Places

Guidelines

Places Wiki is a web-based, community-created resource of places — buildings, streets, public spaces, new urban developments, old urban neighborhoods, and regions.

A Places Wiki entry is similar to a Wikipedia article in that each entry has text and images. There is also a location that produces a Google map view, Walkscore, and other suggested data.

To add a Places article, log on and go to the Places page. Click on “Add a new place.” Select a type. Give the place a name and choose a place subtype. Add text and footnote as needed (see the footnote tool in the toolbar under the main text). Add hyperlinks as required (see the chain icon in the taskbar). Add a location using the location box (you can click on the Google map view for exact geolocation or use a street address). Click “save” and go to the bottom of the entry to add images.

Places articles relate to planning, developing, and experiencing walkable places. Entries should be built, not just designed (or, in the case of new urban developments, at least partly built).

Buildings include structures that enhance the public realm, including a Charleston sideyard, an urban townhouse, or a pedestrian-friendly supermarket. Text can cite technical details, architecture, history — any aspects of the building relating to urbanism. Photos and building plans are encouraged.

Streets can include any walkable thoroughfare, from a pedestrian passage to a multiway boulevard. Any interesting detail of such roads can be included — one example would be how citizens worked to modify the street’s dimensions to make it safer and more pedestrian friendly. Entries should discuss what is remarkable about a road and what could improve it.

Public spaces include plazas, greens, squares, playgrounds, or public gathering spots.

New urban developments are projects built according to the principles of New Urbanism. They can be tiny (a handful of buildings) or large (thousands of acres).

Old urban neighborhoods are walkable neighborhoods built before the dominance of automobiles. These should consist of the best walkable neighborhoods in any city and region. Write about the history of such neighborhoods, the physical highlights, and what makes them so appealing.

Regions usually include many municipalities but share an overall economy, transportation infrastructure, climate, and geography. Part entries discuss characteristics that give rise to and support the urban form. History is essential, as are transportation systems and natural corridors.

Thank you for helping to support the New Urban Network Places Wiki.