Core Concepts
Mixed-Use Development
Combining residential, commercial, and recreational uses in one area to create walkable neighborhoods.
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
Urban planning that concentrates housing and employment around public transit stations.
Zoning
Legal framework regulating land use: residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use.
Smart Growth
Planning strategy that focuses on sustainable development, reducing sprawl, and creating walkable communities.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
The ratio of total building floor area to the area of the plot. FAR = Total Floor Area / Plot Area.
Worked Examples & Applications
FAR Example: Plot area: 10,000 m². FAR: 3.0. Maximum total floor area = 30,000 m². Could be a 3-story building covering the entire plot, or a 6-story building covering half the plot.
Barcelona Superblocks: A city planning model where groups of 3×3 blocks are closed through traffic, creating interior streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and public space. Reduces traffic, noise, and pollution while increasing green space.
Practice Questions
Q: What is Transit-Oriented Development? A: A planning strategy that concentrates housing, employment, and services around public transit stations to reduce car dependency.
Q: What is FAR? A: Floor Area Ratio — the ratio of total building floor area to plot area, controlling building density and height.