The ingredients

500ml reachability

3 tbsp walkability

2 jars vibe

450g affordability

1 transit system

The method

Reachability  Start with a diverse, united neighbourhood. That’s tough to achieve from scratch. It shouldn’t be out in the middle of nowhere, but should be combined with an older city, so it can bring in that area’s history and character.

Walkability  Don’t let the ingredients separate. New urbanism requires a degree of density, walkability and the opportunity for people to interact on the street level or in park spaces. But don’t let the mix get too dense, either – that can be just as much of a problem.

Vibe  Gently drizzle in vibe. Mixed-use is key, and streets need to be filled with restaurants, coffee shops and public spaces. A place must be exciting. Boredom = stagnation.

Affordability  Throw in affordability and let it simmer. The recipe needs an exciting mix of people. As cities become more expensive, creative people get edged out. A neighbourhood must be affordable to all – artists as well as professionals. A city or neighbourhood with only rich people is boring… and it will die.

Transit  Carefully scatter a transport infrastructure. Your neighbourhood won’t work if it’s not connected. Good urban transit systems spark denser development and greater human connectivity.