Mixed-use development

Mixed-use development refers to buildings that contain more than one use. In zoning terms, this means some combination of Residential, Commercial, or Industrial(manufacturing) use.

HISTORY

Mixed use was the only use for centuries. With little transportation besides ships and animals, homes were often the sites of work for most people, be they farmers, cobblers, or potters. This was particularly true in cities, where a bottom floor was often devoted to some sort of commercial use. Streets were the sites of markets. With the industrial revolution came a reaction against the mixing of use. Throughout the 19th century, manufacturing remained largely centered in tennements and homes. However, as industry grew, so did the scale of industry. Soon, entire buidings were constructed, devoted entirely to manufacturing. Many factories produced horrendous stenches and horrible smoke. These factors were important in the push for zoning.

Another impetus for zoning was the birth of the skyscraper. Fear of buildings blocking out the sun led many to call for zoning regulations, particularly in New York City. Zoning regulations, first put into place in 1916, not only called for limits on building heights, but eventually called for separations of uses. THis largely was meant to keep people from living next to, or in polluted industrial areas. This seperation however, was extended to commercial uses as well, setting the stage for the suburban style of life that is common in America today. Zoning was almost universally adopted by municipalities (Houston being a notable exception).

Completely seperated uses, however, were not possible in dense urban areas, where a mixture of uses was always present. Zoning laws accomadated this with mixed-use zoning. Most commonly, this means residential buildings with streetfront commercial space. Jane Jacobs' book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, argues that a mixture of uses is vital and necessary for a healthy urban area. Since that time, Mixed-use development has become a tool used by urban planners to develop urban areas. This method has truly caught on in the past decade as cities reemerge from a long decline.

Notable Examples

The AOL-Time Warner Center in New York City has an amazing mixture of uses. It's uses include a residential tower, hotel, Jazz performance Hall, shopping mall, and supermarket all in one building.