In these austere times, some urbanists are advocating greater use of the traditional rectilinear grid — an efficient, less expensive, but also challenging pattern.
"A grid lowers per-unit infrastructure costs 35 to 40 percent compared to conventional suburban development, reports Jonathan Ford, a planner and civil engineer with Morris Beacon Design. In a study for EPA, he ran cost comparisons of various development scenarios for a South Carolina site. His research indicates that a rectilinear grid costs slightly less for infrastructure than a typical new urban modified grid, although more study is needed to get a more precise cost comparison, he says.
A bigger difference between a creative and a rectilinear street network could be the relative efficiency and the speed of implementation for builders and developers, Ford says. 'I love to design these [quirky, organic] layouts and the places that are created, but there are so many details that have to be designed right. It has to be done lot by lot.' [Kevin] Klinkenberg adds that if the layout is more complex, the developer may have fewer chances to replicate some designs and make money on them later in the project. 'The reality is that builders and developers really want to do simple, rectilinear buildings,' he says"
Thanks to Renee Gayle
FULL STORY: The case for the simple grid

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie