Conservation Subdivision

Patrick Hurley

Conservation subdivision (CS) is one of a number of site-scale design approaches that address the well-documented environmental impacts of traditional subdivision in suburbia and exurbia. As an urban design approach, CS is often associated with the urban development philosophy known as New Urbanism (NU), but it has clear ties to the emerging philosophy of New Ruralism (NR). Perhaps the best-known example of CS in the United States is Prairie Crossing in Grayslake, Illinois, which features both NU and NR components. CS can be found in other parts of the United States, and it may be relatively common in some regions. At the same time, the approach has encountered economic and social-political barriers. In the few published empirical studies on the use of specific CS design features, several concerns about the practice have emerged. These suggest ways in which its use can be improved in the future. CS, also known as ...

Users without subscription are not able to see the full content on this title. Please, subscribe or login to access all content on this website.