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[Tekno Arkitect]

The purpose of this thread is to study and analyze the problems associated with the two types of development namely the 'strip/ribbon development' and the 'nodal/clustered development'.

[Tekno Arkitect]

Ribbon Development





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Nodal Development

What are Strategic Growth Nodes?

Strategic Growth Nodes involve focusing new development into core areas with pre-existing infrastructure to create compact settlements with a variety of land uses. Growth nodes often become the hub of culture, commerce, and community interaction for residents living in and around the area.

As a challenge to auto-dependent urban design, nodal development techniques concentrate development in commercial and higher density residential cores to provide the required densities and service to make transit affordable and to foster complete communities where daily services can be reached within walking distance. The higher densities make transit more workable, and the local commercial centre more viable thereby limiting demand for new transportation infrastructure. Often as redevelopments within urban areas, nodal development can make use of existing infrastructure. Good design of streets and public spaces fosters a sense of community.

To concentrate development in higher density nodal areas that would be pedestrian-friendly and well-serviced by transit, some lands could be removed from urban reserves within city boundaries; in addition, rigid planning controls on bringing any more land into the urban reserve could be instituted.

Strong urban growth boundaries can also be created to concentrate growth in nodal areas. Incentives for infill development and brownfield redevelopments could be provided and comprehensive smart growth principles may be used in planning and designing new developments, especially greenfield sites.

How do Strategic Growth Nodes Benefit Municipalities?

Strategic Growth Nodes can contribute to the City’s quality of life and community character and lead to positive social, environmental, and economic benefits.

Social Benefits:

• Creates cultural centres where entertainment, eateries, pubs and cafes, as well as public gathering spaces are concentrated.
• Encourages pedestrian-oriented retail services and public markets that favour community interaction.
• Supports a mix of unique community character and urban environments within each node – i.e. many communities within one community.
• Promotes physical activity among residents by improving cycling and walking trails resulting in important health benefits.

Environmental Benefits:

• Reduces the need for car-oriented travel by providing compact mixed-use developments where commercial and residential areas are interconnected and in close proximity.
• Conserves neighbouring farmlands thereby maintaining the City’s food security and supporting the regional food economy.
• Maintains peri-urban green space by prioritizing infill development and growth in established urban areas.

Economic Benefits:

• Reduces development costs by limiting demand for new commercial, residential and industrial infrastructure and capitalizing on existing services (i.e. roads, water and sewer services).
• Residential proximity to green space increases property prices and leads to a strong real estate market.
• Provides a range of housing options for different lifestyles, income levels and household composition.

Visual Examples