The Resilience of Planned Communities: Recent Perspectives.

This article explores three recently published books on urban planning that delve into the characteristics and resilience of ideal, iconic communities. One book, "Iconic Planned Communities and the Challenge of Change," offers case studies of planned communities from around the world. Another book, "Sunnyside Gardens," focuses on a specific community in Queens, New York. The third book, "John Nolen: Landscape Architect and City Planner," traces the career of America's first city planner. The article highlights the connections and influences among different planners and designers of these communities, emphasizing the belief that well-designed physical environments can promote social well-being and a sense of community. It also discusses common design elements of planned communities, such as grid patterns, mix of housing types, and the presence of a town center. The article examines the resilience and challenges faced by planned communities over time, using case studies like Sunnyside, Greenbelt, and Seaside to illustrate how they have adapted to changes in transportation, governance, housing preferences, and population diversity. It underscores the importance of community support and a sense of place in preserving the original design and heritage of planned communities, concluding that the quality of the initial planning is vital for ensuring the long-term viability and distinctive features of iconic planned communities. [Extracted from the article]