Hedge cities : gambling on regional futures

Environmental degradation, automobile dependence, anticipated rapid population growth and spatial inequity have combined to form the basis for recent North American regional plans advocating a physical alternative to diffuse, uncoordinated development. To provide a physical place in which development can be re-channeled, a number of regions have promoted a network of sub-regional centers in designated locations along existing or planned rapid transit lines. These centers are the urban embodiment of an ecologically sustainable, economically diverse, pedestrian-oriented region in which a variety of housing types is available, jobs are located close to population centers, and social groups are less stratified in enclaves dominated by a single form of development. This paper critically assesses the planning, design and development of designated regional centers in North America during the past two decades, focusing specifically on the promotion of regional centers for Metropolitan Portland, Oregon and Greater Vancouver, British Columbia. Through case studies, comparative analysis, and assessment of real estate trends and urban design, the paper provides a window into the initial success of intentional centers in both regions. Design and development outcomes across the centers of both regions vary dramatically, but a number of consistent themes emerged from the research: the number and size of sub-regional centers planned for both regions appears far too ambitious;

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2004

Author dc:creator

• Shorett, Mark, 1976-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Terry Szold.

• Urban Studies and Planning.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/17706

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/17706