Our modern suburban development pattern wastes an extraordinary amount of space — an approach vastly different from the compact and productive urbanism seen in historic cities, where land was treated as a scarce resource and every inch of it was used with ingenuity.
On a recent visit to Annapolis, Maryland — a historic city shaped by its relationship with the river — I observed how its traditional urban patterns made use of all available space. Over time, as land values increased, every pocket of land became important. The city evolved organically, filling in nooks and crannies with buildings and spaces that adapted to the existing topography and ownership patterns.
Annapolis is filled with irregularly shaped lots and buildings that seamlessly fit into the fabric of the city. These unique spaces, often featured in postcards and promotional materials, create a charm that modern suburban developments rarely achieve. Many of these oddly shaped parcels began as tiny experiments — an additional shop squeezed in to serve the port, or a home adapted to a non-standard lot. Over time, these structures merged, expanded and transformed, creating a rich and diverse urban landscape.
European cities provide even more compelling examples of “nook and cranny” urbanism. These places, having stood the test of time, showcase diversified development patterns that allow for continual adaptation. Their compact layouts, walkable streets and incremental expansions have enabled them to remain vibrant and functional for centuries.
Contrast With Modern Suburban Development
Unlike the incremental, space-conscious approach of traditional cities, today’s suburban development pattern is rigid, designed to be “complete” upon construction with little expectation for future growth or change. Just outside of Annapolis, subdivisions and shopping centers are built in a way that locks them in time. The only foreseeable change is a tenant swap or the slow maturation of trees.
Another example of wasted land in suburban areas is the duplication of infrastructure. We often see arterial roads buffered by large, underutilized setbacks, followed by private streets serving adjacent developments. These are not elegant boulevards — they are examples of unproductive land use.
Applying Traditional Principles to Future Development
As someone who has reviewed countless development plans in city hall, I have seen firsthand the amount of wasted land in modern projects. While some space is intentionally preserved for open areas, much of it is simply unproductive design. By building to a “finished state,” suburban developments sacrifice the possibility of future expansion and adaptability.
Applying the principles of traditional urbanism to contemporary development can yield dramatically different results. If we treat land as a valuable, finite resource, we can begin to position buildings and infrastructure with long-term growth in mind.
For example:
- Positioning buildings closer to the street or corners of lots allows for future phases of development on the remaining land.
- Placing utilities strategically along future corridors ensures that sites can evolve without requiring costly infrastructure relocation.
- Designing flexible parking layouts enables the conversion of surface lots into future building sites as demand for space increases.
By embracing this approach, today’s developments can mature organically over time, just as historic cities did. As land becomes scarcer and community needs evolve, these “reserved” spaces can accommodate additional housing, businesses and public amenities.
A More Productive and Sustainable Model
This form of master planning does not require additional funding — on the contrary, it often results in more productive land use and greater long-term financial returns. By maximizing land use from the outset, developers can create projects that grow sustainably, reinvesting early savings into future expansions.
By thinking beyond immediate needs and designing with adaptability in mind, we can build communities that are not just functional today but that continue to evolve and thrive for generations to come. The key lies in recognizing the value of every nook and cranny and ensuring that no space is wasted.
Does your place have this kind of adaptable, productive charm? Or is it working to legalize it? If so, you should nominate it for the Strongest Town Contest!
Anyone can nominate their place for free, even if they’re not a city official or staff member. It only takes 3 steps:
- Supply some information about your town and yourself.
- Tell us about your community.
- Share some photos of your place.
The winner will receive tickets to the National Gathering, a video about their community, and a plaque. Start yours today because nominations close Sunday, 2/16!
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Previously Published on strongtowns.org with Creative Commons License
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