This paper discusses the successfully planned community of Columbia, Maryland.
This paper discusses how and why Columbia, Maryland is renowned for being a model of excellence in urban planning. Although, Columbia, Maryland is not the first nor the last to serve as a model for planned urban development, it is unique in many ways. The author illustrates how planners designed for convenience, encouraged community involvement, and offered resident amenities. It is shown how Columbia is a modern city that creates a positive environment for its residents.
“He is called the “master planner” and is credited with coining the term “urban renewal” which basically means the “rehabilitation of both people and structures” and “contributing to its translation into law,” with the building of the first enclosed regional malls and encouraging their adaptation in downtown areas. Urban and regional planning earned him the distinction of leader in urban development. Beginning as a suburban shopping center developer, Rouse progressed to the development of Columbia, Maryland. He then went on to create a foundation dedicated to rehabilitating the nation’s most troubled urban neighborhoods. Rouse believed that intervention directed into the physical environment holds the key to social regeneration.”