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The Neighbourhood Unit Theory

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The neighbourhood is the smallest local unit in the social and political organization of the city. In more advanced societies, neighbourhoods are more organized and defined in cities. However, because of the largely unplanned nature of physical development in less developed climes, many neighbourhoods lack the required organization and spatial definition that enhances functionality and livability for residents in such settings.  This post simply examines six principles of the neighbourhood unit theory as postulated by Clarence Perry in 1929. The theory is a prescriptive planning theory which basically states what should be in place to help define a neighbourhood, in order to promote safety, leisure, and general functionality within a neighbourhood. The 6 principles as presented by Perry, are briefly highlighted below:  1. SIZE: A residential unit development should provide housing for that population for which one elementary school is ordinarily required,...
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Why You Should Study and Know Your City

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There are several advantages to knowing your city. As a city denizen who is also a student of the city, you get to know and appreciate the places and spaces in the city, and what they have to offer. This knowledge helps you develop a kind of personalized navigation plan for your economic, recreation, security, and housing needs, among others. There are residents in cities today who do not know the safety / security characteristics of locations in the city. Some do not know where to go for their relaxation needs.  A number just look for an accomodation they can afford without understanding the kind of neighbourhood they are moving into, while many others do not perceive the economic advantages available to them in the very same city they live in. Hmm... What are the potentials laden within our cities that we are yet to tap into? Are we optimizing the benefits of our cities to our advantage?
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How Well Do You Know Your City?

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In order to enjoy the full benefits of living in any city in the world, you must be interested in knowing more or as much as you possibly can about the city. Remember that, you do not just live in the city. You also make a living in it, raise a family in it, recreate in it, probably attend a school in it or have your household members schooling in it. These are just a few major engagements/interactions you have with the city you live in. It is therefore very imperative that you develop some interest in understanding  this ' urban realm ' in which your physical and socioeconomic life is embedded.  Your ability to become a good student of your city could determine to a large extent, how far you will be able to go in maximising the benefits inherent in that city which you may never get to enjoy without creating the necessary ' city awareness' for yourself.
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