Elements of Urbanism: Savannah

October 1, 2007 4 comments Open printer friendly version of this article Print Article

Savannah is what happens when you mix the often overlooked elements of urbansim together. This community is living proof that sometimes quality is better than quantity.



STATISTICS:

Savannah population 2006: 127,889 (city); 320,013 (metro area) - founded in 1733

Jacksonville population 2006: 790,689 (city); 1,277,997 (metro area) - founded in 1832

City population 1920: Jacksonville - 91,558; Savannah - 83,252

 

ELEMENTS OF URBANISM:

- Connectivity

- Signage

- Integration with surroundings

- Historic preservation

- Pedestrian first mentality

- Density

- Urban infill

- Architectural diversity

 

WHEN IT ALL COMES TOGETHER:

The Port of Savannah is the fourth busiest and fastest growing container port in the Country. 

The 330,000 square foot Savannah International Trade & Convention Center opened seven years ago on Hutchinson Island.  It is easily accessible to the downtown riverfront via a two minute Bell's Ferry ride. 

 

 

CONCLUSION:

The little things like connectivity, density, architectural diversity, historic preservation and wayfaring signage may not make for good press releases, but when mixed together the scene they create is the type that most urbanist want to spend time in.