Making TOD Work: An Interview With Nathan Cherry

"The idea of TOD goes beyond simply placing a residential or office tower or retail options immediately adjacent to a transit station. Rather, it's about the creation of a holistic district whose design considers the way people live--where a mix of uses along a pedestrian-oriented streetscape creates a convenient, seamless and stimulating journey between the transit station and the residential unit.

Designers of a TOD must achieve a seamless balance that accommodates the needs of commuters, visitors and residents alike. The streetscape should facilitate a logical pedestrian traffic flow, ample public space and thoughtful scale. It should be able to accommodate bursts of commuter traffic during peak hours without interfering with the activities of residents and customers. At the same time, the mix of uses should generate a sustained buzz of activity that presents a vibrant environment around the clock."