Four Characteristics of Quality Mixed-Use Architecture

Recent attitudes toward urban development have turned from pure commercial development to a style called mixed-use architecture, particularly in concentrated urban centers in the Eastern United States. Mixed-use is characterized by blending different types of developments into a single building, such as having a commercial shop below residential housing. But there are a few other characteristics that define this building style.

Four Characteristics of Quality Mixed-Use Architecture in the Eastern United States

1. Multi-Story

The most defining characteristic of a mixed-use building is a multi-story design. Multiple floors in a single building lend better versatility for combining different types of buildings into a single space. Multi-story buildings with mixed uses are very popular in areas of Europe and East Asia, where population density and general city development demand architectural designs that serve multiple purposes.

The most common arrangement for a multi-story building is to place a commercial property, such as a retail or office space, on the lower floors of a building, while the upper floors contain residential spaces. It's also common for community, cultural, or recreational spaces to take the lower floors of a building, while the upper floors contain commercial uses. Some buildings even combine commercial, residential, and community spaces into a single building.

2. Integration

Mixed-use buildings are also characterized by general integration. These buildings are designed to serve multiple purposes in areas where population density or land uses prevent outward sprawling development. Instead of the building taking up more horizontal space, architects typically focus on creating buildings that take up vertical space instead. These buildings are designed to foster seamless integration for the urban area.

3. Walkable Community

Another defining characteristic of this type of architectural style is the focus on promoting a walkable community. Essentially, a walkable community is an urban center where pedestrians are able to get to essential buildings, like stores, hospitals, and offices, without relying on transit - in other words, all essential places should be easy to get to by walking.

With a mixed-use building, the ability to place residences above commercial properties increases the walkability of the community. Instead of using transit or a vehicle to go to the store, residents will have to travel to a nearby building that can easily be reached by walking. Ideally, increasing the walkability of a community will help with the smart growth of an urban area and limit the environmental impact of increased urban sprawl.

4. Zoning

Finally, mixed-use buildings are defined by having multiple zoning regulations. Zoning plays the biggest role in this architectural style since it means that the building will be approved for multiple uses. More urban areas in the United States are re-examining zoning approval to allow for mixed-use buildings.

The purpose of mixed-use building and development styles is to increase the versatility of urban areas. With urban populations increasingly on the rise, architectural developers are focusing on how to combine commercial, residential, and community spaces to increase the functionality of urban areas. For more information about architecture projects in East coast states like Maryland, South Carolina, and Florida, please contact SJC Ventures in Atlanta, GA today.