Mastering an Incremental Approach to Development

For Howard Blackson, the latest trend in planning and design is redevelopment based on evolving, rather than phased, implementation. In this blog post he identifies the three typologies of this "slow urbanism."

1 minute read

October 22, 2012, 1:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


The "new incrementalism" is Blackson's term for an emerging approach to development that allows for evolution in implementation as temporary uses seed the ground for more permanent investment. He observes: "[v]ery rarely now are we designing to build immediately for a project's absolute highest and best use or, as Nathan Norris calls it, its 'climax condition.' This new incrementalism focuses on how lots change - how they're built upon and reconfigured over time before, ahem, reaching their climax."

Following from this approach, he says, are three primary typologies that can play a role in this sequence of development: temporary architecture, pre-fab or modular construction, and so-called "Grow" or "Go" buildings that can be added to over time or demolished to make way for different ones. 

Monday, October 22, 2012 in Better! Cities & Towns

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Historic Dairy Queen restaurant building with neon signs at night.

Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places

Dozens of Dairy Queen restaurants across Texas are closing, taking a critical community space with them.

15 minutes ago - The Daily Yonder

Wide speed hump on Pittsburgh bridge with yellow Speed Hump sign on sidewalk.

Pittsburgh Excels at Low-Cost, Quick-Build Traffic Calming

The city’s traffic calming initiative has led to a 6 percent average reduction in speeds on corridors with recent interventions.

2 hours ago - Strong Towns

Close-up of pug dog sitting on woman's lap on city bus.

Seattle Transit Asked to Clarify Pet Policy

A major dog park near a new light rail stop is prompting calls to update and clarify rules for bringing pets on Seattle-area transit systems.

May 9 - The Urbanist

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.