Urban Design Vocabulary

dividing land into areas designated for specific uses

“Zoning separates industrial from residential areas.”

Origin: From zone (Greek zone `belt, girdle`) + -ing

the concentration of people or buildings in an area

“High density enables efficient public transit.”

Origin: Latin densitas, from densus `thick`

the distance a building must be from property lines

“Setback requirements created space for sidewalks.”

Origin: From set + back

combining residential, commercial, and other uses in one area

“Mixed-use development reduces car dependency.”

Origin: From mixed + use

the shared spaces between buildings in cities

“Plazas and sidewalks form the public realm.”

Origin: From public + realm (Old French reaume)

the visual character of a street

“Trees and benches improved the streetscape.”

Origin: From street + -scape (landscape)

unplanned, low-density expansion of cities

“Urban sprawl increased commuting times.”

Origin: From urban (Latin urbanus) + sprawl

development on vacant or underused land within existing areas

“Infill development revitalized the downtown.”

Origin: From in + fill

dense, walkable communities around transit stations

“Transit-oriented development reduced car use.”

Origin: Modern urban planning term

renovation of deteriorating areas, often displacing residents

“Gentrification transformed the neighborhood but raised rents.”

Origin: From gentry (Old French genterie `of gentle birth`) + -fication