Peter Calthorpe’s 7 principles for urbanism

Peter Calthorpe is a prominent figure in urban design, planning, and architecture, known for his dedication to innovative approaches in urban revitalization, suburban growth, and regional planning. He has championed the concept of New Urbanism, which focuses on creating sustainable, human-scaled places and buildings. His impactful career spans decades, and he has conveyed his vision through both written works and projects.

Calthorpe’s key principles for successful urban development were succinctly presented in a TED Talk in April 2017. These principles embody his belief that thriving places, whether neighborhoods, towns, urban districts, or regions, should be diverse, pedestrian-friendly, and environmentally sustainable:

Preserve: Integrate natural ecologies, agrarian landscapes, and cultural heritage sites into modern development. This integration enhances the overall ambiance of a city and creates a harmonious blend of history, culture, and modern structures.

Mix: Promote mixed-use and mixed-income neighborhoods to foster community integration and reduce inequality among residents. This principle underscores the ongoing importance of creating diverse urban environments.

Walk: Design streets and neighborhoods that are walkable and human-scaled. By prioritizing pedestrian-friendly areas, cities can encourage social interaction, enhance economic prosperity, and reduce reliance on cars.

Bike: Prioritize cycling networks and auto-free streets to provide a pollution-free mode of transportation. Calthorpe emphasizes the efficiency and environmental benefits of biking.

Connect: Increase road network density and limit block sizes to create diverse routes and street types. This approach deviates from monotonous urban structures and fosters more inclusive communities.

Ride: Develop high-quality transit systems and affordable Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) options. Calthorpe stresses the need for increased investment in transit as opposed to relying solely on autonomous vehicles.

Focus: Align density and mix with transit capacity, shifting from an old freeway-centered hierarchy to a transit-oriented one. Calthorpe highlights the need to reestablish the connection between these two urban management concepts.

Calthorpe’s principles emphasize community collaboration to drive change. He remains optimistic that these ideas will gain traction as people gain a better understanding of their urban contexts and form political coalitions to enact transformative urban planning.