What Are Planned Communities?

Planned communities are new towns or entire neighborhoods that are built from scratch in a previously undeveloped area or over the remains of a previous community. The benefits of planned communities include sustainable development and efficient public transit. Washington, D.C. is an example of a planned community.

History

Planned communities are an ancient concept, dating as far back as the Middle Ages, and even ancient Greece. Ancient China designed many cities using the principles of Feng shui, including its capital, Beijing.

Purpose

The purpose of a planned community varies, but is usually shaped by the moral and aesthetic ideas of those who plan it. For instance some cities are designed to be eco-friendly and are based on sustainability. The concept of an industrial company town is basically a corporate-planned community.

Benefits

Planned communities enjoy fewer land use disputes as well as zoning laws that place restrictions on development which are intended to maintain order. In addition, public transit and commuting is more orderly in a planned community.

The Future

While planned communities have been around for centuries, the future holds many promising evolutions for the concept. Physically self-contained planned communities such as Arcologies are being developed around the world. These planned communities are designed to exist as an entire city under one giant roof. Examples of arcologies currently under construction include Masdar City, a project in progress in the United Arab Emirates, and Arcosanti in Arizona.