The Residential Street - Parts I, II, & III
by Greg Dale & Jennifer Sharn
Part I: the origins of today's typical residential street standards, and why some planners have begun to question them
Part II: curves and cul-de-sacs
Part III: the influence of the modern land development pattern
From PCJ #20, 21, & 22; Fall '95, Winter '96, & Spring '96
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Most everyone is familiar with the basic classification of roads
and streets into several different categories. These major
divisions include the arterial street, the collector street, and
the local street. While a great deal of attention has been given
to the design and functions of arterials and collectors, the
local (or residential) street has also begun to receive greater
attention.
The evolution of public perception as to what constitute the
most desirable characteristics of a residential street has
undergone many fascinating changes. Residential streets in the
early part of the century were characterized by relatively
narrow widths, sidewalks, and shallow front yards, often with
porches dominating the front elevation of the house. They
typically occurred in a grid pattern.
With the advent of the
modern subdivision, the character of residential streets began
to change substantially. Streets became wider to better
accommodate traffic, houses were set back further, sidewalks
often disappeared completely, and the front door became less of
an activity area.
...
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