Compactness versus Sprawl

TLDR

In 1997, the Journal of the American Planning Association published a classic point–counterpoint debate on compact cities versus urban sprawl, framing the issue as a central urban planning controversy. The article aims to revive the debate on compactness versus sprawl. It reviews the literature on urban sprawl characteristics, measurements, causes, impacts, and remedies that has emerged since the original debate.

Abstract

In 1997, the Journal of the American Planning Association published a pair of point–counterpoint articles now listed by the American Planning Association as “classics” in the urban planning literature. In the first article, “Are Compact Cities Desirable?” Gordon and Richardson argued in favor of urban sprawl as a benign response to consumer preferences. In the counterpoint article, “Is Los Angeles-Style Sprawl Desirable?” Ewing argued for compact cities as an alternative to sprawl. It is time to reprise the debate. This article summarizes the literature on urban sprawl characteristics and measurements, causes, impacts, and remedies since the original debate.