The term "smart growth" refers to an urban planning and development approach that emphasizes sustainable and efficient land use. The word "smart" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /smɑrt/, indicating a long "a" sound in the first syllable and a voiced "r" sound. Meanwhile, "growth" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /ɡroʊθ/, indicating a long "o" sound in the first syllable and the "th" sound in the second syllable. The spelling of "smart growth" emphasizes both the innovation and progressiveness of the approach.
Smart growth is a concept that encompasses planning and development strategies aimed at creating sustainable and livable communities. It focuses on achieving a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. The core idea behind smart growth is to promote efficient land use, reduce sprawl, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
In practice, smart growth advocates for the development of mixed-use neighborhoods, where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces are integrated, optimizing the use of land and minimizing the need for long commutes. It emphasizes the importance of creating walkable and bike-friendly communities, with access to public transportation, to reduce reliance on private vehicles and encourage healthier lifestyles.
Moreover, smart growth encourages the preservation of open spaces, such as parks and green areas, protecting natural resources, and biodiversity. It also promotes the reuse of existing infrastructure and buildings to minimize urban blight and sprawl.
Key components of smart growth include affordable housing options, community involvement in the planning process, and the promotion of economic opportunities for all residents. By fostering compact and connected communities, smart growth strives to improve air and water quality, reduce the consumption of resources, and enhance social cohesion.
Overall, smart growth presents an integrated and holistic approach to urban and regional planning, aiming to create sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities for present and future generations.
The term "smart growth" originated in the United States in the early 1990s as a response to urban sprawl and unsustainable development practices. The etymology of "smart growth" is a combination of two words:
1. Smart: The word "smart" in this context refers to the intelligent, efficient, and economically sensible approach to city planning and development. It emphasizes the use of innovative and sustainable techniques to tackle challenges associated with urbanization.
2. Growth: The term "growth" signifies the objective of creating new developments and expanding urban areas. However, "smart growth" aims to balance this growth with considerations for the environment, social equity, and long-term economic sustainability.
Overall, "smart growth" reflects a shift towards more mindful and comprehensive approaches to urban development that aim to improve quality of life, preserve natural resources, promote compact and walkable communities, and reduce negative impacts on the environment.