From the standpoint of region, new urbanist communities consider the relationships between
the community, natural, and economic environments. For example, new urbanist communities respect the existing urban patterns such as physical structures and economic activity, social fabric
such as citizens’ social and cultural characteristics, and natural landscapes such as indigenous plants
and topography. From the neighborhood standpoint, new urbanist communities should be compact,
pedestrian-friendly, and have mixed-use developments (CNU, 1993). New urbanist communities are
also expected to provide many open spaces such as parks and community gardens that preserve
natural environments and consider residents’ social interactions in such places. From the block/
street/ building standpoint, new urbanist communities emphasize interconnections between architecture and its surroundings such as streets and public spaces. Streets should be safe and comfortable
for people to walk. Civic buildings and public places should be important sites that reinforce community identity.