Livable Communities and Neighborhoods
How to Make Mixed Use Developments Appealing to People
May 28, 2009
By nature, mixed use developments allow compatible land uses. Housing of various types exist in harmony with shops, service businesses and offices. Well designed mixed use developments go the extra mile- they provide spaces and opportunities for social interaction, reduce traffic volume and congestion, address environmental concerns, and provide desirable services well within walking distance to help create quality developments designed for people.
Livable Community Amenities
A well-designed mixed use development might include public greens with benches and pavilions, providing opportunities for neighbors to meet and interact. Or an amphitheater and stage for outdoor events- maybe even a dedicated space for dancing.
Active Mixed Use Development Opportunities
Opportunities for active sports like volleyball courts, horseshoes, basketball and tennis courts or softball fields are also people attractors. Adventure playgrounds for the young ones, equipped with benches and sheltered, shaded seating areas for grownups to observe and mingle, is another good idea. Placing recreation areas next to major pedestrian walkways, and with views of the amenity from roads, encourage active participation- and invite spectators.
A community library is another beneficial amenity, providing residents a haven for self-education and literary entertainment. Walks and bike paths from neighborhood nodes to schools, markets, recreation sites, public and community facilities, and work places make for easy access and encourage social interaction. Walks and paths should be wide and paved, with benches sited along the corridors so users can rest and relax.
Another idea- build a major pedestrian promenade between the project's two most-used destinations, equipped with benches and fine landscaping. And as part of the development's pedestrian-friendly circulation system, provide walks and footbridges along streams and ponds. Don't forget key details like bus stops and cross walks.
Livable Neighborhoods Protect Resources
Preserve and replace significant trees and protect historic resources to create a sense of place in the community. Adding ponds can provide opportunities for fishing and wildlife habitat and contribute to storm water control. Protect wildlife corridors next to the parks, and set aside some areas to be undisturbed open space. Walls, crosswalks, lighting, and signage should be themed and reflect the project architecture.
Other Land Uses for Mixed Use Developments
Place a neighborhood center (with a kitchen and meeting rooms) central to the development, and within walking distance of all neighborhood nodes. Mixed-use developments can include a small grocery store, restaurants, produce stands, community vegetable gardens, a daycare center, affordable housing, and other select commercial uses.
Most people would love to live in a neighborhood that offers more than just a cookie-cutter lot in a generic subdivision. Providing spaces and services to enhance a feeling of community, while merging human spaces with natural places, is a great way to make a development a true place designed for people.
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