New Urbanism

Kentlands is designed to meet most daily needs within a five to ten-minute walk, emphasizing pedestrian-friendly features like buildings close to the street, front porches, tree-lined sidewalks, and hidden parking. Narrow streets and traditional roadway elements, such as traffic circles and curb bump-outs, promote traffic calming. Schools, daycare centers, and recreation facilities are conveniently located for easy access by foot or bike. A variety of parks, from tot-lots to ballfields and community gardens, are evenly distributed throughout the neighborhood, fostering a walkable and connected community.

An interconnected street grid enhances walkability, disperses and calms traffic, and reduces reliance on automobiles. Narrow streets and connected pathways encourage walking, save energy, and create a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. Cul-de-sacs are avoided unless required by natural conditions.

Mixed-use is encouraged within the neighborhood and the block and within buildings through a mix of shops, offices, apartments, houses, recreation and institutional uses.

A diverse mix of housing types, sizes, and prices are integrated within neighborhoods, fostering interaction among people of different ages, ethnicities, and incomes. Affordable housing is seamlessly designed to blend with market-rate homes, avoiding segregation or clustering. Ancillary dwelling units, often above garages, add flexibility to housing options.

The design emphasizes aesthetics, comfort, and a strong sense of place. Civic buildings serve as landmarks, and streets are framed by building fronts or public spaces. Retail buildings face sidewalks with no setback, while residences are placed close to the street, often featuring architectural elements like porches and balconies. Parking is accessed via rear lanes, and street-facing garages are set back or separated to enhance the community's visual appeal and functionality.

The close proximity of residences, shops, services, and employment preserves open space, promotes walking, reduces costs, and supports local amenities and transit. This layout fosters social interactions, encourages neighbors to beautify shared spaces, by adding landscaping and gardens and enhances community security.

Development, construction, and operations are designed to minimize environmental impact. Preserving natural features, minimizing grading, and protecting trees through thoughtful placement of parks and green spaces. Public spaces are designed to highlight natural elements, and open spaces are connected as green corridors. The preservation of historic buildings and landscapes reinforces the continuity of urban heritage.

A high-quality rail network connects cities and towns. Neighborhood centers provide dignified places to wait for transit. All elements of site design encourage a variety of modes for daily transportation.