To balance the interests of current residents and economic well-being, does a city's signature identity need an update?
Discussing an ongoing initiative of Friends of Architecture Santa Fe, Chuck Wolfe describes the organization's efforts to reimagine a "Santa Fe Style" that is more inclusive and reflective of current challenges than the original City Beautiful formulations, blending Pueblo Revival with more contemporary designs that reflect the multicultural heritage of its residents, as well as modern challenges such as climate change, enhanced walkability, more creative use of density, and housing affordability.
He considers the role of design and historic preservation reviews, as well as different approaches from his experience and research, and endorses the Friends approach as a positive example of a pluralistic and co-created approach.
He concludes:
In keeping with my experiences elsewhere and related research, I appreciate Friends’ advocacy of an essential and sincere dialogue about reshaping the narrative around the Santa Fe Style and avoiding physical determinism, where the built environment and framing decisions over-dictates social and other environmental outcomes.
Tweaking plan language and employing regulatory tools are not enough; a focused, contextual, and collaborative approach involving city planners, businesses, community leaders, and residents is crucial for crafting a vision that genuinely reflects the values and needs of all inhabitants.
FULL STORY: How to Avoid a Misplaced Place
Balancing Aesthetics and Affordability
Policies too narrowly focused on design can drive up the cost of construction and prevent the development of affordable housing.
Historic Preservation—A Reason to Nix Scooters?
Scooter opponents in Alexandria, Virginia, claim the devices threaten the historic character of the city, but supporters say the argument is nonsense.
Atlanta’s Planning Commissioner Won’t Tolerate Bad Design Any Longer
Tim Keane says quality design isn’t negotiable and developers need to aim higher.
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.
California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.
Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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