In the realm of supply chains and distribution logistics, Santa’s the guy. So you’d presumably be safe in assuming that the planning and design of his village at the North Pole would reflect a similar insistence on best practices. But is it so?
"But is that the case? Consider these village maps laid out below. Both seem less reflective of timeless settlement patterns and more concerned with the wide separations — in terms of both use and class — popularized in the 20th century."
"In the first example, shown below, an elfin subdivision — though, admittedly, one comprised of adorable cottages — isolates the working class, indicating no manner of public transportation and requiring a lengthy walk across town to get to work. Meanwhile, fully removed is Santa’s stately mansion, providing a troubling reinforcement of patriarchal divisions of class and social standing."
Scott Doyon goes on to critique elements of North Pole town plans, and does a shout out asking urbanists to help amp up the livability.
Read the full story: Planning and Design: North Pole Edition
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City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello