Architects’ Role in Designing Green, Walkable Communities

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Evelyn Long

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8042 Last modified by the author on 18/05/2021 - 14:31
Architects’ Role in Designing Green, Walkable Communities

Architects play a significant role in the design and development of buildings and communities. Without them, cities would have a challenging time functioning efficiently and effectively. They take an idea and transform it into a beautiful physical space designed for human use or viewing pleasure.

With the outbreak of COVID-19, people realized that the way cities currently run aren’t practical when something like a global pandemic strikes. Travelers could no longer use buses, subway systems, or taxis to get where they needed to go. These systems of transportation that were once relied upon are seemingly no longer reliable.

That’s where green, walkable communities come into play. The need for a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly system is prevalent, and architects’ role in designing green, walkable communities is essential in making that happen.

What Is a Walkable Community?

Just as it sounds, a walkable community allows people to walk from place to place with ease and accessibility. Most areas should be within walking distance from people’s homes and workplaces, which means they can access essential businesses within about 10 minutes.

Additionally, the streets enable foot traffic, encouraging more people to walk instead of using another form of transportation. Although walkable communities promote walking, there should still be access to public transit when needed for longer-distanced trips.

The Role of the Architect

More people want to have a sustainable community. Some of the greenest cities encourage people to walk from place to place. Plus, these walkable communities promote healthy living and don't put others' health at risk. Walkable communities are trending and have become increasingly desirable for those looking to live in larger cities.

Architects can use thoughtful design to create these types of communities. Those involved in architecture and construction can use sustainable methods to build communities and cities that promote the environment's health.

When designing a walkable community, architects must focus on accessibility and short walking distances to essential businesses and buildings. For example, from a resident’s home, the resident should be able to walk to work, a grocery store, the hospital, drug stores, and school in a short period.

When designing residential areas, the architect has to focus on higher densities so more people can access these buildings. However, in creating high-density areas, the architect must consider breathability and liveability. It shouldn't be so congested that it turns people away from walking in their communities.

People in walkable communities must have certain amenities while on the streets and sidewalks. When designing green communities, architects should:

  • Put safety first: Architects’ roles in designing green, walkable communities starts with putting safety first. Just because a city is walkable doesn’t mean there aren’t vehicles. Sidewalks should be a safe distance from streets, have even pavement, have retaining walls in traffic-heavy areas, and be wide enough to accommodate the population. Drivers should be able to clearly view pedestrians in crosswalk intersections.
  • Consider street lighting: Lighting, which goes along with safety, is another important design element. Street lights reduce traffic accidents and crime rates and keep people safe when they walk at night.
  • Make walking enjoyable: In addition to safety features, architects should ensure walking is enjoyable for pedestrians. When it’s enjoyable, more people will choose to walk, therefore creating a greener community.
  • Create efficient walkways: Pedestrians who need to get to a certain place at a certain time need efficient walkways. That’s why a grid system works best for destination walking.
  • Add seating options: Finally, there should be seating options for those pedestrians who want to meander around the community. This allows people to take a break and relax in open spaces within their community.

There's a lot of design information an architect needs to consider when designing a green community. Their role is one of the most important because, without architects, those in the construction industry may not be able to create effective, walkable communities.

A Need to Create a Sustainable Environment

Walkable communities create sustainable environments. Currently, transportation contributes heavily to greenhouse gas emissions, making up nearly 30% of all emissions in the U.S.

Creating walkable communities sustains communities. People have a lower risk of pollution-related diseases, and since more people will be walking, there will be fewer car emissions.

Additionally, a cleaner environment means the local economy will be more lucrative and sustainable and better give residents their needs.

Architects Can Design Walkable Communities

As the demand for more sustainable and eco-friendly communities rises, cities and towns will have more accessible walking areas. Walkable areas can better equip communities to weather global pandemics and health crises, as well as promote healthy living. Architects play a significant role in ensuring communities remain efficient, green, and walkable.

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