Op-Ed: Good Design Isn't Just for Downtowns

Richard Driehaus attests to the importance of intentional, context-oriented design on the neighborhood level.

1 minute read

June 16, 2019, 9:00 AM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


Street Design

La Citta Vita / Flickr

Richard Driehaus, better known as the man behind the Driehaus Architecture Prize, also bestows the Driehaus Awards for Architectural Excellence In Community Design for praiseworthy design at the neighborhood level.

In an op-ed, he calls on the incoming administration of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to give due consideration to the built environments of underinvested neighborhoods. "When we initiated the Driehaus Awards our intentions were to assert that the built environments of neighborhoods are as important as that of the city center," he writes.

"We can all learn from the designs of neighborhood builders," Driehaus continues, citing how they must pay attention to factors like budget, sustainability, and local context. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot "has staked her tenure on ensuring a new inclusiveness and equity throughout the city. We can therefore be hopeful for a new attention on neighborhoods — particularly those that have been bereft of needed investment for too long."

Driehaus concludes with an argument that "honoring" residents means building neighborhoods where "shopping, schools, housing and recreation" are within walking distance.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019 in Crain's Chicago Business

Aerial view of snowy single-family homes in suburban Long Island, New York

New York Governor Advances Housing Plan Amid Stiff Suburban Opposition

Governor Kathy Hochul’s ambitious proposal to create more housing has once again run into a brick wall of opposition in New York’s enormous suburbs, especially on Long Island. This year, however, the wall may have some cracks.

March 20, 2023 - Mark H. McNulty

Empty parking garage at night with yellow lines marking spots and fluorescent lighting

Rethinking the Role of Parking in the American City

In cities big and small, the tide is turning against sprawling parking lots, car-centric development, and minimum parking mandates.

March 16, 2023 - The New York Times

A futuristic version of New York City, with plants growing neatly on top of modern skycrapers.

Friday Eye Candy: 20 AI-Generated Cityscapes

AI-generated images are creating new landscapes and cityscapes, capable of inspiring awe or fear.

March 17, 2023 - Chris Steins via Medium

"For Rent" sign in yard of red building

Rent Increases Highest for Lowest-Income Households

Renters at the lower end of the spectrum see no relief in sight as rent hikes remain stubbornly high.

38 minutes ago - Marketplace

Rendering of Baylor Scott & White Health Administrative Center in Deep Ellum, Dallas, Texas

A Dallas Architect Designs Statement Buildings With a Purpose

The Dallas Morning News’ architecture critic profiles one of the city’s most important current architects.

2 hours ago - The Dallas Morning News

A mountain range at sunset appears in the background of this photo, with cacti in the foreground.

Biden Designates a New National Monument in West Texas

The Castner Range National Monument in West Texas is the second of two new national monuments announced by President Joe Biden this week.

4 hours ago - The White House

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

HUD’s 2023 Innovative Housing Showcase

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.