| This thesis evaluates the new urbanism approach to neighborhood design in theory and application as a possible resolution to the dilemma of urban sprawl in California. Post World War II developments, once thought to be the ideal alternative to living in the city where crime, pollution and congestion were believed to exist have now become the antithesis of their original purpose. Many residents of these developments are experiencing traffic, pollution and isolation in the suburbs.; The new urbanist approach is a proposed alternative to conventional suburban developments with its high-density pedestrian friendly neighborhoods, main streets and close proximity to reliable public transportation. New urbanist principles place a high priority on reducing the amount of land dedicated to the automobile.; Quantitative and qualitative data was collected to evaluate new urbanism principles when applied to a development. The findings indicate that while communities labeled as new urbanism do not uphold all new urbanism principles, these ideals may provide an alternative to car dependent conventional sprawl communities in California. |
