Frank wrote:
http://www.planphilly.com/node/2788
thanks for that link, frank. I have heard of SmartCode (and
noted the branding!), and as I understand it, it discards
the current use-based paradigm in favor of a design-based
(or form-based) paradigm. in doing so it deals with bigger
'chunks' than the current code -- rather than dealing with
uses on a property-by-property scale, it seeks to assign
areas as 'transect zones'(t1-t6), where each zone would have
a pre-determined set of characteristics which would have to
be met by the sum total of properties in that area. in other
words, it seems like a 'top-down', designed approach to city
planning, rather than a 'bottom-up' organic approach.
http://www.smartcodecentral.com/about2.html
it seems sensible, but it raises questions for me -- about
applicability and process, intentions and consequences,
citizenship and ownership... maybe folks here can help
explain, be willing to discuss...
topics:
-- intention. http://www.smartcodecentral.com/about.html
smartcode was intended to address 'suburban sprawl', esp.
into urban areas. is that a problem in philly? what other
intentions are there?
-- consequences. what are the consequences of defining the
problems as they are defined? of a 'problem-solving' approach?
-- applicability. compare the applicability of smartcode to
undeveloped areas vs existing areas. is it the same? would
smartcode be applied equally to all areas?
-- citizenship. who determines the design (the 'form') for
each of the transect zones (ie, what features each zone
should have)? the owners of the properties? a 'design
board'? and who determines which zones get applied to which
areas of the city? who 'owns' the outcomes of smartcode?
-- process. by what process are these determinations made
and adapted over time (ie, is it a matter of voting or
ownership or some design board?)
-- can smartcode be used in tandem with (parts of) the
existing zoning paradigm, or does it necessarily mean
discarding the existing paradigm?
ok that's enough for now... :-)
..................
UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN
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