finally, there is a cure to the blight of SUV-cum-suburbia: new urbanism. here are some new urbanism rules.

• Rule out any project that is gated, that lacks sidewalks, or that have a tree-like street system, rather than a grid network. The project as a whole should connect well with surrounding neighborhoods, developments, or towns, while also protecting regional open space.
• Rule out “single-use” projects that are just housing, just retail, or just office. The various types of building should all be seamlessly integrated — from different types of housing, to workplaces, to stores.
• The project should have a neighborhood center within that is an easy and safe walk from all dwellings in the neighborhood. Buildings should be designed to make the street feel safe and inviting, by having front doors, porches, and windows facing the street — rather than having a streetscape of garage doors.
• The project, and particularly the neighborhood center, should include formal civic spaces and squares.
• Finally, there is the “popsicle test.” An 8-year-old in the neighborhood should be able to bike to a store to buy a popsicle, without having to battle highway-size streets and freeway-speed traffic.

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