An urban village is an urban planning and urban design concept. It refers to an urban form typically characterized by:
- Medium density development
- Mixed use zoning
- The provision of good public transit
- An emphasis on urban design - particularly pedestrianization and public space
Urban villages are seen to provide an alternative to recent patterns of urban development in many cities, especially decentralization and urban sprawl. They are generally purported to:
- Reduce car reliance and promote cycling, walking and transit use
- Provide a high level of self-containment (people working, recreating and living in the same area)
- Help facilitate strong community institutions and interaction
The concept of urban villages was formally born in Britain in the late 1980s with the establishment of the Urban Villages Group (UVG). Following pressure from the UVG, the concept was prioritized in British national planning policy between 1997 and 1999.
Read more about Urban Village: Application, Influences and Impetus, Criticisms, Examples
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