A Good Solution For Regional Balance

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Each transect zone is coherent because of its unique combination of characteristics and elements. The transect seeks to rectify inappropriate intermixing of components and reduce sprawl. It eliminates urbanizing of the rural by emphasizing proper balance by way of coded patterns. This balance appropriates allocation of elements according to the proper region. Urban development is therefore distributed so that it strengthens rather than stresses the integrity of each environment. Duany and Talen further explains this idea by outlining the following example:

"Infrastructure that is rural might consist of lightly paved roads and open swales, while an urban one will likely consist of streets with curbs and wide sidewalks. Accordingly, trees, buildings, streetlights, and sound controls can be allocated to their appropriate zones. This geographic 'appropriation' serves to better integrate natural and urban systems because one is defined in tandem with the other. Conventional use-based zoning ignores this interrelationship."

The Transect has potential to help community leaders and their constituents understand the planning choices they face. It might help environmentalists see that well-functioning regions include distinct natural and urban spaces — not ill-conceived blends of the two with features such as urban detention ponds. Or by showing the natural place of lower-intensity mixed use communities in a region, the Transect could help residents in outlying areas overcome the fear of a new urbanist plan for their community.

Last edited by JamesCarlson.   Page last modified on March 09, 2005