The Curious Case of New Jersey

New Jersey is either completely lacking a proper city, or one, big, giant city—depending on who you ask. One researcher believes its unique variety of urban sprawl offers lessons for the shaping of more holistic communities.

1 minute read

November 4, 2015, 10:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Consider New Jersey," goes the entreaty by Eric Bender, as explained in a post for MIT's Industrial Liaison Program (ILP).

"Its population density is easily the highest in the United States — in fact, it’s high enough for the whole state to qualify as an urban area — but it lacks any big cities. What New Jersey offers instead is a form of dispersed urban sprawl, says Rafi Segal, associate professor of architecture and urbanism. And that leads to a life style missing crucial benefits of community and public space that cities provide."

Bender's post delves into the studies of Prof. Segal about the "peripheries of cities in dispersed urban environments like New Jersey," which aim "to help mold living environments that are more self-sufficient, less wasteful, more productive and (most importantly) more likely to create active communities."

One critical idea that drives Prof. Segal's work: New Jersey—the entire state—as a "single urban entity." The article goes into a lot more detail about where New Jersey's model provides guidance in creating similarly unified and holistic environments—from a kibbutz to a former office building in Manhattan to, perhaps most importantly, the suburbs.

Monday, November 2, 2015 in MIT Industrial Liaison Program

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

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

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.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

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.