Most college campuses in the United States are inherently walkable, mixing various uses with diverse housing options and transit networks.
In an article for the University of Washington’ The Daily, Nicole McMillan highlights how college campuses mirror the qualities that many urbanists value most in communities: mixed use, walkability, access to transit, and dense housing. Unfortunately, McMillan writes, “For many people, college is the first and only time they live within a walkable community.”
McMillan outlines the—to urbanists—well-known history of car dependence, massive highway projects, and urban renewal in the United States, as well as the unique qualities of college life that make campuses ideal social communities.
For McMillan, this points to the fact that “When areas prioritize pedestrians in their infrastructure, the result is a happier and healthier population.” Campuses also offer a higher-than-average number of ‘third places,’ the spaces between home and school or work that allow people to relax, meet, socialize, and have random interactions.
To maintain the communal college atmosphere after graduation, McMillan recommends continuing to seek out your own third places, those where you’ll meet people who challenge your existing perspectives and help you grow.
FULL STORY: Escaping the suburban sprawl: what college campuses teach us about walkable communities
Why College Campuses Make Ideal Models for Cities
College campuses serve as ideal models for cities, with their integrated infrastructure, vibrant communities, sustainability initiatives, and innovation hubs inspiring urban planning and development for a brighter future.
Study: Cuyahoga County Suburbs Ready for TOD
The growth of transit-oriented development in the Cleveland region is being hindered by zoning codes that limit housing density and excessive parking requirements that drive up construction costs, new research suggests.
Sacramento Council Approves Upzoning Proposal
If given final approval, the plan would increase the allowable floor area ratio to permit denser housing development in single-family neighborhoods and near transit.
Eugene Ends Parking Minimums
In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.
How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit
A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.
How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives
Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.
States Scramble in Wake of Clean Water Act Ruling
The removal of federal oversight of wetlands has left millions of acres unregulated and erected major hurdles for lawmakers seeking to protect them.
Brightline West Awarded $3 Billion in Federal Funding
The high-speed rail line will cut travel time between Southern California and Las Vegas roughly in half.
OKC Celebrates New Rapid Bus Line With Free Rides
The agency wants to showcase the benefits of a recently opened BRT line connecting the northwest part of the city to downtown.
City of Kissimmee - Development Services
City of Kissimmee - Development Services
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
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.
