2030 Comprehensive Plan Update, April 2024

Urban Design

Good design ensures attractive, usable, durable, and adaptable places and is a key element in achieving sustainable development. Good design is integral to good planning. Urban design influences the physical form of the city and how residents experience public spaces such as streets, parks, plazas, or squares. The policies and actions of municipal government and the motivation of private developers largely determine the physical form of the city. While individual buildings may be attractive in themselves, there are numerous other design elements that contribute to the organization of a space including architectural design, building placement, height, scale, open space, transportation rights-of-way, and infrastructure. The cumulative interaction of these design elements and adjacent buildings in organizing public space is vital for achieving an environment that supports and promotes social interaction. Raleigh has many of the physical components that contribute to a successful and vibrant city, but it continues to grapple with issues of walkability, bikeability, and identity. The transit network planned for Raleigh’s future will be the principal driver of change in the urban form and function of the city. Its effects will be most apparent around proposed rail and bus rapid transit stations, where high-density, mixed-use development will be required by the city. With the transit station as the focal point, additional design considerations that promote walking and cycling, such as small block lengths, wide sidewalks, mid-block crossings, retail and restaurant uses on the ground floor, and parking garages with wrap-around retail, will be encouraged.

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