Real Estate Evaluation : - Term Paper Example

Spurring this interest in the development of urban communities are problems related to sustainability; our constant increasing transportation capacity threatening our quality of lives through various ways. Individuals are spending more and more time in their cars and the inherent risks and problems associated with this make these communities highly valued. Over 40,000 individuals die in automobile accidents annually and with the constant population growth, roads and highways remain congested for hours for thousands of miles within the United States (Brown, & Damon, 2012).

Billions are spent annually expanding road systems in order to meet the constantly increasing transportation needs. Vehicles are not only expensive to maintain but are the number one contributor to environmental pollution and are completely dependent on oil that is reaching its limit globally. Roads and other means and modes of transportation are one of the driving forces behind creating new urbanism communities. In developing solutions which were entertained the best options remain extensive train systems, while at the same time condensing our communities allowing citizens to walk, use bicycles and new technologies such as the Segway.

Importance is also placed on managing growth and development to ensure that it conforms to principles of the community. This form of urbanism is beginning to be planned at all levels from the single building to neighborhoods, cities, and regions (Brown, & Damon, 2012). Principles of New Urbanism Certain principles of new urbanism have been defined which will help future communities establish and begin promoting urbanism. Ideally, most needed locations should be available within a yen minute walk from home.

As you can imagine this will decrease the size of communities, making them more compact but must also be done so in a way that considers the beautifying of the community. Reductions of roadways will assist in this way. Ideally, pedestrian streets would not provide for cars and represent positive attributes of a natural and conservative environment. Buildings should be close to the streets and where cars are permitted parking garages should be located within a close distance. With a pattern of interconnected streets and grids, traffic is dispersed and promotes walking while the narrow street ways make walking an activity that is less cumbersome and more enjoyable.

With a diverse group of people of all income, ethnic, race, ages, and cultures there should be a pleasurable venue of shops, jobs, offices, apartments and housing to meet each need within the community. Housing should be in close proximity of each other in order to keep the community compact and in touch with each element in order to promote a working urban sustainable environment which takes less advantage of roadways and other transportation means while promoting a community that can exist entirely self-sufficient.

Architecture and design should focus on not only aesthetics and beauty but also comfort and usability. Civic sites should be well placed and maintained and elements should be designed on a more human scale rather than one which is grandiose as in sprawling cities clogged with congestion where it is unpleasant commuting most of the time. Neighborhood structure’s should have defined centers and edges and if possible have open public