Mixed-use developments can leverage shared resources and also inspire a sense of community.
Wikipedia describes mixed-use development as the practice of allowing more than one type of use in a building or set of buildings. In planning zone terms, this can mean some combination of residential, commercial, industrial, office, institutional, or other land uses. The site further describes the history of this type of development, which I found interesting given its increasing trend.
In short, the majority of human settlements developed as mixed-use environments. Walking was the primary way that people and goods were moved about, and most people dwelt in buildings where they also made things or sold things. This meant that most neighborhoods contained a diversity of uses.
This historical mixed-used pattern of development declined during industrialization in favor of large-scale, single-function buildings. This period saw massive migrations of people from rural areas to cities drawn by work in factories and the associated businesses that grew up around them. These influxes of new workers needed to be accommodated and many new urban domestic housing districts arose. Thus began a separating out of land uses that previously had occurred in the same spaces. Even so, at this time, most industrialized cities were of a size that allowed people to walk between their different areas.
As cities grew, authorities embraced the idea of zoning and they began to compartmentalize land use into like functions that were distinctly separated. And in the post-World War II economy, the automobile dominated transportation methods and the creation of dispersed, low-density cities—where people could live very long distances from their workplaces, shopping centers, and entertainment districts—began in earnest.
Late in the 20th century, as city centers were dying and suburban sprawl was out of control, urban planners and other professionals began to realize the importance of the mixed-use environment. Simply stated, mixed-use developments can leverage shared resources and also inspire a sense of community.
According to the ZweigWhite publication 2008 AEC Industry Outlook: Strategy and Insight for Design & Construction Firms, mixed-use development is one of the hottest building concepts in commercial construction. (For additional forecasts on other markets, see "What’s hot, what’s not, and why".)
Of course, there are a few drawbacks to mixed-use development. For example, some developers and lending institutions see it as risky because economic success requires that the many different uses all remain in business. In addition, mixed-use residential buildings and neighborhoods are best suited to those who prefer public amenities to private, personal space. In fact, the lack of private outdoor space for kids and pets is unacceptable to many Americans.
Despite these hurdles, mixed-use development is strong and many large-scale projects are well underway. In this month’s cover story, authors describe the structural challenges they encountered on the Washington Square project. This $1.2 billion "superblock" development will be home to a 10.5-acre European-inspired community in the heart of Bellevue, Wash. When complete, this unique community will boast five condominium towers, walk-up town homes, a boutique hotel, office tower, fitness and amenities center, retail shops, and even a dog park.
From the historical perspective, it would appear that the trend is to return to the way we began—by living and working together. While initially we may have done it out of necessity as walking was the norm, we now have come full circle to realize the benefits of mixed-use development.
As we enter into 2008, I wish you continued success with your business and also a peace made possible by living and working well with each other!
In short, the majority of human settlements developed as mixed-use environments. Walking was the primary way that people and goods were moved about, and most people dwelt in buildings where they also made things or sold things. This meant that most neighborhoods contained a diversity of uses.
This historical mixed-used pattern of development declined during industrialization in favor of large-scale, single-function buildings. This period saw massive migrations of people from rural areas to cities drawn by work in factories and the associated businesses that grew up around them. These influxes of new workers needed to be accommodated and many new urban domestic housing districts arose. Thus began a separating out of land uses that previously had occurred in the same spaces. Even so, at this time, most industrialized cities were of a size that allowed people to walk between their different areas.
As cities grew, authorities embraced the idea of zoning and they began to compartmentalize land use into like functions that were distinctly separated. And in the post-World War II economy, the automobile dominated transportation methods and the creation of dispersed, low-density cities—where people could live very long distances from their workplaces, shopping centers, and entertainment districts—began in earnest.
Late in the 20th century, as city centers were dying and suburban sprawl was out of control, urban planners and other professionals began to realize the importance of the mixed-use environment. Simply stated, mixed-use developments can leverage shared resources and also inspire a sense of community.
According to the ZweigWhite publication 2008 AEC Industry Outlook: Strategy and Insight for Design & Construction Firms, mixed-use development is one of the hottest building concepts in commercial construction. (For additional forecasts on other markets, see "What’s hot, what’s not, and why".)
Of course, there are a few drawbacks to mixed-use development. For example, some developers and lending institutions see it as risky because economic success requires that the many different uses all remain in business. In addition, mixed-use residential buildings and neighborhoods are best suited to those who prefer public amenities to private, personal space. In fact, the lack of private outdoor space for kids and pets is unacceptable to many Americans.
Despite these hurdles, mixed-use development is strong and many large-scale projects are well underway. In this month’s cover story, authors describe the structural challenges they encountered on the Washington Square project. This $1.2 billion "superblock" development will be home to a 10.5-acre European-inspired community in the heart of Bellevue, Wash. When complete, this unique community will boast five condominium towers, walk-up town homes, a boutique hotel, office tower, fitness and amenities center, retail shops, and even a dog park.
From the historical perspective, it would appear that the trend is to return to the way we began—by living and working together. While initially we may have done it out of necessity as walking was the norm, we now have come full circle to realize the benefits of mixed-use development.
As we enter into 2008, I wish you continued success with your business and also a peace made possible by living and working well with each other!