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I think it is obvious based on how we design roadways here in suburban Phoenix that pedestrians are an afterthought.
“…despite the fact that pedestrians account for 12 percent of all road fatalities, pedestrian safety only gets 1.5 percent of safety funding.”
Could a new housing typology be the answer to lift our economy out of this slump?
Vegetation, Vegetation, Vegetation -
New study links vegetation and walkability to property values.
“A thousand square feet of xeriscape in the front yard of a subdivision tract home is to the desert like a goldfish pond is to the ocean: only a reminder.” — Grady Gammage Jr. Phoenix in Perspective: Reflections on developing the desert.
When we buy a new home and hit the design center our first thought is, “if I choose this carpet will I be able to sell this home in 5 years?” We as home buyers have focused for too long on ensuring the best possible chance of resell. As the trends demonstrate, we are staying in our homes longer. This gives us a great opportunity to create a more individual environment. Pick the shag carpet or the red lacquer kitchen appliances if that is your style.
One way streets vs Two way streets -
Interesting video demonstrating the benefits of two-way streets as opposed to one-way streets.
Old Westport Kansas City, 10th on the Walkers Paradise List. -
I have always loved Kansas City and this list of walkable neighborhoods sheds some light on why. Kansas City has 4 of the top 138 walkable neighborhoods in the country, Old Westport ranks number 10. This puts KC in the company of NYC, Seattle, Portland and San Fran. Note that there is not one neighborhood from my home of Arizona on this list.
Interesting graphs showing the reduction in the size of new homes over the past few years.