The topic that I have selected to research is Mixed-Use Development. This term can be defined as "three or more significant revenue-producing uses of a building." Physically and functionally, it is considered a collaboration of project component. It is an example of a development in compliance with a logical plan. Mixed-use development thrived in commercial and residential areas in the early 20th century. These types of areas were usually located at intersections and bus stops. This was probably the case so that when people are walking down the street, ready to cross or are just getting off their bus there would be a large building with multiple shops/services inside that they could take advantage of before carrying on with their day. Benefits of mixed-use development are that it keeps urban areas more active for more hours of the day, increases housing options for numerous types of living spaces, minimizes automobile dependence, increases travel options, and creates a local sense of place.
Mixed-use at Randolph & Snelling Avenues, St. Paul
I think mixed-use development is a very accommodating way to create buildings/cities. I found the Queen Anne markets in Seattle to be a great example of this type of development. In this case, there are multiple types of apartments to be occupied. For example there will be three stories of apartments, including one and two-bedroom units and "smart units" which are places to stay that are more affordable. There is space for potential shops and even a basement area for a cinema. There is also space for single-family housing, parking stalls, and a rooftop deck. In this particular mixed-use development, recycled materials and energy-efficient lighting and appliances will be utilized.
Queen Anne Markets, Seattle
Another example of mixed-use development that came to mind after doing research is located on long island. There are brand new outlets that were built a couple towns over from me called "The Arches." This is an example of mixed-use development because there are about 150 different types of clothing, shoes, and accessory shops located here, along with multiple restaurants, ice cream and coffee shops. There is a big multiplex cinema, a gym, and offices that were built on top of all the shops. You can spend all day at these outlets, as it is very accommodating. I found it interesting that when it came closer to the holidays, they made an overflow parking lot for the automobiles that could not fit in the normal, designated parking lots. But what was more interesting was that they had shuttles running from this extra parking lot to the shopping center to eliminate unnecessary traffic and congestion.
The Arches' Cinema
Shops at The Arches
The amount of land we have left on our Earth is becoming scarce. It is becoming neccessary to be smart about the way we use our land in accomodating our needs. Mixed-use development is now more popular in towns and villages where "services and transportation are most available." With the right approaches, we can utilize mixed-use development in a way that can save our land while benefit the people living in the surrounding area.
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