'Lean Urbanism' Explained

“Lean urbanism” is the latest buzz-worthy term to enter the discussion on planning and urbanism. A recent article in Atlantic Cities explains the concept—which appeals to the younger generation as well as those with libertarian leanings.

2 minute read

March 17, 2014, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Red Tape

Daniel Spils / Flickr

Anthony Flint recently interviewed Andrés Duany on the subject of “lean urbanism,” which recently received a high level of institutional backing in the form of a $600,000 grant from the Knight Foundation for work in Detroit. For those interested in learning more about lean urbanism, Flint’s interview provides access to this latest concept in the lexicon of planning.

According to Duany, red tape is the problem: “Common sense has been almost completely lost in my profession. There are too many protocols in the way.”

“The lean urbanism concept, he says, is like a software patch, or a workaround – ultimately a guide or a tip sheet to navigate the complicated, and often very expensive, maze of working in the built environment in the U.S.,” writes Flint. Duany describes lean urbanism as “not a philosophical approach, but a narrow seam of activity, a sharing of secret knowledge.”

For how lean urbanism relates to the constellation of concepts by which planners and urbanists organize their ideas, Flint compares the work of lean urbanism to more familiar projects. “Tactical urbanism – the unsanctioned demonstration projects of creating a parklet or ‘chair bombing’ a street – might be thought of as at one end of this spectrum. Groups like CNU, the American Planning Association, the Urban Land Institute and SmartGrowth America are operating at a higher political level, pushing policy reform. Lean urbanism, as Duany defines it, seeks to occupy the space between, helping guide urban development in a more practical manner.”

Friday, March 14, 2014 in The Atlantic Cities

Few passengers waiting in subway station with multiple platforms and "North Station" signs in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns

Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.

September 18, 2023 - Hoodline

View of Interstate 205 bridge over Columbia River with Mt. Hood in background.

The Unceremonious Death of a Freeway Expansion Project

The end of an Oregon freeway project didn't get much fanfare, but the victory is worth celebrating.

September 19, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

Wood frame house under construction

Houston Lot Size Reforms Yield Positive Results

New research shows that reducing lot size requirements helped create thousands of new homes.

September 17, 2023 - Pew Trusts

High-rise modern apartment buildings with green space in front courtyard with outdoor exercise equipment.

Architecture and the Housing Crisis

A new book brings architects into the housing discussion.

6 hours ago - Next City

Aerial view of Koreatown neighborhood in Los Angeles with downtown skyline in background.

New Los Angeles Rent Relief Program Targets Pandemic Debt

The program prioritizes the lowest-income tenants who accrued debt during the early part of the pandemic.

7 hours ago - LAist

Roadside city limit sign for Santa Clara, California.

‘Agrihood:’ An Urban Farm With Affordable Housing

California’s largest urban farm also provides 165 units of affordable housing for seniors and veterans.

September 25 - ABC 7 News