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Courtyard Block with Alicia Pederson
Manage episode 459934226 series 3494418
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Imagine a city where kids play safely in lush courtyards, neighbors bond over shared spaces, and errands are just a step away. Courtyard urbanist Alicia Pederson shares how this European housing model could transform American cities for families.
- LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Find Alicia here: Bluesky & Twitter
- Things we spoke about:
- Single stair / point access buildings:
- Building for People: Designing Livable, Affordable, Low-Carbon Communities by Michael Eliason
- More on Courtyard Blocks
Courtyard Block with Alicia Pederson 
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Episode Takeaways - Courtyard Blocks as a Family-Friendly Urban Typology
Courtyard blocks (or perimeter blocks) are characterized by buildings framing a city block, creating a shared green courtyard. This design supports family living by offering a safe, private outdoor space for children to play. - Advantages of Courtyard Blocks
They combine urban density with private, shared green space. This typology is ideal for families, allowing kids to play safely without constant supervision, while preserving the benefits of city living. - Successful Examples in Europe
Cities like Copenhagen, Prague, and Vienna showcase the effectiveness of courtyard blocks in creating family-friendly urban environments. Copenhagen’s efforts in revitalizing neglected courtyards exemplify how this typology can enhance urban living. - Walkability and Mixed-Use Integration
Courtyard blocks often feature commercial or office spaces on the ground floor, with residential units above. This integration promotes walkability and convenience for residents, reducing reliance on cars. - Challenges in Adapting Courtyard Blocks to the U.S.
American cities face hurdles like car dependency, zoning setbacks, and dual egress building codes. Solutions include adapting parking designs (e.g., parking podiums) and targeting distressed commercial corridors for redevelopment. - Zoning and Development Roadblocks
Variances for parking reductions and setbacks are often required for courtyard block projects. Financing can also be a barrier, as developers and investors may struggle to find comparable models in the U.S. - Aspirational Housing for Families|
Many urban families seek larger homes with safe outdoor spaces, often moving to the suburbs due to limited options. Courtyard blocks can provide an urban alternative, preserving families in cities. - Potential for Public and Private Collaboration
Federal initiatives like repurposing unused land for housing (e.g., USPS sites) present opportunities for courtyard block development. Local governments could facilitate this by providing guidelines or rethinking platting patterns. - Cultural Shift in American Urbanism
There’s a need to reimagine urban living to reflect European-style density and walkability. This includes advocating for shared green spaces, commercial integration, and family-oriented housing designs. - Economic and Environmental Benefits
Proper urbanism (e.g., integrating big-box retailers into urban formats) benefits cities economically while reducing car dependency. Developers and retailers can capitalize on walkable, dense neighborhoods to create vibrant urban spaces.
Alicia Pederson, Ph.D, is a member of the Greater Rockwell Organization’s Urban Planning & Development Committee, Strong Towns Chicago, and Urban Environmentalists. She is the mother of three children enrolled in a Lincoln Square elementary school.
“The buildings are built right up to the property line, and they completely frame a city block. Usually they are four to six stories tall, and they are common throughout continental Europe. The individual buildings are built wall to wall. So when the entire block is framed by building, the inner becomes a courtyard.”
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