Abstract:
This article examines how cities regulate downtown urban design and the effect of these approaches in shaping the built environment. The lack of urban design controls for building placement, elevations and other features can open the door for new development to be designed to accommodate the automobile at the expense of the pedestrian. This article also looks at several cities to show how design standards and guidelines have raised the bar for downtown development, affecting the design of not only buildings but also streetscape improvements and public spaces.