ABSTRACT
Post-World War II planning segregated residential and non-residential activities. Due to the vast distances between the two, this practice necessitated long commutes, extensive construction and costly road networks. A sustainable approach to siting residences, commerce and other amenities is to mix them in a single location in which different modes of mobility are present. Alternatively, when these functions are located closer to a development’s edge, they can also be accessed by residents of neighboring communities, further supporting these places economically.
This chapter investigates mixed-use neighborhoods and proper methods to achieve them. It discusses the benefits of such arrangements and explores different dwelling types, outlining the importance of diversity in housing and a neighborhood’s organization. The chapter also looks at the various factors that influence the sense of place and human scale to present design standards that improve the comfort offered by the built environment. Finally, Linked Hybrid in Beijing, China, designed by Steven Holl Architects, is presented as an example of the successful integration of diverse land uses.
