A ROAD LESS TRAVELED

Nathan Lundberg

Urban sprawl can be defined as the rapid expansion out of cities, often characterized by low-density housing, single-use zoning, and an increased reliance on the private automobile. While Urban sprawl can take many forms, common issues include: a lack of physical activity, lowered social interaction, transportation inequality, and wasteful energy practices. These cause numerous mental, physical and developmental problems surrounding human health as well as causing numerous environmental issues. To begin to fix this problem, we must look at existing developments, as to not expand further outwards. I am looking into the existing neighborhood of Buena Vista, west of Downtown San Jose. Renovating this neighborhood to utilize multiple transit systems that begin and end with walkable paths, frees up space occupied by excessive automobile dominated roads.This space can now be used for properly scaled community space and new housing. This paired with an emerging new form of subterranean freight delivery could remedy many of the problems surrounding Urban sprawl. By achieving these goals, this will lead to a road less traveled.