Accommodating growth: The concept of traditional neighborhood development in Westhaven

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Sprawling Urban Growth: Impacts and Approaches
• Causes and Problems of Urban Sprawl
• Anti-Sprawl Approaches: Smart Growth, New Urbanism, and TND
• Portrayal of Westhaven's Hometown Franklin
• Location
• Population
• Economics
• Provision of Infrastructure
• Land Use Development
• Urban Growth Management
• Embodiment of TND in Westhaven
• Design of Westhaven
• Genesis of the Project
• Setting in Franklin
• Structure of the Neighborhood
• Architecture of Buildings and Landscape
• Existing and Planned Service Amenities
• Successes and Benefits
• Pedestrian-friendly Environment
• Strong "Sense of Community"
• High Standard of Living
• Increased Awareness of Region
• Failures and Deficiencies
• Insufficient Connection to Region
• Inadequate Internal Business Establishments
• Inefficient Land Use
• Unaffordable for Lower-Income Households
• Conclusions of the TND Concept: What Westhaven Teaches Us
• Planning Approaches for TND to Manage Growth
• Integration in Regional Network
• Sufficient Supply with Businesses
• Efficient Land Use
• Offer of Lower-Priced Homes
• Final View on the Revised TND Concept

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This Bachelor Thesis examines the concept of "traditional neighborhood development" (TND) as an urban model to address the problems of urban sprawl. The primary goal is to determine whether TND is a viable approach to accommodating growth and preventing sprawl, particularly focusing on its implementation in Westhaven, a planned community in Franklin, Tennessee. The thesis aims to evaluate TND's success and limitations based on its design, benefits, and shortcomings in this specific context.

• The problems of urban sprawl and its impact on society, economy, and ecology
• The TND concept as an anti-sprawl approach developed by the New Urbanism movement
• The implementation of TND in the case study of Westhaven, including its design principles, benefits, and challenges
• The effectiveness of TND in accommodating growth and achieving a high standard of living
• Recommendations for improving the TND concept to address its deficiencies and enhance its suitability for managing urban growth

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The first chapter introduces the problem of urban sprawl in the United States, highlighting its rapid growth and its negative consequences. It then explores various approaches to managing growth and preventing sprawl, including smart growth, new urbanism, and TND. Chapter two provides a detailed description of Franklin, Tennessee, where Westhaven is located. It examines Franklin's location, population demographics, economic activity, infrastructure provision, land use development, and urban growth management strategies. Chapter three delves into the design and implementation of the TND concept in Westhaven. This chapter examines the genesis of the project, its setting within Franklin, the structure of the neighborhood, architectural features, and planned amenities. Chapter four analyzes the successes and benefits of TND in Westhaven, focusing on its pedestrian-friendly environment, community building, high standard of living, and increased regional awareness. Chapter five explores the failures and deficiencies of TND in Westhaven, including its limited connection to the region, inadequate internal business establishments, inefficient land use, and affordability concerns. Chapter six presents conclusions about the TND concept based on the Westhaven case study. The chapter also proposes planning approaches for integrating TND into regional networks, enhancing business opportunities, promoting efficient land use, and increasing affordability.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This thesis focuses on the key concepts of urban sprawl, traditional neighborhood development (TND), New Urbanism, and sustainable urban development. It examines the challenges and opportunities of accommodating growth in a way that addresses the social, economic, and environmental impacts of urban sprawl. The primary themes of the thesis include urban planning, community design, transportation, housing, and economic development, all within the context of a specific case study of Westhaven, a planned community in Franklin, Tennessee.