Types of Residential Neighborhoods Planning Abstract Neighborhood planning offers the residents an opportunity in developing a plan for the place where they live and the plan offers them control over development nature as well as offer neighborhoods the ability to shape the places where they work, live as well as play. Landscape design is without doubt very important in residential areas since a good quality residential area is crucial in generating a living environment that is sustainable. Therefore, using landscape design helps in bringing about important housing values as well as promoting a comfortable living setting. Normally, neighborhood planning starts by subdivision and zoning of land in line with different local statutory and classifications requirements. As argued in the literature review, a high quality neighborhood can hastily impact the whole city from various aspects, but will eventually improve the citizens’ quality of life. There are number of reasons why sustainability concept should be applied in neighborhood design and planning, but the key reasons include preservation of natural resources and systems, promoting social equality, and economic prosperity. The research focuses on different forms as well as pattern of neighborhoods’ designing and planning from a contemporary and historical perspective. The study main objectives include: establishing the importance of neighborhood planning, finding out the best neighborhood design can be achieved, and outlining the different type of residential neighborhoods planning. Keywords: Neighborhood planning, Sustainability, Landscape Design, Neighborhood, Sustainable Neighborhood, Urban Planning. Introduction Undoubtedly, neighborhood planning facilitates the local communities to take part in the planning for areas where they live, visit, or work, which includes services that affect their lives directly. Through planning of the neighborhood, the government can develop certain planning policies for the citizen’s, and the policies cover the issues facing the locals (Kaszynska, Parkinson, & Fox, 2012). Such policies may include those for wider area or individual sites, and may handle only a handful of topics or themes, or cover different subjects. In the past, documents for site allocation describing how land was to be used was undertaken by local planning authorities, but now neighborhood planning can be used to examine the role of sites, as long as the district and the National Park overall needs are also met. The focus of this study will be on the types of residential neighborhoods planning. Literature Review Talen and Koschinsky (2010) study examines the relationship between sustainable urban form and subsidized housing. Considering the disconnection between new market-rate housing in neighborhoods that are walkable and sustainable as well as affordable housing opportunities, Talen and Koschinsky (2010) expected that cheap housing to be situated in locations that are less sustainable based on immediacy to amenities, density, street connectivity, walkability as well as urban form diversity. Evidently, neighborhood form has a considerable impact on social interaction, convenience, physical safety and health as well as crime. The figures below shows an example of neighborhood planning: Fig 1: The Northwest Neighborhood Master Plan (Source: weberplanning.com) Fig 2: Autumn Trails Neighborhood Master Plan (source; nederveld.com) Neighborhoods according to Smith (2010) are units having both spatial and social importance. In this case, their significance in organization and urban life stems from their social composition and roles. Neighborhoods key social features include their status as group of people having social ties amongst the members. Urban planning, dispersed urbanization as well as instruments of management like zoning have consistently led cities toward a future that is chaotic and uncertain. Polidoro, Lollo, and Barros (2012) argue that the municipalities’ urban perimeters have progressively been utilized in support of reproducing uneven urban space; thus, provoking the socio-spatial separation process. Intrinsic to this process, Polidoro, Lollo, and Barros (2012) posit that infrastructure, which is the key element of urban land has turned out to be more and more obsolete and dispersed at the heart of the disorderly city’s land occupation. Diversified lifestyle options, improved quality of life as well as rapid urbanization according to Yigitcanlar, Kamruzzaman, and Teriman (2015) have jointly resulted in demand growth for housing in many cities, especially where residential areas play an important role in creating sustainable cities. Yigitcanlar, Kamruzzaman, and Teriman (2015) lament that until now only a few studies have tried to ascertain layouts of residential development, which offer an urban outcome that is more sustainable. The figure below shows an example if a layout of residential development: Fig 3: A layout plan for Oaklands College residential development (source; hertsad.co.uk) In the design and planning practice of urban, Chen (2013) posits that historic districts designation offers a suitable tool for preserving and reviving urban neighborhoods. From a policy viewpoint, local governments’ restoration of old houses in the historic district with the intention of preserving the city’s ‘old days’ nostalgic feeling makes the place a desirable destination for shoppers as well as residents. Besides that, Chen (2013) argues that historic preservation designation can boost the values of the residential property as well as increase the tax base of the city. Therefore, historic preservation has turned out to be an important part of smart growth program in reducing urban sprawl as well as nurturing livable communities. In the last century, urban areas have experienced a rapid population growth rate resulted in the emergence of sustainable development. The figure below show a mixed styles of housing in a neighborhood. Fig 4: Mixed housing styles in Tree Street neighborhood (Chen, 2013) According to Dehghanmongabadi, Hoşkara, and Shirkhanloo (2014), sustainable development offers new lifestyle as well as principles of living across the globe; thus; sustainability should promote change for every human. Basically, sustainable development concept has been utilized in various definition and forms. Dehghanmongabadi, Hoşkara, and Shirkhanloo (2014) suggest that it is imperative for new approaches in designing and planning of neighborhoods should be applied so as to realize sustainable development within the cities. The concept of neighborhood unit according to Meenakshi (2011) has remained a key tool for development and organization processes of the city worldwide despite the endless criticisms directed towards the concept. The concept understands the essence of neighborhood, since both human life as well as communication is initiated by a neighborhood. Habib, Moztarzadeh, and Hodjati (2013) outlined a number of elements, which he believes constitutes the neighborhood structure as shown in the figure two and three. Fig 5; Elements instituting the neighborhood structure (Habib, Moztarzadeh, & Hodjati, 2013) Bajunid, Abbas, and Nawawi (2012) argue that the quality of living in countries such as Malaysia is merely accessible to the upper classes in housing organic planning. Perceived as prosperous neighborhoods, cul-de-sac Planning is used to generate a relationship between the neighborhood as well as physical environment. Shahli, Hussain, IzawatiTukiman, and Zaidin (2015) in their study established that landscape design has a positive influence towards housing areas values. In Shahli, Hussain, IzawatiTukiman, and Zaidin (2015) study, the majority of respondents concurred that landscape design have an effect towards the housing aesthetic, environmental, social as well as functional values. Fig 6: The elements that make the Iranian traditional neighborhoods centers (Habib, Moztarzadeh, & Hodjati, 2013) Methodology The study will use case studies city of Saskatoon and the Woodlands and will emphasize detailed contextual analysis of the type of neighborhood planning used by these cities as well as their relationships. The case study research technique was used because of its applicability benefit to contemporary, real-life, human situations as well as its accessibility through previous conducted studies. In this case, the results of the case studies will directly associate with the reader’s normal day-to-day experience as well as promote a comprehension of multifaceted real-life situations. The case studies focuses on Local Area Planning (LAP) used in the city of Saskatoon, Cul-de-Sacs applied in the Woodlands, and residential neighborhood unit as reviewed in Bajunid, Abbas, and Nawawi (2012) study. Discussion In the city of Saskatoon, Local Area Planning (LAP) offers the local community a role in defining their neighborhood future. In this case, the residents and other stakeholders such as community groups, property owners and business owners collaborate with the City of Saskatoon in developing strategies and goals intended for improving their community long-term success. LAPs are considered effective because they allow participation in the development of all-inclusive neighborhood plans, which enable everyone to directly participate in determining their community future. LAPs outline policies as well as objectives guiding the development and growth of neighborhoods in Saskatoon. The figure below shows an example of a LAP in the City of Saskatoon. Fig 7: Mayfair & Kelsey-Woodlawn neighborhood in the City of Saskatoon (source; saskatoon.ca) While developing the LAP, partakers collaborate in identifying issues, coming up with strategies and developing goals with the intention of ensuring lasting success of their neighborhood. By collaborating with the City of Saskatoon, recommendations are made by the participants to City Council and City Administration involved in the Local Area Planning. In this type of planning, neighborhood Safety is considered crucial (Saskatoon.ca, 2015). The figure below show Mayfair & Kelsey-Woodlawn Local Area Plan in the City of Saskatoon: Fig 8: Mayfair & Kelsey-Woodlawn Local Area Plan (source; saskatoon.ca) Therefore, through Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) as well as Safe Growth principles, community-centered approach to safety perception and crime is developed by the LAP Safety section. Besides that, the members of the community with local experience and knowledge collaborate with the City in developing strategies to reduce crime opportunity as well as improve safety perception. The figure below show safe areas and sites in Mayfair and Kelsey-Woodlawn neighborhood: Fig 9: Mayfair and Kelsey-Woodlawn neighborhood LAP showing safe areas and sites (source; saskatoon.ca) Neighborhood cul-de-sac is one of The Woodlands’ unique design features; the land plan design is aimed at limiting traffic, maximizing green space, facilitating public safety as well as at offering neighbors opportunities to become familiar with each other. In The Woodlands there are over 1,300 cul-de-sac islands, which are maintained 11 times annually by The Woodlands Township. This involves trash pick-up, trimming, mowing as well as blowing (The Woodlands Township, 2014). The figure below show houses in The Woodlands nested in cul-de-sac: Fig 10: cul-de-sac neighborhood in The Woodlands (source: har.com) In most villages within the town, neighbors care for the cul-de-sac through organizing themselves; therefore, this results in the growth of the sense of community. In the local setting, neighborly atmosphere is promoted by the housing layouts, and the cul-de-sac type of neighborhood planning builds relationships. Basically, landscaping elements that require high maintenance such as manicured shrubs and seasonal flowering plants are not planted in the cul-de-sac islands because they detract swiftly from the neighborhood when poorly maintained. Generally, cul-de-sacs both jumbo as well as small serve different purposes within The Woodlands’ community; thus, making the town a special place. Even though come cities have limited the use of cul-de-sac neighborhood planning, cul-de-sacs in the residential context are beneficial because they limit traffic close to homes; thus, offering the homeowners a quieter environments. But this is not the case in the commercial setting because it creates inconvenience for drivers as well as pedestrians. The fig below is a clear indication how cul-de-sacs, a type of neighborhood planning can make an area look attractive. Fig 11: Example of cul-de-sacs real estate (source; culdesac.org) Normally, the phrase ‘neighborhood’ is utilized to describe the urban or rural settlements’ sub-divisions. Therefore, a neighborhood from residential neighborhood unit context can be defined as locality wherein people live. Arguably, residential neighborhood unit bring about higher neighborhoods satisfaction as well as stability. Citing a study on the neighborhoods in California, Bajunid, Abbas, and Nawawi (2012) posits perceived safety as well as attractive appearance on neighborhoods brought about by residential neighborhood units proves why this type of planning is more desirable in both traditional as well as suburban neighborhoods. An example if residential neighborhood unit is the Calthorpe's TOD Neighborhood Unit and Perry's Neighborhood Unit as shown in figure 12 and 13 respectively: Fig 12: Calthorpe's TOD Neighborhood Unit (source; bettercities.net) Fig 13: Perry's Neighborhood Unit (thecityecosystem.com) In many cities across the globe, investors as well as private developers are using Residential neighborhood units planning to construct as well as finance planned groups because of the consumer demand for the uncompromising community relationship related to living with neighbors of the same socioeconomic status. The figure below shows Valley West Neighborhood units: Fig 14: Valley West Neighborhood units (source; intrinsikarchitecture.com) From the discussion above it can be concluded that residential neighborhood unit can be considered the most effective type of planning because results in both attractiveness and safety, unlike cul-de-sac planning that focuses more on attractiveness. On the other hand, LAP enables the community to plan for their neighborhood future through participation. LAP is an effective type of neighborhood plan from small neighborhoods while cul-de-sac and residential neighborhood unit are effective for large neighborhoods. Conclusion and Recommendation In conclusion, Neighborhoods are crucial inner-city tissues that have both social and physical effects on the residents and the stakeholders. The neighborhood concept is well recognized as a basic planning unit for cities. Still, neighborhood is an accepted and widespread element of physical as well as social organization in many people’s mind. Therefore, neighborhood planning is the only way of preserving the socio-cultural values of the historic way of life in the current urban centers. In consequence, this results in the improvement of social-cultural bonds that can lead to a direct improvement outcome in the neighborhood physical conditions. Undeniably, neighborhood planning is important because it offers a voice to different people in the community, confidently generating a sense of ownership. Through Local Area Planning (LAP) communities converge with sound working relationships, which as a result enable them to just to make plans and clearly understand how the planning works, but as well to achieve other new knowledge and skills. In recommendation, the best neighborhood design may be realized through understanding landscape designs as well as their significance in creating a quality environment for living. Besides that, neighborhood design as well as zoning through hard work may result in a neighborhood plan that influences how the local communities utilize and live in their neighborhood. Three types of neighborhoods planning have been discussed: Local Area Planning, Cul-de-Sacs, and residential neighborhood unit. There exists gap in literature concerning the type of neighborhood planning, and even though this study tries to fill the gap, there is need for future study that will analyses the existing neighborhood plans and recommend those which are most suitable. No scholarly study exists about Local Area Planning; therefore there is need for future study to examine its feasibility and suitability. References Read More