The Why (Part III): The Inner Workings of Urbanism
As we’ve already discussed and will continue to explore, real estate and the built environment is linked to our social, emotional and cultural well-being. I grew up in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, with a population of 16,000, and truly did not have the vocabulary to define urbanism until long after I left the place where I was raised. Tahlequah has always had a thriving Main Street, with a diversity of uses and businesses, quality parks and public spaces, and a sidewalk/street system that allows for a pleasant pedestrian experience. I believe that many of us develop an appreciation for urbanism, both small and large, before we are able to name it (or if we are able to name it at all). I also am confident that good urbanism is truly intuitive and responsive to our desires as humans and herd creatures (more on this soon).
With that, let’s zoom in on some definitions.
What is urbanism?
Cultural and social patterns that happen within cities and towns, shaped by the built environment. In our work at the Memphis Medical District Collaborative, we often talk about examples of good urbanism, such as: a mixture of uses within a block or neighborhood (housing, flexible work, public spaces, restaurants and watering holes), a defined street wall with buildings designed within the context of the neighborhood, and a public realm that supports walkability and multiple modes of transportation (pedestrian, bikes, public transit). Even as far back as 1961, Jane Jacobs would add that small blocks and “eyes on the street” are essential in great urban communities (The Death and Life of Great American Cities).
How would I define urbanism?
Coming from a small town with an interesting built fabric, I view urbanism from a unique lens. I resonate deeply with the concept of the 15-minute city and believe they can exist within a variety of contexts, towns and cities. I think of good urbanism as a place where I can do most, if not all, of the things I enjoy within a relatively short walk. Going back to Tahlequah today I know that both survival and enjoyment can be sustained with a 15-minute walk: grabbing groceries and a meal from the “health food store”, coffee and work at the local shop, and catching up with friends over drinks at the local pub. Said another way, I define good urbanism as having a close enough connection to the nearby shop that they remember your name and your order when you walk in.
This environment, while maybe not defined as urban, is still a human-scaled fabric bringing people and uses together near a density of housing, creates a beautiful community experience.
Sounds good, but what does this have to do with a real estate career?
As I said earlier, I believe great design and the best real estate developments are intuitive–done at the human-scale and responding to our cultural and social needs. The pattern of how we have planned and designed our cities since World War II has been a mere placebo of community, and I want to continue being a part of restructuring these patterns by recognizing our need for connectivity and well-performing real estate assets are not mutually exclusive.
If you’re building or exploring a project that shares these same values, I’d love to talk with you. Feel free to reach out anytime at realestate@travistinnin.co or (918) 207-8504.
Peace,
–Travis
