Miami21 is a new form-based zoning code for a growing coastal city at the heart of a metropolitan region. The purpose of the effort was to direct the city toward transit-oriented, pedestrian-friendly growth, and away from disjointed, car-centered development. This zoning code received a 2014 Institute Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design from the American Institute of Architects.
As a dense city, Miami has to deal with traffic and pedestrians, while working to keep city living desirable. Duany Plater-Zyberk & Co. LLC as key members in the creation of the Urban Land Institute, working to make cities comfortable for the individual residents, have a lot of experience in this area. They planned Seaside Florida in the state panhandle, and used the ‘Smart Code’ template to craft the new Miami code. (See the link at the end of this article, an open source initiative of DPZ.) As Orlando grows, we may be well advised to consider concepts in the new Miami code to solve issues of pedestrian and traffic conflicts while moving commuters and tourists through our denser neighborhoods and attraction districts.
The images below help visually explain the advantages of smart planning. The smart code suburb has condos, apartments, schools, and churches arranged around the neighborhood park, creating more energy and focus to the community. The Smart Code commercial district has offices and residences above the stores and restaurants so people can drive much less and enjoy their life more.
The Jury Comments say most of the points I wanted to make:
The zoning code for the city of Miami is an important, innovative project; it’s the kind of project we need to see more cities undertake.
The effort it took to reach a consensus on this plan is truly remarkable: the sheer fact that the plan was implemented is amazing and deserves to be rewarded.
This project went beyond crafting a vision – in fact, it developed a tool. Other cities will have to address zoning issues in the future, and this plan will serve as an invaluable precedent.
Here is a link to the article on the National AIA website: http://www.aia.org/practicing/awards/2014/regional-urban-design/miami-21/
Here is a link to the Smart Code site: http://www.smartcodecentral.org/
Here is the link to Duany Plater-Zyberk & Co. LLC, architects and planners: http://www.dpz.com/