by Andy Boenau
Many of you know that Congress for the New Urbanism was a major inspiration for this show. Not the national conference itself — but the tribe of people who are eager to challenge the status quo and actually do something to make their cities and towns more vibrant.
So it’s only fitting that one of new urbanism’s founding fathers joins the show this week.
Victor Dover is co-founder of the town planning firm Dover, Kohl & Partners. His consulting practice focuses on restoring healthy neighborhoods. He is a former national chair of the Congress for the New Urbanism and lead designer of more than 150 neighborhoods, urban revitalization programs, and regional plans around the world.
Victor coauthored a new book with John Massengale, another familiar name within CNU. The book is called Street Design: The Secret to Great Cities and Towns. It’s available right now on Amazon [hardcover or Kindle].
The book has tons of great illustrations and is about an inch thick. (The Kindle version might be skinnier…I haven’t measured it.) You’ll be happy you bought it. Plus, it helps this show in a small way with no extra cost to you.
Who was this book written for?
If you have a driver’s license, you probably consider yourself an expert in all matters related to streets. So as something of a professional, is Street Design for you?
But let’s face it, with a subtitle like “the secret to great cities and towns”, you know you want to listen. Victor’s sharing secrets about how street design relates to the revival and regeneration of places around the world.
This is especially meaningful in the U.S. where we have allowed our obsession with massive infrastructure obliterate great places.
“Psychology of a place”
Buzzword alert. When a street becomes a great place to be, people can be seen walking and bicycling. When the number of people outside vehicles begins to grow, the psychology of a place changes. You expect to see cyclists of all ages.
What makes a street livable? What makes a street walkable?
Victor talks about 5 essential street features:
- agreeable; 3-dimensional public space shaped by surrounding buildings and trees
- comfortable; adapted to the climate
- safe; walk without fear of motorists or fear of crime (eyes on the street)
- destinations; good street scenes are well-connected and lead people somewhere
- beautiful; people prefer memorable habits
Think on this: Does your city cut down more street trees than it plants?
“Look, son. The sign says we’re in a bike lane so stop your fussing and keep pedaling.”
Are your kids comfortable biking on any of the streets in your town or city?
The complete streets movement has gained significant momentum in recent years. State and local governments are adopting policies to promote better (i.e. safer, walkable) streets.
Is policy enough? Of course not.
What about adding stripes on pavement and labeling them “bike lanes”?
Victor talks about how we can raise our expectations for street design to make places comfortable for users of all ages and physical abilities.
Is abundant parking deteriorating your streets?
Victor says the most important street retrofit factor is political will.
What unites people? A trend of deadly crashes usually does because there’s an immediate loss of life, so naturally people look for answers.
Consider vehicle parking. It’s a boring design feature that is hotly debated in communities all over the country. Professional planners and designers struggle with accommodating vehicles when trying to make a great place.
Are walkability and auto parking mutually exclusive?
Connect with our guest
There are several ways to find Victor Dover online or to find out more about the new book:
- Street Design: The Secret to Great Cities and Towns [hardcover or Kindle]
- Twitter – Victor Dover and #StreetOfTheDay
- Streets-Book.com (and be sure to check out the book blog)