Mixed-Use Development: A Driving Trend in Cities and Suburbs
As the name implies, mixed-use building refers to structures with a blend of business, residential and retail spaces. It is often found in pedestrian-friendly environments. Sometimes referred to as the ‘live-work-play environment’. This is because it allows people of different facets of life to coexist in the same space.
Mixed-use development does fall into three main categories. they are; Vertical Mixed-Use development, Horizontal Mixed-Use development, and Mixed-Use Walkable areas.
Vertical Mixed-Use Development:
This is the mixed-use building where retail shops, commercial businesses, and restaurants are on the lower floor. The upper floors are for more private uses. Like private offices and residential units.
Horizontal Mixed-Use Development:
This is a building with a complementary blend of residential, business, and retail spaces within a Walkable distance. Often in a single line without stories or floors.
Mixed-Use Walkable Areas:
This is a combination of vertical and horizontal Mixed-Use architecture ideas. It’s more like an outdoor plaza for various activities. Like farmer’s markets, concerts, residential spaces, and other events.
The Driving Trend in Cities and Suburbs
There is a high growth of mixed-use architecture ideas and mixed-use buildings in recent years. A lot of the popularity of mixed-use neighborhoods is due to social connections. Not the kind of connection the likes of Twitter, and Facebook provide. Despite the growth of social media, people still crave face-to-face connections and interactions.
Common areas within commercial and residential spaces allow people to meet more often. Either by chance or by intention. It also promotes and increases the strength of such communities.
In recent years, you will find that people aren’t against the idea of more mixed-use architecture ideas in their environment. A lot of them are quite content with a mixed-use building. Even if they might offer less personal space in exchange for access to common amenities.
Amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, roof decks, and party spaces amongst others. These are often what consist of a checklist for urban dwellers. Especially those who love social connections.
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They are also in need of quick access to food. Eating out is a thing in this era and is also seen as a social activity as well. In busy areas, restaurants with healthy food choices are preferable to having take-outs. A mixed-use building with nice restaurants attracts a lot of traffic at night and more on weekends. This serves as an advantage for the retailers in the area.
People love convenience and dislike anything that seems a little stressful. Whether they are the group downsizing from a suburban house or those starting a new life phase, people need things to be easy. The easier it is to find what they need in an environment, the more attractive the environment is to them. This means, most things they need should be within a walking distance.
Access to many services, especially daily activities is the most attractive. Variety of services like public transport, favorite coffee shop, dry cleaner, and restaurants. Also theaters and other leisure activities. It is even more encouraging when it is close to their place of work.
Far beyond convenience, it is so much fun living in a mixed-use development. Regards of the various mixed-use architecture ideas and construction types, it’s always a pleasure to live in. Though the construction can be new in the environment, developers try to ensure the community feels familiar.
The neighborhoods are always filled with life. You connect with ease and feel safe despite its many activities.
Mixed-use Development Benefits
Part of its ever-growing popularity is also a result of its many benefits. Apart from the social connections they foster, it also has environmental, health, and economic benefits. Its increase in property tax revenue remains one of its greatest economic benefits.
These communities are denser than others. This means they become more valuable than those with single-use development. They also save money on trash services, fire, and police. Infrastructure costs for roads as well due to shorter traveling distances.
Health Benefits are due to the more active lifestyle mixed-use development encourages. Someone living in a mixed-use building doesn’t need to drive as much when heading to his or her favorite spot. Mixed-use architecture ideas cause people to take walks more often. Reducing the use of cabs or personal vehicles. This means more exercise and a lesser risk of obesity or any associated illness.
Environmental benefits are in connection to its walkability. It is also commented to its promotion of a live-work-play society. More walking means less traffic and reduces car pollution in the environment.
Many people in mixed-use developments do give up the use of cars. Often times they choose to walk instead or use public transit lines. They also help preserve natural resources and open spaces.
Conclusion:
The innovation of mixed-use architecture ideas is one of the best gains in the modern age. This ever-growing trend will continue due to its many benefits it offers. Everyone wants to lead a healthy life and enjoy things in their comfort zone. We all want things at our convenience.
Offering convenience and social connections makes mixed-use development a growing trend. One that everyone should at least, have a taste of at some point.