An Analysis of the Physical Development of a Community
Date of Award
2004
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Brain, David
Keywords
Suburban Sprawl, Community Development, Port Charlotte
Area of Concentration
General Studies
Abstract
The ways in which our communities are physically arranged directly affects many aspects of life within our society. The economy, the natural environment, crime and safety, even the manner in which we socialize, are all influenced to varying degrees by the built landscape: the placement of buildings and roads, and the relationships that are formed between public and private spaces. Suburban sprawl is a term familiar to many but, as I discovered during the course of this project, well understood by few. And the group that appears to understand sprawl the least is the general public. Therefore, one of the main goals of this thesis is to understand the subject of sprawl, not only what exactly it entails but the problems this system of land development creates and its impact on the health of our communities and our quality of life. But are there rational alternatives to sprawl: ones that can be integrated into today's high-tech society without destroying existing communities? This question is explored in this thesis, and the general conclusion is that yes, there are alternatives to sprawl. And the most promising approach appears to one in which current-minded thinking about traditional neighborhood development will offer new hope for better, healthier communities of place. I use Port Charlotte, Florida as a case study of the challenges of sprawl. In addition, I comment on the field of architecture and its possible role in building healthy communities.
Recommended Citation
Meneely, James, "An Analysis of the Physical Development of a Community" (2004). Theses & ETDs. 3423.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3423
Rights
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