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Livability

Walkability

Vibrancy

Livability might best be described as the degree to which a place is designed for people (as opposed to automobiles). On one hand it is about scale— human-scaled places that function well for pedestrians, that are shaded in the right places at the right times of year, and that provide outdoor seating and visible and usable public spaces . A livable place is a comfortable one that is not consumed by the noise of trucks, the speed of cars, or faceless concrete buildings at eye level.

Walkable towns are places in which it is comfortable to get around by foot . They have comfortable street crossings , and bumpouts, boulevards, and other elements that reduce the time of that crossing. A walkable place has great streetside zones , not just sidewalks . It has places for outdoor dining, visual interest at eye level , on-street parking to buffer people from moving vehicles, or no parking at all with fewer lanes and lower speed limits. Street furniture and thoughtful streetscape elements , such as different surface materials, and lighting and plantings, also contribute to walkability.

Vibrancy is best measured by the number of people seen walking within a place throughout the day. But it is about more than that. People need places to shop and patronize, so attractive and varied storefronts are vital. Housing is critical. Downtowns and employment districts often become desolate after five o’clock, but residential areas come alive on evenings and weekends. Vibrancy relies on shop owners who dedicate themselves to distinctive crafts, such as food , that delight shoppers and celebrate local culture . Festivals and public art are also important contributors to community vibrancy.

Navigability

Dynamism

Anchors & Amenities

Anchors and amenities are typically the things that draw people to a place — and keep them coming back. A small, well-placed and designed park can anchor a residential neighborhood. A large civic space can bring people in for regional festivals , weekend events, and tourism. A large commercial business, such as a brewery, can anchor an entertainment district. A corporate business, such as a hospital, can anchor a health care district. Institutions and cultural destinations, such as libraries, post offices, university branches, museums , or recreation centers can also draw people.

Dynamism is about economic activity, and the ability of a place to adapt and evolve over time. Great places welcome entrepreneurs , innovation , start-ups , business, and commerce . Dynamism contributes to the ability of a town’s people to adapt to changing economic conditions and to global, national, and local trends. Third places— coffee shops , and other places where people from different professions can meet and share knowledge — are critical to today’s knowledge economy. Hospitality is important, in the form of quality places for out-of-town businesses to stay.

Navigability can be defined in different ways. In its most literal sense, it is about getting around —how easy is it for drivers and non- motorists alike to get from one place to another? Navigability can also be thought of more broadly. A place that is easy to understand is one that is accessible. Logical districts within a downtown with distinct, descriptive names let you know which areas are relatively more residential, or for dining, or hospitality. They identify a town’s parks and its employment centers.

42 Chapter 2 - Analysis: A Framework for Downtown Blacksburg