From Belgium to Maryland, These Newer Towns Were Designed to Look Old
In a world where rapid urban expansion often leads to soulless developments, a handful of towns from Belgium to Maryland are proving that new doesn't have to mean characterless. These towns, rooted in the principles of New Urbanism, blend the aesthetic charm of historic architecture with modern infrastructure, creating spaces that prioritize community and sustainability over car-centric design. The movement, which began in the U.S. in the 1980s, seeks to emulate the walkability and communal atmosphere of historic European cities while overcoming the practical challenges of aging infrastructures.
Brandevoort in the Netherlands and Heulebrug in Belgium are prime examples, showcasing how thoughtful urban planning can foster community interaction and environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, Kentlands in Maryland and Poundbury in England highlight the potential of these principles to transform both residential life and environmental impact, with features like local materials and renewable energy sources. These towns demonstrate that community-centric design can not only preserve the aesthetic appeal of the past but also build a more connected and sustainable future.
Constructive analysis
The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.
- The problem
- The challenge of creating sustainable, community-focused urban areas that maintain aesthetic charm without the drawbacks of aging infrastructure.
- The actions
- Architects and planners are designing towns that prioritize walkability, community spaces, and traditional architectural styles, incorporating sustainable practices such as renewable energy.
- Evidence of progress
- Brandevoort's focus on social housing and limited car access, Poundbury's use of local materials and renewable energy, and Kentlands' early recognition for its design highlight the tangible benefits of these projects.
- What we can learn
- Others can learn the importance of integrating traditional aesthetics with modern sustainability, emphasizing walkability and community engagement in urban planning.
PERMA wellbeing profile of this story
Seligman's five pillars of wellbeing, as expressed in this story.
- Positive Emotion
- 8
- Engagement
- 9
- Relationships
- 9
- Meaning
- 8
- Accomplishment
- 7
Character strengths in play
Top VIA strengths this story embodies.
Hope
These communities tend to fall under the umbrella of New Urbanism, a design movement that began in the U.S. in the 1980s.
Curiosity
The reason we like to travel to old towns and walk through old cities is that there’s so much variety in the housing and the architecture.
Perseverance
Poundbury currently hosts about 5,000 residents, and follows a series of design principles backed by the king.
Try this today
Take a walk in your neighborhood and observe the architecture and community spaces. Reflect on what aspects foster a sense of belonging and consider how you might contribute to enhancing communal bonds in your area.